Lurking RX7 Streamliner - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

C4Evermore · 10-07-2022, 08:50 PM

Edit: See updated photos of new cover design and paint job on page 3/4

I've always been into streamliners... mostly for speed, but I'm addicted to browsing the aero section of this site. Been doing some aero mods to my RX7. I'm working on some front wheel well covers now. They are attached to the knuckles, so they move with the steering. Took a few pics of them just roughed out in fiberglass.

freebeard · 10-07-2022, 09:24 PM

Interesting is there any second point of attachement?

C4Evermore · 10-07-2022, 10:01 PM

Yep, the cover is attached to the bracket in front of the wheel. Maybe down the road I will refine and do a 2.0 build, but I'll use the current design for a while.

Here is a shot of the initial mock up, it's a mess here...

This is the only shot I took of the bracket that attaches to the knuckle... the second one was a lot cleaner

freebeard · 10-07-2022, 11:09 PM

Something like a Citroen single-spoke steering wheel?

An air deflector on the front face of the bracket couldn't hurt.

C4Evermore · 10-08-2022, 09:09 AM

Yep, something like that. Was kinda difficult to get the rigidity I wanted with the single spoke, but I'm pretty happy with it now.

I think you're right about having a deflector on the front face. Would help with drag a lot when the wheels are turned. I'll definitely do that in time, should help with rigidity of the cover too. Thanks

Cd · 10-08-2022, 02:52 PM

Welcome to the site ! I love what you have done with the front covers.
Great fabrication work.
Without getting too specific, where in Austin are you ? I'm up in north Austin.

freebeard · 10-08-2022, 03:02 PM

Next most interesting:

I'm reminded of the Maclaren Elva that has a pop-up spoiler at the front of the radiator exit duct. IDK if it's for high or low speed, but it lofts air over the not-windshield.

Cd · 10-08-2022, 03:22 PM

Besides the deflector, another issue would be wheel travel.
How are you going to handle upward motion of the wheel ?
I'm sure you have a plan for that already.
Perhaps a flexible area around the wheel arch ?

C4Evermore · 10-08-2022, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cd

Welcome to the site ! I love what you have done with the front covers.
Great fabrication work.
Without getting too specific, where in Austin are you ? I'm up in north Austin.

Thanks! I'm just east of town on the other side of 130. You still have the EG civic hatch? I have always wanted one of those. You might dig this render someone just posted...

He does a lot of low drag designs: al3x.blend (Instagram)

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebeard

Next most interesting:

I'm reminded of the Maclaren Elva that has a pop-up spoiler at the front of the radiator exit duct. IDK if it's for high or low speed, but it lofts air over the not-windshield.

I have always fantasized about having a topless car like that. 1/3 of your frontal area cut off and being out in it

I went with the aggressive radiator vent to help create a low pressure area behind it to get some good flow through the radiator. Probably a bit excessive, I just liked the look of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cd

Besides the deflector, another issue would be wheel travel.
How are you going to handle upward motion of the wheel ?
I'm sure you have a plan for that already.
Perhaps a flexible area around the wheel arch ?

I should be pretty safe with wheel travel. I lowered the coil-overs a few inches when shaping the cover and with camber gain during compression I should be alright. I have driven it a bit, but time will tell if I do have rubbing in some extreme cases, and I'll have to clearance it some more. Hopefully not though. Fiberglass is flexible at least

Cd · 10-22-2022, 10:21 AM

How is your project coming along ?
Since you are more into speed than economy, you may get up to speeds where an airbrake could do some good on the track.
Not only will it save your brakes and keep them from overheating, but it will also be something different from other cars. ( But functional ! )

I would imagine you are familiar with airbrakes, and I'd love to see what you would come up with.

( My first thoughts would be to have a "drag wing" type of flat spoiler on the back of the car.
Angled downward, it would decrease your wake and reduce drag, making the car faster.
As you apply the brake, the electrical signal that triggers your brake lights could also trigger the spoiler to flip up on a hinge and then act as the airbrake, with the release of the brake sending it back down again.
It would create loads of downforce too. Imagine little spoilers on all four corners near the wheels that are angled with the wind for less drag, but flip down when you tap the brake for more grip )

I really like the angular but smooth look you are going for.