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Old 05-12-2009, 08:54 PM   #24 (permalink)
daqcivic
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 53

Daq Civic - '92 Honda Civic DX sedan
90 day: 42.54 mpg (US)

The Hardbody - '91 Nissan D21 (pickup)

The Hardbody - '91 Nissan D21 (pickup)
Thanks: 1
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LH, that's the McLaren pic I was looking for--thanks. And your Polo montage is very pertinent, as it of limited benefit to ponder why a given model like the new E-class is aerodynamic, but far more instructive for DIYers to see how a manufacturer goes about improving cD with slight modifications. The chin spoiler on the Polo BM definitely seems designed to divert air around the front tires and wheel wells in a more aero-optimized manner than the standard tabs. I notice also that the upper grill is much smaller than the standard Polo, but it is interesting to see that the BM wheels look less aero than either the standard or the GTI wheels--perhaps they are quite a bit lighter?


Ollie, interesting that you show such clear results with your GB change. It would seem there is significantly more pressure build-up in recessed areas. How much was your original GB recessed?

I wonder if you would see the temp drop back down if you slightly enlarged your outer GB opening and curved it inward so that the final aperture was the same as your original GB.--how much was your original grill block recessed?

It remains to be seen, however, whether and how much recessed zones at the leading edge actually affect the airflow and increase drag overall.
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