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Old 01-25-2012, 07:50 PM   #26 (permalink)
aerohead
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cowl area

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant-53 View Post
If we are modifying an existing car or truck (like my '95 Geo Prism/Corolla) to come closer to the Template profile then we need to smooth the flow over the windshield. Comparing the hood and cowl of our 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan there is a smoother transition and the cowl is deflecting air above the wiper assembly. The windshield angle, the angle of the deflector, and the distance from the base of the windshield to the deflector are variables to be investigated.
I first saw this used on Subaru rally cars in the early '70s. I have had two stone chips in the base of my windshield in the last year so I expect this to help on that account. This is mainly for vehicles with flat hoods and near verticle windshields such as pickup trucks and older sedans. Just make sure you don't accidently block washer solvent jets.
Walter Lay did a comprehensive series of wind tunnel studies with built-up models.The results showed no benefit between a front end like GM's Sunracer,or your Prism/Corolla.
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