aerodynamic drag and body style

[Stan Weiss]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

Specifficly 3rd gen Camaro [which is what I am building] especially the drag cause by rear of body shape. What shape or spoiler can help?

Or, since it is 1/8 mile bracket racing, is it a non-issue?

To me, it seems it is important because the last 1/2 of track is over 80 MPH. Also, it you are racing into a head wind the drag will be increased.

Any feedback?

Hi Larry,
Aerodynamic drag is a function of both Coefficient of Drag and Frontal Area. Many times shown as CDA. If we keep the Frontal Area constant at 20 sq ft and the speed constant @ 100 MPH. A CD of 0.34 will produce an Aerodynamic drag of 51 HP while a CD of 0.38 will produce an Aerodynamic drag of 57 HP. The amount of Aerodynamic drag HP will increase with MPH and the HP difference between 0.34 and 0.38 will increase with increased MPH.

Stan


PS Maybe a graph which also includes 0.42 CD will show this better.