Thread: Avanti - Saturn Deflector 21031161 Installation

A few day ago the forum discussed the parts numbers and the installation of a Saturn air deflector (Part # 21031161) on an Avanti.

I just finished the installation on my 83 and used a couple of tips posted by Gunslinger.

I used a 1" X 1/8" flat bar to span from end mounting hole to end mounting hole and installed it in the bottom of the radiator frame with 1/4" bolts.

After the install, I was not happy with the look as the deflector is about 6" wider than the radiator frame and just doesn't look right. So I made a couple of filler plates to fill most of the gap and also support the ends of the deflector.

Here's the pictures.





Filler Pieces



Installed



End View



Bob

Smokin cool Bob ... curious though ... why not use a heat gun to contour it to match the
bottom of the grille opening in the body and move it forward some? Or do you feel that
it draws more air in this location?

Is that the aluminum radiator I see in the lower shot? Were you the one that found it?

Tom

Posted by sbca96

why not use a heat gun to contour it to match the
bottom of the grille opening in the body and move it forward some? Or do you feel that
it draws more air in this location?

Tom

I'd like to say I spent a lot of effort and calculation on the install method but in reality, I just didn't think of bending it. I'll see how this works and then possibly modify. I like your Idea.

Cooling is not an issue with the vehicle but I wanted to maximize flow anyway.

The cooling is not a problem due to the radiator you observed. It is aluminum and came from Race parts outlet in Iowa by way of Ebay. Under $200 shipped, american made and fits like a glove. Dimensions are exactly the same as the 83 unit and only had to add a 1 1/2" alum angle to the top and bottom flange to use the Avanti frame and shroud. The car runs 190 F all day (190 thermostat installed) in 85 deg weather with that radiator and Summit Aluminum water pump.

Thanks

Bob

Can you post the part number for that radiator also, I think it will get more
legs that way. I will definitely go that route once my original radiator gives
up the ghost. As of now, I never have overheating problem (go figure) but
once I start adding HP, I have a feeling that will change.

Kudos on the thread, I want an airdam of sorts. They used one on the late
60s Camaros, which I think gives it a more aggressive look. It was a chin
spoiler, and made to direct air around the car.

Tom

Bob, did you use that rule in the picture as the stiffener for the spoiler? If so, very sharp thinking on your part.

I really like the transition pieces you made for the ends. Are they made from metal? I have appreciated the pictures of the Saturn spoiler before, but your installation appears to look even more "factory". What was final cost of the spoiler from the GM dealer?

Tom, any photos of the early Camaro spoilers, and any idea on their dimensions? Are they as "flat mounting" as the Saturn?

They are fairly flat to the ground, but are in the shape of a "V" from above.



Tom

Originally Posted by grobb284

Tom, any photos of the early Camaro spoilers, and any idea on their dimensions? Are they as "flat mounting" as the Saturn?

Nice install...the added filler plates look good. I agree about the deflector looking a bit unfinished under the front, but it seems to work OK. I'll leave mine as is..."if it ain't broke don't fix it"...or as I've done far too many times..."if it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!"

Good job and thanks for the photos. If I ever need my radiator replaced, I'll go with an aluminum unit as well. A part number and source would be great for down the road use.

Tom and Bruce - I believe this is the correct radiator but the site used to have the core dimension , which needs to be 22" for the shroud to fit normally. His number PRC 1-25222x should be correct but contact them first to be sure. https://www.racepartsoutlet.com/product.cfm?InvKey=41929

I made filler pieces by using the remaining 1/8" X 1" strap to fab a leg from the air dam to the radiator support on each side and then making a 4" X 4" plate from 18 ga. steel from a cardboard template. I then just tack welded the plate to the support and painted it satin black.

Gene - I probably should have used the ruler as they are $2 from Harbor Freight. The galvanized strap (1/8"X 1" X 4 ft) cost $6.28 from home depot.

The spoiler was $14.85 plus $12 shipping from Arizona to Michigan.

Bob

Thans for the info...I've filed it away in case I ever need a radiator. Hopefully never...but one never knows.

Another excellent tech thread. This is one of the best features of this forum. Thanks to all involved for sharing!

Having installed the Saturn dam years ago, Last year I replaced the fan clutch with a new one (repro) SI has them. It made a world of difference 160 themo hottest days runs at 170. I like the extension idea.