Dr.Jeff
True Classic
Aerodynamic related topics seem to come up in various discussions; obviously when talking about things like spoilers, but also in conversations like the flow of air through the engine bay, radiator, etc. The subject has been raised many times, including some very recent threads.
Unfortunately the science of aerodynamics is extremely complex and beyond the ability of most hobbyists (myself included). Without sophisticated modeling technology and wind tunnel testing we are really only guessing. Particularly with older obscure vehicles like the X1/9 where the path has not been paved very well.
The following article was posted in today's newsletter form Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. It was printed in last December's issue. Unfortunately it does not offer much real help, but it does address a couple of common misconceptions. So I thought it might be worth a look for those (like myself) who like to modify our X's:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/a...ampaign=GRM+Daily+Newsletter+Automation+Email
I'm sure there are many other resources that are much better and offer greater assistance on the subject. The ones that I have reviewed in the past were written by and for aerodynamic engineers, and therefore much too complex. Especially when I am not really trying to improve the aerodynamics of my street cars, but I like to add body modifications to give a "track" look to the car (i.e. purely for style). It would be nice however to know just how much good or harm I am doing when making such changes. Anyone have good articles written for the masses that might be useful?
In my opinion this is what not to do:
Unfortunately the science of aerodynamics is extremely complex and beyond the ability of most hobbyists (myself included). Without sophisticated modeling technology and wind tunnel testing we are really only guessing. Particularly with older obscure vehicles like the X1/9 where the path has not been paved very well.
The following article was posted in today's newsletter form Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. It was printed in last December's issue. Unfortunately it does not offer much real help, but it does address a couple of common misconceptions. So I thought it might be worth a look for those (like myself) who like to modify our X's:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/a...ampaign=GRM+Daily+Newsletter+Automation+Email
I'm sure there are many other resources that are much better and offer greater assistance on the subject. The ones that I have reviewed in the past were written by and for aerodynamic engineers, and therefore much too complex. Especially when I am not really trying to improve the aerodynamics of my street cars, but I like to add body modifications to give a "track" look to the car (i.e. purely for style). It would be nice however to know just how much good or harm I am doing when making such changes. Anyone have good articles written for the masses that might be useful?
In my opinion this is what not to do: