C3 frontal area and aerodynamic drag coeff.
11-29-2014, 07:33 PM
#21
Pro
Aero drag increases as the square of the speed (four times the drag at twice your 60 mph example). The horsepower increases at the third power (eight times the horsepower at twice the ground/wind speed).
I blocked off my outer and license plate grilles, along with about 50% of the undergrill openings to reduce the amount of air going through and under the car. No overheating issues yet.
I blocked off my outer and license plate grilles, along with about 50% of the undergrill openings to reduce the amount of air going through and under the car. No overheating issues yet.
Did you notice any difference (improvement) in high speed acceleration or top speed or in some other ways after this modifications?
11-29-2014, 08:44 PM
#22
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Jun 2004
Location: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Posts: 18,413
Received 778 Likes
on
557 Posts
I'll confess I don't have any instrument data to show what the impact of these changes are. I made these changes as they seem to be directionally correct for improved aero. The tracks I frequent are of somewhat similar peak speeds (about 135), and my car has always seemed very stable at these speeds. I credit the Pace Car front spoiler and a low ride height for this stability. Blocking surplus radiator air and a belly pan are just some attempts of mine to improve some of the poor aero efficiency of our old cars.