modding a 3rd gen firebird (title change due to free aero)

[Sven7]

The rakes would just increase drag because you're driving through side winds all day long. In my opinion, don't bother with all sorts of elaborate wing designs. They are like band aids.

The grey one is really beautiful, and I don't say that a lot of 3rd gens. Is it the Iron Duke that came without all the ugly body kits?

If you can raise the rear window that would do fine. Watch the rear sight lines and be aware that you won't be able to smoothly continue the angle of the sides of the rear window. There will have to be surface breaks at the bottom of the window and the top of the quarter panel, and it won't look pretty.

I am sad to say this but maybe using a window from a different car would be the way to go. The Mustang rear window doesn't look too too bad but please don't do anything else that is on that thing.

Source a Trans Am front. It's more aero-friendly and looks cooler. Extend the front surface with a flexible material instead of extending the stock one. You want to keep air from going under the car and the existing air dam probably can't deal well with all the air the nose is pushing down there.



These pace car wheels are PERFECT for an aero modder. If possible, get them! If not, do steelies with screw-on Moon covers.


You lift the back up to template and this thing is a dream.


OK, I have it.

Make a custom louver that is up at the template height. These small steps will do almost as well as a customary Kammback but will look much more period correct. No body mods, no weatherproofing. Paint it black and rock it. It'll look almost stock.

[Sven7]

OMG. Call it the CamAERO.

PS- if you want me to do a quick Photoshop rendering of the louvers let me know.

[COcyclist]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Any merit to this idea at all?
Rake = Fence

Maybe in Nascar where downforce trumps low drag but not for better mpg IMHO. Ideally, the top of the car body would be a half cylinder tapering in compound curves, like an airplane fuselage. Compound curves allow top and side pressures to equalize. Most fastback car designs create counter-rotating vortexes which creates huge drag. It's better to radius the junction of top and sides.

[kach22i]

Move the glass hatch back about a foot and many issues are solved. Plus you pick up a lot more interior space.

Automobile 2 - Odds and Ends pictures by kach22i - Photobucket


You might even be able to tilt it up a few degrees while you are at it.

[oil pan 4]

Any idea what size those pace car rims are?

[Sven7]

The other style Daytona wheels were 16x8 so the Aero ones are probably similar.

[skyking]

OMg you guys went wild!
Louvers, pushed out to get with the template. It would take some doing but yes, i see the potential.
Wife has chimed in. Not happy with choice of car. "Too low to crawl into"
"but, but, Aero!"
"Too low"
argh.
I need the v-8 suspension and larger components for the 750 lb engine. This car has the best aero for cheap. ARGH!
I hope I can win her over.
Sven,
Thank you so much for the trans am front, I had forgotten it had the right headlights, etc.

[kach22i]

Another idea, Lancia Stratos roof wing style. Or maybe more ricer crowd style.

Automobile 2 - Odds and Ends pictures by kach22i - Photobucket

[Sven7]

I would think louvers would be easier than body work since they're essentially metal strips bent to shape.

Too bad the wife disapproves. Maybe you could put on some tall, skinny wheels/tires to get it up a few inches?

[skyking]

yeah, some LRRs with full covers in the back, slick moons on the front. maybe I can show it to her with a jack under it