External air curtains

[IRONICK]

Originally Posted by aerohead

Aerodynamic modification for fuel economy has been encouraged by the U.S. Department of Energy, since 1973.
Rear elongations of up to 60-inches are authorized for a solo vehicle.
TV/ Trailer combinations would be GVWR-limited. Aerodynamics is fair play within that parameter.
Sometimes the state police and highway patrol will 'take a look' but I've never been stopped for mods.
Since we share the road, being mindful of other's safety is a good thing.
OEM air-curtains are typically 'embedded' 'within' the body, where they won't shred the flesh off a pedestrian or cyclist should something go wrong.
That's all I was eluding to.

The problem is that others will take it as a good idea and apply it in another country ...

[IRONICK]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Knowing where the airbag sensors and wiring are on your particular car will be a must.

The airbag sensors have not been mounted in the spoiler for years ...

Originally Posted by kach22i

Good point, perhaps next step would be an attempt to incorporate air curtains into the existing bodywork using similar principals

Most of the manufacturers use the material from which the spoiler is made as the outer edge and apply only a U-shaped air guide inside.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by IRONICK

The problem is that others will take it as a good idea and apply it in another country ...

In such a case the problem would be with the country, not the air curtain.

[Taylor95]

Do you think that circular fog light holes would be sufficient for internal air curtains? I have been thinking about doing this to my Camry.

I am not sure if enough velocity could be maintained for it to be effective since the air will need to "change shape" to exit through the wheel wells.

[JulianEdgar]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

Do you think that circular fog light holes would be sufficient for internal air curtains? I have been thinking about doing this to my Camry.

I am not sure if enough velocity could be maintained for it to be effective since the air will need to "change shape" to exit through the wheel wells.

Very easy to find out if the duct will flow plenty of air.

Use a differential pressure gauge (eg Magnehelic) to measure the pressure in the fog light opening and the pressure in the wheel arch where the opening would go, at say 60 mph. You want a decent pressure difference (eg 0.5 inches of water), with the higher pressure in the front opening.

At a pinch you could do it with a home built manometer at basically no cost.

Don't worry about the change in shape of the duct - if there's enough pressure difference, there will still be plenty of flow.