That little Falcon front spoiler vertical ledge.

[FG Brake]

Hi. This will make a change from all the high tech questions at least.
On the front under flat spoiler of the AU and our new falcon there is a flat vertical tab right across the car.
In my humble opinion I feel this would act like a sail brake and be counter productive in many ways.
It bugged me so bad on the AU I trimmed it off!
But before I do same to the Anniversary I just wanted to know if anyone out there knew of an intelligent reason to leave it there, I won't.

[EFFalcon]

helps to create a low pressure zone in the engine bay - aids radiator flow

[FPV+fteT3]

I think that lip is there to give strength to the trailing edge to stop the air deflector flapping in the breeze and falling apart as the rear section is not otherwise attached to the car.

[Peuty]

Originally Posted by EFFalcon

helps to create a low pressure zone in the engine bay - aids radiator flow

This.

[Jim Goose]

Im sure all that wind tunnel testing musta been a waste of time....

[Jastel]

Both reasons apply I reckon.
Cut it off and see how dirty your engine gets....

[Silver Ghia]

The intelligent thing is to leave it there. As mentioned, it helps extract the cooling air from inside the engine bay while driving along.

[4VCLEVO]

I pulled the whole black tray off, engine isn't dirty, it doesn't get hot and I can't see any differance with it off.

[jjw]

Its definately there to pull more air through the radiator (don't know about the dirty engine theory?).

[FG Brake]

There is a bit of logic here as to stay Jewish or do da big cut.
But at the end of the day if this tab is possibly for radiator cooling, then 'at speed' it wouldnt be needed anyhow.
I will check for strenght first.
This flat 'cooling, aerodynamic and engine cleaning tab' on the FG is quite big at about 1" wide and I am now at 80% 'it has to go'.
As such I think it will be 'Wide Bar Kuts'mah' Aussie style, with Home Brew all round.
I will drink to it meanwhile as I ponders.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by John J Gray

But at the end of the day if this tab is possibly for radiator cooling, then 'at speed' it wouldnt be needed anyhow.

Even more so at speed, its an aerodynamic thing to do with pressure differential. And not just radiator cooling but engine bay cooling as well. Every bit helps.

[2011G6E]

I remember reading in a guide to modifying WRX's that many owners are surprised when they lower the suspension, fit stiffer springs and roll bars, and play with the camber, that they end up with something that handles like a pig.
Occasionally, just occasionally, the guys who spent hundreds of millions of dollars developing something had a vague idea what they were doing...

[swanee]

Is it really that much of a problem?

[xtremerus]

If it did SFA, Ford wouldn't have put it there, and saved a few buck.

[DJM83]

I dont get the issue really, its not that much of a hassle, although it might save you 0.00000000000000000000000001L/100 in fuel

[Pinkbits]

It also helps keep the underside of the front bar more rigid.

[Neale]

its suprising that things like this can make sutch a difference. one example is the rear spoiler on the old GT40, it looks like something that would slow the car down by inducing drag, but without it at high speeds the car would become so unstable it could crash.



This may not be the case with the lip on the front of the falcon, but im sure its been put there for a reason & im with everyone thinking it has something to do with cooling

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by 4VCLEVO

I pulled the whole black tray off, engine isn't dirty, it doesn't get hot and I can't see any differance with it off.

Clevo are you honestly suggesting that Ford missed an opportunity to cost cut something of a car that doesn't do anything.

I don't think so!