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aerodynamics???

Old Feb 13, 2004 | 01:04 AM
  #1  
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Default aerodynamics???

which is more aerodynamic?
a 79 style coupe or a 74 style coupe with the flat back window?
i would think the 79 style...are there any drag coefficient tests?

a c5 coupe is .31 whereas a z06 is .32...not the same dropoff, but a similar setup for the rear windows...also would the weight from the difference in styles offset this better coeffiecent(if it is better) in performace?


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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 01:18 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (munday)

The 79 would definatley be more aerodynamic, thats granted. but unless you have a chin spoiler you're going to have trouble over 100.

You can only shave a brick so much :jester

BTW, a C5 is .29 drag co-efficient
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 01:21 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (Corz)

are you sure? my GM salesguide and 2004 corvette brochure both state as my previous post.

as far as the front spoiler i really need to get one, but i'm not sure when i'll be working next....it appears the corvette forum isn't hiring
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 02:07 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (munday)

This information comes from "THE CORVETTE BLACK BOOK"

From the 1980 model information - Intergrated spoilers improved the drag coefficient from .503 to .443 compared to the 1979 model equiped with optional, non-intergrated spoilers.

From the 1979 model information - The front and rear spoilers developed as part of the 1978 Pace Car package became 1979 options. They were functional, decreasing drag by about 15% and increasing fuel economy by about a half-mile per gallon.

.503 + 15% = .578 drag for a 1978 or 1979 not equiped with a spoiler package.


[Modified by 1979toy, 1:11 AM 2/13/2004]
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 02:19 AM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (1979toy)

any information on the 76 models to validate my thoughts?
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 06:03 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (munday)

Have posted the early ones before- .47 Cd.
All the 68-77 need is the front pace car spoiler. Installed one from the Chevy dealer so early the paint matches. The early rear spoiler was cut way down after aerodynamic studies & tests.
From a weight & handling standpoint the high heavy glass of 78- is a disadvantage.
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 06:24 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (Ganey)

hey ganey, i think i agree with that to an extent. the glass on the '78-'82 is a disadvantage from a handling standpoint for the reasons you mentioned but i believe it is actually an advantage to the aero. i still think that as far as the c3 body style is concerned the optimal styling would be some form of hybrid with the '80-82 front but a '68-'72 rear. as for the rear glass, one of the few motion body mods i ever liked was the sloped back glass intergrated to the swept B-pillers. ultimately, the most aerodynamically efficient body mods you could have to a c-3 is a c-4, but it doesn't look quite as sexy, now does it? ;)
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Old Feb 13, 2004 | 06:56 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (clutchdust)

Hey Clutchdust, agree the 80- front is suposed to be better aerodynamically.
I am barely getting by w/ the 77 med. rise hood & would have to change the hood on the 80-81 first thing. I like both the 68-73 & 74-77 rear treatment as well as the Motion type rear glass, that would work in Lexan. Maybe you should do it. You, GKull & others are doing fine w/ the 78- rear glass.

:cheers:
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Old Feb 14, 2004 | 12:16 PM
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Default Re: aerodynamics??? (Ganey)

What does the Motion rear glass look like?
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