Diffuser performance
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Ok, I got around to developing the new diffuser shape and here it is. Its an average of 14 degrees but the main suction point is at 11 degrees. The ramp is gradual and then there is more shape at the exit. This shape should prevent boundary layer separation and improve drag coefficient due to the shape helping reduce turbulence in the license plate area I should have taken a pic of the pattern as its in the right side up orientation. It would've been easier to tell what's going on. Maybe I'll get that tomorrow
Cheers
Cheers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Got around to priming, sanding and waxing the new foil shape. I have applied two layers of structural fiberglass. I'll pull the fiberglass foil off tomorrow. I won't get to fit it to the car as I'm going to Florida for a week on business. But when I get back, I'll be fitting it and completing the final shape.
Pics tomorrow
I was able to pick up a used factory diffuser for $100 to help me shape the portion that attaches to the car. Thanks KNS Brakes
Pics tomorrow
I was able to pick up a used factory diffuser for $100 to help me shape the portion that attaches to the car. Thanks KNS Brakes
Last edited by rabrooks; Mar 2, 2014 at 07:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
No, I'm using the wood to make the plug. That is the pattern the mold is made from. The fiberglass part I just made (pics coming) will be a dummy part that allows me to fit it to the car so all the fitment is correct. I'll transfer that to the wooden part before I make the mold from the wooden part (plug)When we do this type of work, you have to think completely inside-out. It often helps to be dyslexic
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
No, I'm using the wood to make the plug. That is the pattern the mold is made from. The fiberglass part I just made (pics coming) will be a dummy part that allows me to fit it to the car so all the fitment is correct. I'll transfer that to the wooden part before I make the mold from the wooden part (plug)When we do this type of work, you have to think completely inside-out. It often helps to be dyslexic
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Here are the pics of the new fiberglass foil shape removed from the plug. This will become the part fitted to the car, and then all the mods made to it initially and then transferred to the plug.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Not yet. I have been struggling with other projects and a cold winter. But it will move forward. Its just going to take time as I'm not as young as I once was. I'll keep the thread up to date as it happens. Thanks for looking in.
Cheers
Cheers
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
In your 20's, you will do most anything
In your 30's, most things aren't bad to do
In you 40's, you wonder why you are doing it
In your 50's, you ask, how much will it costs
I am going to be 60 this year, so I had to add one for being 60.
In your 60's, you ask, when can you do it.
In your 30's, most things aren't bad to do
In you 40's, you wonder why you are doing it
In your 50's, you ask, how much will it costs
I am going to be 60 this year, so I had to add one for being 60.
In your 60's, you ask, when can you do it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
In your 20's, you will do most anything
In your 30's, most things aren't bad to do
In you 40's, you wonder why you are doing it
In your 50's, you ask, how much will it costs
I am going to be 60 this year, so I had to add one for being 60.
In your 60's, you ask, when can you do it.
In your 30's, most things aren't bad to do
In you 40's, you wonder why you are doing it
In your 50's, you ask, how much will it costs
I am going to be 60 this year, so I had to add one for being 60.
In your 60's, you ask, when can you do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 44
From: If you wanna live life on your own terms, you gotta be willing to crash and burn Florida
I couldn't imagine how fast that would feel. I've gotten to near 130 and the car felt like it was floating. My C5 was very unstable at high speeds like that.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
It probably wasn't as light as you think. I expect your not comfortable going fast or you haven't gone fast alot. My C5 convertible was fine at top end. However the hardtop and the vert were better aerodynamically than the coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 44
From: If you wanna live life on your own terms, you gotta be willing to crash and burn Florida
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Finally got a chance to fit the new foil shape to the car. it's a rough fit but I'm happy with where I can go with this so far. the first pic is the factory diffuser cut away. Thye second pic is the new foil in place against the factory diffuser. I'll meld the two together then make the mold. the vertical plates will come later. They will be a separate build as added after the main part is built. the new foil goes forward all the way to the fuel tanks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
Update: Here is the foil with all the correct holes, slots, etc. The exhaust area will be a blown double decker diffuser, but only where the exhaust is. the rest will be a single foil diffuser. I am going to VIR with this on Friday. My goal is to see what the diff and trans temps get to. Then I'll have a better idea about how to address the rest of the design. After the track trial, I'll add the double foil and the strakes, that is if all goes well.
Cheers
Cheers
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 56
From: Bath NC
PS: I widened the foil to extend outward to get closer to the wheels and to cover as much of the A arms as possible. This will allow me to add a strake to the underside that will redirect and clean up the air going into the wheel itself.
The notches at the top of the foil are the cut outs for the rear of the fuel tanks
Here is a rough sketch of the final product if nothing changes from now til the end
The notches at the top of the foil are the cut outs for the rear of the fuel tanks
Here is a rough sketch of the final product if nothing changes from now til the end
Last edited by rabrooks; May 27, 2014 at 09:49 PM.