[DeTomaso] Pantera Aerodynamics

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/10/08 14 39 47, red3644 at hotmail.com writes:


> I assume I'm blowing air past the gasket at the front and pressurizing the 
> trunk compartment as well
> as the area behind the radiator.  If you leave the trunk unlatched, it will 
> rise up about 2 inches at speed
> balanced by pressure from below and airflow on top.
> 

Although it's possible that your front trunk is pressurized, I wouldn't 
necessarily bet on it.   The top of the hood is shaped exactly like an airplane 
wing, and probably generates an enormous amount of lift all by itself; the trunk 
isn't strong enough to resist deformation at those speeds.   You could try 
adding material to the front trunk weatherstripping (that is, adding another 
layer of stick-on weatherstripping on the top to ensure a good seal with the hood) 
and see what happens?

Some vendor's carbon fiber units are often much, much worse in this regard.   
Even vented carbon fiber hoods aren't strong enough, and will bow enough to 
pop open above 100 mph.   Geoff Peters threw one or two of them away before 
buying one from Sigbjorn in Norway that was properly made.

Mike


**************
AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all 
other Holiday needs. Search Now. 
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http://searchblog.aol.com/2008/11/04/happy-holidays-
from-aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear00000001)