Jeep Cherokee Aeromods

[FastPlastic]

I've been inspired by all the posts I've been reading in the aerodynamics forum, So last week I started working on aero modding my Jeep. I decided to start with something simple, the front grill block. I'm only doing a partial block because here in Iowa it can get up to 110 degrees over the summer. I think I'm only going to fill five of the seven slots, and make two more for winter so I can do a full block.

So far i've got three done and put in.

[Red]

Cool

[ankit]

Nice, and the best part is that they are stealthy. Now, did you use saran wrap or some kind of plexy glass/plastic?

[FastPlastic]

Originally Posted by ankit

Nice, and the best part is that they are stealthy. Now, did you use saran wrap or some kind of plexy glass/plastic?

It's plexi from a broken picture frame I had laying around. Couple of min on the scroll saw a little sand paper and some foam tape and bam. You have yourself a grill block.

[Daox]

Nice and clean.

[FastPlastic]

So for the past 5 or 6 days now it's been raining. So I haven't been able to work on the Jeep. Instead I started looking over photos I took last week to get ideas for what to do next. I've decided the next project is going to address the para shoot they call a rear bumper.

The fuel tank hangs really low on the Jeeps, So do I need to wrap around the tank some with the tray or can I just butt it up against the rear of the tank?

I'm guessing either way would be an improvement from the para shoot I have back there already. Just looking for input.

[adrive7]

If you have the material, I would go with option "B". Try to make the transition from gas tank to panel to bumper as smooth as possible. Although, really at this point the flow is already ridiculously turbulent, so a bump won't matter too much.

[Nerys]

Be careful with grill blocking. Cherokee's run VERY hot normally. Less cooling is NOT a good thing.

There is a few ways you can start to improve both off road performance AND aerodynamics :-) Skid Plates

Yeah love skid plates anyway the Front skid plate would start up an underpan belly quite nicely with some added bonuses. Its metal good protection of your belts and namely the alternator which is prone to failure from water and mudd entering it directly. The skid plate stops the majority of this (have not killed an alt since installing it went through 4 of them prior to that. :-)

this will give you a good start on cleaning up the aerodynamics of the underpan. I know thats where I am going to start once I get my baby going again (damned things running like crap. We think its the fuel pump (it does have nearly half a million miles on it and sat for the last 5+ years :-)

[adam728]

Originally Posted by adrive7

If you have the material, I would go with option "B". Try to make the transition from gas tank to panel to bumper as smooth as possible. Although, really at this point the flow is already ridiculously turbulent, so a bump won't matter too much.

I'm agreeing with this guy. I'd start up front to realize gains. I doubt the rear bumper is catching much air underneath, as flow is in no way laminar and shooting up in there. The axles will be destroying airflow long before it reaches that point.

[DifferentPointofView]

Sweet Block I did something similar with clear plastic, but plexi works good too.

Is it just me or does the ZJ have the only good cooling system? I've never seen the needle get to the 210 degree mark. It usually hangs around between 180-190.

One thing that gets annoying is when you take it to autozone or something to get something and the guys ask why theres plastic over your grille. Then you say to heat the engine faster (less time in open loop) and create less drag. Then they ask whether or not you need a new thermostat and if yours is faulty OH!:

Maybe try using plexy over the headlight slots, they seem to be mini-parachutes Removed the roof racks yet? (if there is any)