1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

OK to drive w/o air dam grille?

Old Jul 31, 2002 | 05:23 PM
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OK to drive w/o air dam grille?

I took off my grille to paint it a shiney new gloss black, and realized it looks really mean w/o it on.

I was wondering if its ok to just always run it like this, or if Mazda put it on for a reason. Thanks!

(if it makes a dif, i have 1985 GS)

Geoff
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 05:26 PM
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Its purpose is probally merely cosmetic, or to stop a small bunny rabbit or a cat from getting up in there when you play smack em on the highway
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 05:27 PM
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it's a cosmetic trim piece, though it does help direct air (somewhat) up to the intake on the 13B models as the slats are actually angled to deflect the air up.

I ran my '83 with it removed and never had a problem
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 05:31 PM
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Awesome.
Thanks for the help guys.

However, i may re-install it after my DIY 'ram air intake'.

Now back to detailing my engine in red. Weee.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 07:54 PM
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actually look at the angle of the blades. at speed it will help counter the wedged front ends tendency to lift. how much exactly is another story. and probably only above 100.
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Old Jul 31, 2002 | 08:05 PM
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Mine fell off one day. I never missed it.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 09:31 AM
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I removed mine when I gutted the ac. It was replaced diamond mesh cut to fit, primed and painted to match the blue accents. I did this to prevent rocks form puncturing my radiator. looks pretty good to.

peace
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 02:41 PM
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id like to see a picture of that
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 04:05 PM
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I second the motion....
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 04:10 PM
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roadkill hats rock
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bwahahaha no grill? you dont need no steenking grill! take a look at my car....
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...39880798xthFfU
it takes 115 mph daily no prob on my way to work in austin, so dont worry about no grill
need pics now taht i got sumitomos though...
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 06:48 PM
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there's nothing there to create upforce either, lol.
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 07:14 PM
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im thinkin of paintin it primer black and makin it into a road warrior hehe
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 08:41 PM
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I've been running mine w/o the grille for a year now, just look out for large road kills! I plan on making an aluminum billet grille eventually. Gotta finish the mechanicals before going onto the cosmetic stuff though.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 01:13 PM
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Originally posted by gamble302
im thinkin of paintin it primer black and makin it into a road warrior hehe
only if you put a tail on the back of the roof.
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Old Aug 2, 2002 | 01:32 PM
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that roof spoiler 'makes' the car... adds a certain weird badass element on top of the blower, sidepipes, etc.
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