With the NASCAR cars, the blocked off air goes over the car and provides
downforce via their finely sculpted bonnets. With the TR4, air blocked by
the grill will go where ever it can. I think that the air forced down would
add to the front end lift from the increase in air under the car. Air that
escapes up would do the same if it hits the front lip of the hood. With no
where else to go, you'd probably see some increase in whatever grill opening
there is . Maybe we can reshape the bonnet leading edge to get air over the
top and provide downforce?
Bob Kramer
rkramer3@austin.rr.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack W. Drews" <vinttr4@geneseo.net>
To: <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 11:32 AM
Subject: aerodynamics question
> Question for my fellow tech freaks.
>
> I understand that the frontal area that those little air molecules see is
> the total profile of the front of the car.
>
> I also understand that the shape of the front changes the wind resistance
> (pointed object versus a brick).
>
> my question is this: ignoring the cooling situation, if you replace the
> grille in a TR4 with a flat panel, does this change the aerodynamic
> resistance?
>
> The NASCAR guys tape off the front opening to go faster...........
>
> uncle jack
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