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Old 03-26-2008, 06:12 PM   #24 (permalink)
LostCause
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: California
Posts: 504

Thunderbird - '96 Ford Thunderbird
90 day: 27.75 mpg (US)
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I love the creativity of your mods, especially the adjustable grill block.

I don't know how detailed you want to go with aerodynamics, but if I had a tigra, this is what I'd do...

Rear tire boat-tail: Since Italy has length laws, I would install "kammback" boat-tails. While it wouldn't be as useful as a true boat-tail, it will help.

Kammback Boat-tail


Full Wheel Fairings: Ideally, the wheels should eventually be enclosed in streamlined fairing. The FWS, in addition to wheel covers, kammback boat-tails, and front splitters will create the lowest drag condition. This technique can be seen on solar cars. Personally, I'd also connect the front and back wheels with a full length side-skirt.

Full Wheel Fairings


Underbody Panel: You already have an excellent underbody panel, but I would cover up the exhaust with aluminum or another heat-resistant/conductive material. Others on this site have done it without a problem. I'd also look into building a rear diffuser to help minimize the car's wake.

Rear Diffuser


Side Mirrors: I'm not familiar with the Italian vehicle code, but I'd lose the passenger side mirror if it is legal and you are comfortable doing so. It'll make a minor decrease in drag, but every bit helps. Functionality can be partially restored with an interior side-view mirror.

Fastback Fairing: As you stated in your other thread, a fastback fairing would certainly help lower drag by decreasing the roof angle. I think it would be important to fair it into the sides of the car with generous radii.

Cooling System: If you get really ambitious , you could create a radiator duct and vent the air over the hood. This would decrease cooling drag, which is a major contributor to overall drag, and lower the cL. This would not be easy to do, though.

Radiator Duct


Minor Details: If I wanted to do everything, I would tape every seam of the car and make sure the surface is waxed and smooth.

Just some thoughts to consider.

- LostCause
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