Getting started with Aerodynamics

[John S]

I'm attaching several pictures of the car. I know most of these have been posted elsewhere on the board but I think they would help with this discussion. Again, thanks for all the input. One thing I have learned is that I need to do more research on aerodynamics in general to get a better understanding of where airflow on the car is good and bad and what affects that airflow. This is so new to me...

This picture just shows the stance of the car from the front. It sits quite a bit lower than a stock SS but still could be lower. The only problem is driveability. Any lower and I would have trouble keeping the air dam in one piece. Maybe a flexible plastic extension attached to the lower portion?


A side view shows the stance. I added air bags in the rear so that I could use the back seat ( for passengers) which actually raised the rear about 1.5" since this picture was taken.


These next couple of pictures show the tin work in the engine bay. Not ideal pictures but they will give you the general idea.The large openings in the front of the fenders have been covered which prevents air from coming into the engine bay from under the car through the fenders. I have not covered the large openings in the rad support behind the headlight buckets. I am going to do that before spring. The wheel tubs restrict most of the airflow from coming in around the wheel wells so I do not think I need to do anything more there. In the second picture you can get an idea of how tight the tubs are to the frame and upper A Arms






Here are pictures of the Pro-Touring hood. The air inlet is functional even though the the hood is open underneath. I plan on building a plenum into the hood to channel and restrict airflow from the inlet to the intake. The rear section of the scoop is about 3" tall and solid on the rear. This is where I had though of cutting it open in hopes of allowing engine bay air to flow out there and reduce the amount going under the car. But if this is a high pressure area I may need to think of something else to vent the engine bay.
One of the things that I read that is if the engine bay air does not flow properly it can affect engine cooling. True?




My last question for now goes back to my original post concerning the large open area between the inside front of the air dam and the front of the Rad support. Do you feel it would be beneficial to close this up and install a larger chin spoiler in the process? Possible even an adjustable chin spoiler?