I’ve been planning a big cooling and aero related modification for awhile now. Before I did anything, I want to get some reference data to know whether I've achieved my objective of reducing drag, improving cooling and saving a couple of lbs.
The plan is to use a non-M manual radiator and a large oil cooler mounted on the back. Ideally I'd use a fullface oil cooler. Unfortunately, nothing off the shelf exists at this point. Fabricate a vent on the back of the radiator to vent out of the hood. The idea here is to minimize air coming into the engine bay to reduce drag, improve downforce and be able to use a flimsier hood which can be 2-3 lbs lighter. I currently have a bunch of gaps and openings so I'm guessing I have a big ol' high pressure region under the hood which is made worse with the front splitter.
The complication is having enough room on the backside of the radiator to make a vent that promotes flow attachment up and over the engine then out of the hood without screwing up the flow up the windshield which could affect flow across the rear wing.
Back to the radiator/oil cooler. I think most people go the wrong direction by adding thicker radiators, more radiators, and more fluid. One thing that has had a huge impact is reducing my coolant volume to about 1.75 gallons. I might have a radiator with a fullface oil cooler custom made, need to get off my butt and get pricing.
First, I want to take a pressure differential across the radiator. I installed an air probe before and after the radiator connected to a meter mounted on the dash.
Second, want to check for flow detachment across the hood and windshield. I’ll record this with a GoPro mounted above the windshield.
The plan is to use a non-M manual radiator and a large oil cooler mounted on the back. Ideally I'd use a fullface oil cooler. Unfortunately, nothing off the shelf exists at this point. Fabricate a vent on the back of the radiator to vent out of the hood. The idea here is to minimize air coming into the engine bay to reduce drag, improve downforce and be able to use a flimsier hood which can be 2-3 lbs lighter. I currently have a bunch of gaps and openings so I'm guessing I have a big ol' high pressure region under the hood which is made worse with the front splitter.
The complication is having enough room on the backside of the radiator to make a vent that promotes flow attachment up and over the engine then out of the hood without screwing up the flow up the windshield which could affect flow across the rear wing.
Back to the radiator/oil cooler. I think most people go the wrong direction by adding thicker radiators, more radiators, and more fluid. One thing that has had a huge impact is reducing my coolant volume to about 1.75 gallons. I might have a radiator with a fullface oil cooler custom made, need to get off my butt and get pricing.
First, I want to take a pressure differential across the radiator. I installed an air probe before and after the radiator connected to a meter mounted on the dash.
Second, want to check for flow detachment across the hood and windshield. I’ll record this with a GoPro mounted above the windshield.
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