[DeTomaso] Pantera Aerodynamics

[michael frazier]

Mike Drew wrote:  
  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.
 
 
I thought about that too.  It does have the right shape but the angle of attack is pretty high too.  I'm thinking those even out.  There has to be a great deal of
pressure up high behind the radiator too.  Anyway, just posted the pic for general info.  The car looks a bit low in back because the 345-35s are too short for a 
Pantera with Gp4 flares.  Destined to run grooved slicks.  And as Dave suggested we were accelerating briskly when we made the pass.  Luckily
no radar points were around or we would not have taken another win.  So, no real front lift problems.  That style air dam works for me (with bracing behind it).
We'll do another test near the end of April at Big Bend!  See everyone there.
Michael
Gruppo Rompiculi Corsa!! 
 
 
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