RWD 4 door challenge

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

A good point for the Crown Vic is that its body-on-frame layout leaves more room for some extreme mods. For example, what about a custom aerodynamically-enhanced single-piece front clip? Or a kammback? And with regard to powertrains, nearly every configuration is possible. What about the V6 bolted to the manual transmission of a base model F-150?

[Kckershovel]

Still they are heavy and I'm a touch bored with them. I would much prefer a 4 door 62-64 fairlane nova maybe Amc rambler or the like to start with. Rear wheel skirts belly pan Cummins 4bt 5 speed and high rear end gears.

[Kckershovel]

Never mind the 4bt I forgot how pricy those things are.

[Andyman]

If you want a classic GM car, I would suggest a 1959-1970 Chevrolet full size car or something similar from another GM division. The transmission could be the 700R4 four speed automatic. The engine could a 283, 307, 327, 350 or 305. You can increase the compression ratio to about 10:1 and install an aftermarket camshaft for a turbocharged engine which has about 10 degrees more duration on the intake lobe. That will make it an atkinson cycle engine at low speed but give extra power at higher speed. You can also try using a thermal barrier coating on the pistons and combustion chambers.

Another possibility is to find a used Mercedes C or E class from the late 1980's or later. They had low wind resistance. If you can forgive the front wheel drive, the Saab 9000 turbo gives a lot of room, quick acceleration and over 40 mpg on the highway.

[Kckershovel]

What do you all think of the aero qualities of one of those?

[mcrews]

very nice!
Not one door ding!!!!

[Kckershovel]

There are skirts for the rear too. The hood could be sectioned or pancaked to improve aero lesining the frontal area without ruining the good looks. Stock curb weight of 3100 pounds is doable. The bulged rear fenders could be removed and the tapered body line continued from front to rear giving even more boat or teardrop shape to it. I would hate to modify the body that much ruining some of the styling but would make it very aero. Tuck a narrowed rear end would almost make it tadpole ish. I wount go that extreme but I think I have settled on the body. Now just how many highway mpg can I build it to achieve?

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Kckershovel

What do you all think of the aero qualities of one of those?

They LOOK aero...




That's a '49-'52 Chevy Fleetline sedan, right? The only thing I can find on them is an estimated Cd=.65. Not sure if that is accurate, but with a few rare exceptions, those '50s era cars were not designed for aero. The side profile deviates from the aero profile by the middle of the rear door.

[Kckershovel]

It couldn't be that bad could it? Worse than a jeep Cherokee? That is a 1949 Chevy fleetline. For comparison do you have any estimate for 1968 caprice or 1962 fairlane Est Cd figures?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Kckershovel

Never mind the 4bt I forgot how pricy those things are.

If you get anything '67 or older, thus EPA-exempt, you can slap any other Diesel that might be cheaper. Even those not certified for road vehicles.