[DeTomaso] Pantera Width vs GT4 GT5

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/25/08 17 52 11, jason.eaton at gmail.com writes:


> Thanks for the great discussion guys. I really appreciate the thought
> put into the responses.
> 

I would propose that everything done to a Pantera to convert it from its 
narrow-body configuration to GT5 or Gr4 specification hurts its performance for 
what you are trying to achieve, which is efficient high-speed straight-line 
travel with minimal cornering.

At the time the wide-body cars were invented, manufacturers were only 
widening the cars because that was the only way to put adequate quantities of the 
primitive rubber of the day underneath them.   Cornering power took precedence 
over aerodynamic drag, and thus sacrifices were made.

Today, with the advent of larger-diameter wheels and super-wide tires, you 
can have your cake and eat it too, enjoying prodigious cornering power that 
comes from these large, modern tires, coupled with the aerodynamic efficiency that 
comes from not having all those unnecessary appendages hanging out in the 
wind.

Plus, the radical offset of the front wheels on a widebody car introduces 
very undesirable steering characteristics, which are all but absent on a 
stock-body car.

Although it looks pretty tough and butch to have those huge flares hanging 
off the sides of the car, I think you're far better off leaving the car alone, 
and concentrating on managing airflow through, over and under the car as best 
you can.

Mike 


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