Modify front bumper and cars body aerodynamics 1999 corolla

[y2kbug]

Ihave been wanting improve the aerodynamics of my car More specifically the front bumper. here is a photo of a cars similar to mine i found. I currently dont have any photos of it to post up.

Before i start on this i have to get my cars cooling system in order. The cooling fans have not been working correctly. They are often on full blast when the engine is cold and then not working in hot weather. I have a code for bad tempature sensor. I have bought 2 sensors already but neither one has worked correctly. I plan on getting this straightened out friday after i get off work.

After i get the cooling system working properly i Hope to start on modifying the front bumper.
I'd like to block the upper grill completely. The lower grill i'd like to block but make an adjustable opening so i can keep the engine from over heating.
I guess i could make a sliding blocker or even use tape. Id like to maybe make an air dam but the bottom has to be flexable to withstand scrapes and parking bumps. I cannot talk myself into making a full belly pan at the moment. I am concerned with it holding moisture and roadsalt.I would like to do a partial belly pan. Block the bottom area between the front bumper cover and the radiator. Id also like to belly pan the rear area under the trunk so the back bumper doesnt hang down sharply.

My idea for an airdam is similar to this:
Id like to extend it low as possible but i may not be able to as some of the roads i drive on frequently are rough and unpaved.

Originally Posted by freebeard

Coroplast, as the young kids call it, is cheap and moderately durable. Suitable for prototyping.

A bellypan should reduce noise and increase accumulated detritus.

An airdam, in Porsche's experience, needs to be balanced with a rear spoiler so as to not impair front/rear lift.

I have not done any research on spoilers yet so i dont know much about that topic. Would not having a spoiler hurt my effort for fuel efficiency or would it make the rear end lighter and slide out around turns more frequently?

I hope to take real photos and post it soon when i am able. More info and input appreciated!

[freebeard]

I mention Porsche because they know more about aerodynamics than I do.

Although, my impression is that an air dam increases frontal area and produces vena contracta along the lower edge.


A front splitter is used mainly for downforce, but it does prevent the stagnation point bleeding off into the underbody to some extent. Another Porsche example from Singer optimized for maximum downforce in off-road conditions:



If you go for an air dam follow cowmeat's (IIRC) example:


A central jet down the underbody is beneficial (apparently) and is less likely to high-center on wallowed-out gravel roads.

edit, a full width splitter no deeper than the front bumper with upturned winglets for create air curtains might be worth considering. Something like the Honda example with the tire deflectors inverted.

[y2kbug]

aerodynamics are Very complicated. So you’re saying I should do something like that Civic? instead of blocking the air. I should let some of the air go underneath the car providing that I smooth out some of the rough transitions of the under body

I found this random video of a guy talking about the snow on a car just like Mine. Other than that, I can’t find much information about my car.

from what I’ve seen so far. If my car was a five door It Would probably Have better Aerodynamics.

is there any way of testing? unfortunately I do not have access to a wind tunnel.

[y2kbug]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoLefV...FtaWMgdG95b3Rh

same car

[y2kbug]

actually in further inspection. The upper Grill seems to have a lot more contact with the radiator than the lower does.

[freebeard]

So you’re saying I should do something like that Civic?

More like 'might' than 'should'. I'd never impose a demand on you. A few minutes in the GIMP produced this:


The bumper profile reproduced below (maybe slightly forward) of it with the concave profile capturing air in a converging duct on each side.

The search term on Ecomodder is 'snerodynamics': ecomodder.com: Snow mods: We have been bested by mother nature.

[y2kbug]

Im looking forward to when it snows so i can see it for myself. That one picture is cool.



Is there a name for the ducts you have made? I'd like to do some research about it so i can get an idea of how they work.

I'm guessing i can build what you made using fiberglass.

[freebeard]

Air curtains. ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/air-curtain



Julian Edgar's experiment was called 'Edgarwit' but I can't find his thread.

ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/external-air-curtains

[y2kbug]

thanks for your help! i will do some more research about this and spend some time thinking about this.

[freebeard]

There's a blue button for that.