![]() |
MINI Cooper S rear diffuser w/ underpanel
From the rear valance, my design extends back 26" to the rear subframe and is nearly 4ft wide. From the subframe, the underpanel begins a gentle rise at the same angle another 12" back. So we are talking about nearly 12 square ft of area acting on the air.
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4629/venturism8.jpg A and B of diagram above, the best angle for drag reduction (CD) is from 2 and 4 degrees. A (like mine), the best angle for reducing lift (CLR) is 6 degrees. B, the best angle for reducing lift (CLR) is 11 degrees (at the expense of increased drag) Made out of black coroplast, total weight with strakes, just over 4lbs. http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tPeOcA9yGbA/TM...Y/IMG_4341.JPG http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tPeOcA9yGbA/TM...M/IMG_4342.JPG Visual indication of how far back the 6deg rake goes back to combine with the flat underpanel: http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tPeOcA9yGbA/TM...mNBY/angle.jpg Now for the shocking results! I drive the same commute to work everyday and usually average about 26-27mpg. After logging 106 miles with the diffuser, I filled it back up with 3.538 gallons....that's now an avg of 29.9mpg!!!:eek: Joe |
Awesome! Beautiful diffuser. How did you close out the coroplast edges, and how did you mount the strakes?
|
Thanks!
Just used painters caulk to close the trailing edge...I may revisit to clean the edge a bit more. For the strakes I had a brainstorm...they are coroplast pieces folded in half so bottom edge is perfectly flat...which also made them much more rigid. They reside in aluminum C channel adhered with Gorilla Glue. Quote:
|
Here is a view of the top side:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tPeOcA9yGbA/TN...I/IMG_4390.JPG |
I'm jealous! I'm certain my Fit would benefit from a rear diffuser, and it would be relatively easy to do. Please let us know if your improved results hold up over time.
|
Another 302.1 miles, this time 26.9mpg (some of which was stuck in traffic, so i'm happy).
|
Quote:
|
The area where you put your diffuser was just open chassis before? Presumably it meets your belly pan on the leading edge...?
It looks like a really nice job, I hope I can make one just as nice for my Beetle. |
Really nice work! Very clean, it looks life factory car!
|
After more logging, on average, my freeway mpg has increased 1mpg to 27mpg. I'm very pleased with the results!
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:49 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com