2004 MINI Cooper S - Improving Aerodynamics

[comptiger5000]

Hmmm. Relating an aerobie to wheel covers is interesting. Those things do fly pretty much forever.

[Arragonis]

The original Mk1 Mini One had flatter hubcaps - like these.

[Cd]

I found a test of a MINI in the Aerodyne wind tunnel.
There seems to be attached flow along the top of the roof, despite the steep angle of the windshield.
I notice that the flow seems pretty erratic, so there might be a small vortex at the base of the windshield. ( Just my guess )
I really wish that they showed the airflow along the sides of the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrQuB_tTZmc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yq_D...eature=related

[Cd]

At 1:34 through 1:41 on the lower video, you can see that the airflow remains attached along the sides of the windows as well.
Too bad that they didn't test around the wheels.


One more just like the above video, but also shows around the mirrors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URePV..._order&list=UL

[Frank Lee]

This thread, OMG.

OK in this instance you were probably BETTER OFF with the factory spoiler than without.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

Wow, great job guys. I am enjoying this thread on the Mini, my wife wants one in the worst way. I don't think she would go for the mods but I'm enjoying what you guys came up with, interesting! & yes it would have to be an earlier one w/ the pano view & an S because of the 6sp. The Midland 5sp has troubles, not very stout from what I've read.

I've read that some guys get as high as 44 mpg in stock form has to be Hyway, any truth to that?

Thanks,
Dave

[Varn]

That was quite an educational video. Turbulent flow all over the front when the wand was held close to the body. Once the wand was moved up 3-4" the flow looked good. Does that make the cars frontal area appear as if it were 3" taller and wider than it really is? Also the turbulance at the back.

I have tried a lower spoiler extension on my vw over the last tank and I felt that my mileage was down a bit. Going to take it off and let the air pass under it with less restriction.

The back of the Mini is pretty much identical to the back of my two vans.

Originally Posted by Cd

I found a test of a MINI in the Aerodyne wind tunnel.
There seems to be attached flow along the top of the roof, despite the steep angle of the windshield.
I notice that the flow seems pretty erratic, so there might be a small vortex at the base of the windshield. ( Just my guess )
I really wish that they showed the airflow along the sides of the car.

[InsightfulRay]

Originally Posted by iplaysdrums

Well, it seems my plans for this project change every week, but I have a couple of major updates: front reverse mudflaps and vortex generators!


Since I'm not going to be getting around to the Kamm-tail for a while, these should work pretty well as a stopgap, reducing the car's turbulent wake one delta wing at a time.

I may well have the side skirts on by the end of the week.

Like your reverse mud flap idea. What did you use to fab the vortex generators and how? I have 2009 Mini JCW model.

[johnf36]

If it helps here, This was M7's try at making something close to the GP wing. Which took BMW 6 months in the wind tunnel to design . The GP also comes with a full underside body pan that smooths out the whole underside. You will find the boys at M7 now have a a rear diffuser tunnel
Here is my front I found reshaping helped .

Here are the sides

One of the biggest things I did just last month is dumped almost 40 lbs in tires and wheels which seem to have netted me 2mpg

[johnf36]

Originally Posted by Dave's Civic Duty

Wow, great job guys. I am enjoying this thread on the Mini, my wife wants one in the worst way. I don't think she would go for the mods but I'm enjoying what you guys came up with, interesting! & yes it would have to be an earlier one w/ the pano view & an S because of the 6sp. The Midland 5sp has troubles, not very stout from what I've read.

I've read that some guys get as high as 44 mpg in stock form has to be Hyway, any truth to that?

Thanks,
Dave

The the first gens have most of the bugs gone after late 04. Yes the 5sp was originally intended for a lower hp model and they don't last. Also the autos have a limited life span. As to not get off topic here to bad if you want more info you more then happy to PM or email me.

What is killing me is there European diesel model gets 65mpg