--- My New Metal Rear Underbody Diffuser ---

[basslover911]

Originally Posted by aerohead

basslover,there is a section in Hucho's book which covers research conducted on bellypans and diffusers.The rear mods do not perform up to their maximum potential if everything leading up to it is not paneled.So the addition of the middle panel should improve what you have.-------------Also,Hucho reports that undercar flow will stall and separate if the diffuser rises at an angle steeper than 2-1/2 degrees,so your sheetmetal may be a little "fast."

VERY true. Thats why I still have to do the middle. However, the car feels MUCH more stable now. MUCH.

Also, it has definitley raised my mpg (as it is) by 1.5-2mpg. This was the highest trip since winter came howling in.

SO, I completley call this a success!

[cfg83]

akashic -

Originally Posted by akashic

Hmm... so an empty shelf with maybe a spare tire. That's not fun at all...

I'm reminded of a Seinfeld episode -- I could rent out the shelf space to Japanese business-men.

And to keep it lightweight during the drive, I could set up a bunch of hamster wheels back there, so I can run alternator-free. And/or set up an entertaining diorama for my tailgater parade... maybe with cfg83's poke-modders, eh?

Remember, Pikachu is an *electric* Pokemon. When Pikachu is all charged up and in a good mood, I can kill the alternator and run the car's electrical system off Pikachu's tail via the cigarette lighter, .

CarloSW2

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by basslover911

VERY true. Thats why I still have to do the middle. However, the car feels MUCH more stable now. MUCH.

Also, it has definitley raised my mpg (as it is) by 1.5-2mpg. This was the highest trip since winter came howling in.

SO, I completley call this a success!

It's great!Looks good too.Perhaps the savings will help pay for the extra sheetmetal for the middle.Savings begets savings.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by akashic

Craziness! I guess I could also consider putting a tool box or something under there. Or it could be a storage shelf for the tonneau when I need to haul stuff. Or place to store the batteries when I convert it to electric. (haha)

But how much of a gain are we talking about here? Assuming I already have a good belly pan in place...

Akashic,I looked at Hucho's book in the section on bellypans,and the research car achieved a Cd reduction of 0.025 with the inclusion of the 2-1/2 degree diffuser,over a straight and level pan.

[duaneb9729]

If you guys dont mind i am going to throw in a suggestion on where to buy sheet metal for projects, try locating a heating and air conditioning supply house, one that serves contractors.

Typically you will see prices on 26 gauge galvenized metal from $19 to $24 dollars.

Another type of metal to consider, Paint grip galvenized metal, it comes with a coating on it that accepts paint easily

Also slightly thicker metal can be easier to form.

My work involves making fittings for heating and a/c systems, which means i am no expert on what you folks are doing but like others i am here to learn.

Sincerely
Duane