Is there an advantage...

[4-barrel Mike]

to louvering the rear deck lid of a Street Roadster?  I've noticed that a number of cars have them.



5.B.3 "...Louvers in the rear deck lid are allowed as long as they are sealed on the inside."

The picture is from the online version of the September 2007 Street Rodder magazine coverage of this year's first El Mirage, here: http://www.streetrodderweb.com/events/0705sr_el_mirage/

Mike

[LVMAXX]

 

[4-barrel Mike]

LVMAXX:

   5.3.B is the definition section for Street Roadsters, your El Camino is ineligible 

Mike

[maguromic]

As the wind travels over the back of a roadster it tends to lift the back up.  By having louvers in the right place you can break up the air to help keep the back stable.  Depending on the body style, the position and the size and shape of the louver does matter. 

Paul Vanderly (sp) had his ’33 Ford roadster in a NASCAR wind tunnel and came up with an optimal placement and shape of louvers for his type of body. I will try to post a picture of his trunk lid soon. But I suspect most are placed for aesthetics than function.

[dwarner]

Maybe someone can chime in as to an actual class we might be able to run in?

You were told when you proposed your El Camino that many of the features you had to have would not be allowed in classes that the car may fall into. You have built yourself into Time Only. Not something that appeals to me.

DW

[RichFox]

In reality most of the time, my cars are "time only" My Vega was a record car in 1980 with the GMC in it. But that was a long time ago. In C/CGAlt today, no chance. So if your El Camino makes you happy, enjoy it.

[Stan Back]

Our Street Roadster had its decklid louvered in 1952.  I don't think a lot of thought was put into managing the air back then.  Fortunately the SCTA has seen fit to allow us to have them -- but with them sealed underneath.

I'm wondering if eliminating the door hinges and flush fitting the doors (like on Model A's) on some Street Roadsters has an even greater effect in air management.

Stan

[JackD]

Rich has taken the time honored "Rule of Thumb" and has evolved it into the "Rule of Finger" while having more fun.
Inrersting concept.

[4-barrel Mike]

Aesthetics, history, or a ton of aero tech dollars.  Got it!

Thanks, guys.

Mike

[LVMAXX]