[Navy Lifer]

I was at the local dealer (today) when one of their two allocated cars, already sold, was delivered. I got a call from my sales contact (he orders the cars) that it was there and the buyer wanted it as soon as it could be PDI'd.

The car was black with roof & spare. Tech set about pulling off all the applied protective film & tape all over the exterior, and put it up on a lift to remove the front spring rubber inserts (bright red so they can't be missed). I was there with camera to take a bunch of photos.

What was most noticeable was the absence of the 4 aerodynamic deflector panels and the front oil pan shield--the 2014 SS parts book even lists and has an illustration showing the 4 panels as being part of the car as standard equipment.

Obviously, something has changed, at least based on what I saw today--has anyone else noted the same thing? One car does not make a trend or something true for every other SS, and I did observe the (silver) prototype with the panels installed, in Chattanooge on Power Tour earlier this year--2 pieces of evidence, so to speak, have created some doubt as to whether the aero panels will see the light of day as production configuration, at least here in the US.

 

[2074]

I was at the local dealer (today) when one of their two allocated cars, already sold, was delivered. I got a call from my sales contact (he orders the cars) that it was there and the buyer wanted it as soon as it could be PDI'd.

The car was black with roof & spare. Tech set about pulling off all the applied protective film & tape all over the exterior, and put it up on a lift to remove the front spring rubber inserts (bright red so they can't be missed). I was there with camera to take a bunch of photos.

What was most noticeable was the absence of the 4 aerodynamic deflector panels and the front oil pan shield--the 2014 SS parts book even lists and has an illustration showing the 4 panels as being part of the car as standard equipment.

Obviously, something has changed, at least based on what I saw today--has anyone else noted the same thing? One car does not make a trend or something true for every other SS, and I did observe the (silver) prototype with the panels installed, in Chattanooge on Power Tour earlier this year--2 pieces of evidence, so to speak, have created some doubt as to whether the aero panels will see the light of day as production configuration, at least here in the US.

In another thread someone posted underneath pics while his was being pdi'ed (one of the first delivered) and apparently the aero panels that were on the prototype have fallen by the wayside for actual production vehicles.

It is interesting that they show up in the parts catalog ... did it list part numbers and prices?

The preproduction pic I posted earlier asking about the deletion:

http://www.ssforums.com/forum/attac...93-its-here-preproduction-underneath-ss14.jpg

 

[Navy Lifer]

Yes, a full parts illustration with numbered callouts and a list of part numbers--I actually have purchased the 2 rear panels (which cover the fuel tank). I'll post them up later.

 

[2074]

Yes, a full parts illustration with numbered callouts and a list of part numbers--I actually have purchased the 2 rear panels (which cover the fuel tank). I'll post them up later.

Do you have them or is it going to be a long wait?

Please keep us informed....

 

[2074]

Do you have them or is it going to be a long wait?

Please keep us informed....

OOps I forgot you have a PPV.

Shame on me.

 

[Navy Lifer]

http://www.ssforums.com/forum/attac...93-its-here-preproduction-underneath-ss14.jpg

That's a photo that I took in Chattanooga earlier this year, posted on New Caprice Forum - page 3 of thread, posted June 7th, where I posted a series of pre-production SS photos.

I don't know if this breaks any rules, but there's a full discussion of the aero panels here - at least up to the point of identifying their MIA status on the SS.

My intent with the PPV was to fit the rear pieces, and to eventually see what it would take to fab-up the forward panels, perhaps requiring a couple of extra panels to fill the gap due to the difference in wheelbase between VE/VF & WM.

The fuel tank straps on PPV (mine being 2011) already have the mounting points for the rear deflector panels. G8 did not, as a VE I variant--VE II was the first use of the panels in production. 2014 SS also has the mounting points on the fuel tank straps (for bolts, item #9 below).

The parts illustration calls out 10 different parts for full installation:

Deflectors - one (1) of each (found in parts group 1.263)
92244558 (R rear) (#10 on callout) - includes item 8, available from GM SPO
92244559 (L rear) (#1 on callout) - includes item 8, available from GM SPO
92456818 (R front) (#4 on callout) - includes item 5, not yet available from GM SPO
92261819 (L front) (#6 on callout) - includes item 5, not yet available from GM SPO

Bolt 11570498 (#2 on callout) (24 per vehicle)

Nut 93389522 (#3 on callout) (6 per vehicle) (attaches to item 9)

Retainer 92244560 (#5 on callout) (4 per vehicle - part of #4 & #6)

Nut 11610510 (#7 on callout) (20 per vehicle)

Nut 11515638 (#8 on callout) (4 per vehicle - part of #1 & #10)

Bolt 92139163 - for tank strap (#9 on callout, not identified with PN) (6 per vehicle) - currently not available from GM SPO, Holden can provide, ordered from Crazy Paul

Also, there is an engine oil pan shield that is part of the aero package, which can be seen at the beginning of the linked thread (above), showing the underside of a red Commodore with the panels installed. The PN for this shield was GM 92180526, which has been updated to GM 92261555 - this part is not shown in the 2014 SS parts book and is not available from GM SPO at this point. It mounts under the engine with 6 bolts (2 may already be in place) GM 11519388, so 4 will be needed. This shield does require removal for access to perform an oil change/filter replacement.

 

[jat63]

navy lifer

i have found the only rules that have got people banned here are don't join just to sell stuff, and don't force your opionion on others, (admin/mods banned him 3 times)
as for links we all add links to other web sites, me included, also i have never seen anyone have an issue over giving credit to where the info came from.

hope this helps

 

[Commodoreman2000]

Navy Lifer,
So long as it's not related to the F word ending in O R D your fine If it is anything that you think is of benefit to current and future SS owners or even us guys down in Aus we need to know.
Dare I say that it's your obligation and Duty to share

 

[2074]

That's a photo that I took in Chattanooga earlier this year, posted on New Caprice Forum - page 3 of thread, posted June 7th, where I posted a series of pre-production SS photos.

I didn't mean to have anyone think it was my pic. I saved it a while ago in my SS folder on my desktop for future reference.

 

[Navy Lifer]

No worries, CB--I was only wanting to clarify that it was a photo I took and to state where it originally appeared. My original comment, when I posted it, was as much about the damage to the panel as anything else. I don't have an issue with any re-use of what I post by others--unless it's harmful in some way to me.

It now has me wondering if the panels have been left off because
a)no fuel economy difference was noted in testing
b)there is concern that panels will be damaged by lifting equipment in the hands of inexperienced shop personnel, or
c)strictly a matter of the bean counters deciding these parts were sacrificial to meet a pricing target.

 

[z51vett]

I like the looks but would be concerned that a shop jockey would damage them. The one under the engine would be nice but removing every time for an oil change would get old fast and the jockey may or may not put all the bolts in or tighten them. If bolt feel out you could run over it and instant flat.
I also think it wash a weight thing or no increase in gas mileage also.
Thanks for the photos Bill I learn something everyday.
z51vett
Doug

 

[Navy Lifer]

Doug, I don't know just how much the front shield contributes to aero, but there are police upfitters that offer a "skid plate" or pan shield--several different sources, and in most cases, being that they're metal (either steel or aluminum seem to be available) there is a cutout to provide oil filter access without removing the panel.

It does look to me that it would not be a problem to cut a hole in the OE plastic shield to do the same thing--don't know why GM/Holden didn't consider that. Maybe the revised version includes a cutout, but the only info I got was that it has more stiffening ribs--so it makes one wonder if it's true purpose is aero or protection.

Not too concerned that bolts might fall out--but not having to disturb them at each service would be a plus, I agree.

 

[Navy Lifer]

aero panel photos

A thread I authored on another forum, with pictures

Undercar aero panel info - past post compilation & new info <<<click link

Below are SS undercar photos, new car at PDI this past Friday - no deflector panels, no oil pan shield, fuel tank strap showing provisions for fasteners to mount rear deflector

In first photo, where RF wheel is visible, note the wheelhouse liner--it is no longer hard plastic, but instead is a fibrous composite (plastic) material. This is being used to help cut down on road & tire noise passing into the body. Doug (z51vett) is not a fan of these, since they tend to hold trash & dirt quite easily.

 

[2074]

A thread I authored on another forum, with pictures

Undercar aero panel info - past post compilation & new info <<<click link

Below are SS undercar photos, new car at PDI this past Friday - no deflector panels, no oil pan shield, fuel tank strap showing provisions for fasteners to mount rear deflector

In first photo, where RF wheel is visible, note the wheelhouse liner--it is no longer hard plastic, but instead is a fibrous composite (plastic) material. This is being used to help cut down on road & tire noise passing into the body. Doug (z51vett) is not a fan of these, since they tend to hold trash & dirt quite easily.

We have to get the official proper lift points. One PDI showed them where you put the jack as in the owners manual and here the fronts look kinda acceptable and I don't like the rears but the pic angles are bad.

Too many inexperienced techs just don't understand the importance of carefully placing the lift pads in the correct location.

Any Techs here that can spend a few minutes looking it up here or in Australia ???

 

[Navy Lifer]

Chevy Vehicle Manuals and Videos | Owners Manuals | Chevrolet

SS Owners Manual PDF

Page 10-65

"Position the jack lift head at the
jack location nearest the flat tire.
The locations are identified by
cutouts in the underside of the
door sill. The jack must not be
used in any other position."

Caution
"Make sure that the jack lift head
is in the correct position or you
may damage your vehicle. The
repairs would not be covered by
your warranty."

I will check with dealer to get the lifting point information that would show where to place the arms of a 4-point lift. It is available online via Dealer World.

 

[Asylum]

The shields are only fitted to our V6 Evoke and Calais models. Unsure of the reason, I'm guessing they're purely for fuel economy so only fitted to the models it's considered important?

 

[Navy Lifer]

By shield(s), do you mean the entire aero panel system, or the shield under the engine?

The point remains, however, that the GM service parts catalog for 2014 SS shows the deflector panels as part of the vehicle.

 

[Navy Lifer]

lifting point info added

http://www.ssforums.com/forum/warranty-service-issues/5626-lift-point-information.html

 

[radrace19]

Bill,
I don't know if you got my email the other day, but I did get the Aero panels in from GM and the cost is now in the system.
The 4 panels that are in the parts catalog are running about $60.00 ea
-Greg

 

[Navy Lifer]

Thanks Greg, I did get it...had not had a chance to respond.