drag coefficient

Straight Six

Well-known member
Hi Guys was wondering if anyone knows the drag coefficient for these cars

A-67 mustang coupe
B-65" "
C-65/66 fastback
D-69/70 fastback
E-69/70 coupe

If not please tell me how to figure it out.Knocking around some ideas in my head - the figures would help. Thanx
 
Sorry. I've studied aerodynamics since 1981 as an 11 year old, and haven't seen it published

It varied so much between car that its not possible to define it precisely, Straight Six.

I know Ford only used scale model tests at the Lockhead wind tunnel in Georgia, and someone may know the answer for full scale models within Ford. Generally, Ford Policy since 1982 is NOT to quote cd figures on older than 1977 cars. This is due to some major issues with the possition of the car when tested, and before the 1977 Ford Fairmont, a wind tunnel testing wasn't very strictly enforced.


Alteration of
a) tire section size and style
b) ride height,
c) the front to rear ride height relationship
d) door seal firmness
e) the wing mirrors, wipers, ariel and spoiler configurations

makes a huge difference.


Ford was subjected to SAE queries and independent testing at MIRA in England over the 0.385 drag factor claimed for there 1981 Escorts . For example, a European 1981 Ford Escort varied 13% depending on the a, b, c, d and e.

Since the 1983 Thunderbird days, Ford Dearborn has supplied a lot of its older information to technical institutions all over the world by SAE contract. People who break ranks, and divulge the information have had there technical support being withdrawn by Ford.

For example, a Boss 302 or 429 was way more slippery than a 69 Fastback, but how much is anyones guess. The Holmon Moody race cars were far better than that because the whole car was radically channelled at the front.


For any fastback, I'd use a default cd value of 0.45, and frontal area between 1.95 for the 64.5 to 2.10 meters square for the 69/70 . To get that in good old Imperial sq feet, multiply by 10.76

Any time you have a Grande or notchback, that drag factor gets a lot worse, say 0.48. Any time you add fat tires, it raises the drag factor, any time you lower the car, it lowers drag.

Hope that helps some.
 
Road and Track may have in their car test archives.

In one article they took a early Pinto, lowered, chin spoiler, rear deck lip spoiler, bubble fairings on headlights blanked off most of the rad opening and got an amazingly lower cd.

Then there is the famous body spot weld flange under the rocker panel of the Talladegas.
 
Then there is the famous body spot weld flange under the rocker panel of the Talladegas.

What would expect from a car that uses the same bumper in the front and back? :? :lol:
 
xctasy":73kskbw2 said:
Sorry. I've studied aerodynamics since 1981 as an 11 year old, and haven't seen it published...
No wonder I'm stupid; when I was 11 I was collecting comic books... :?

Seriously, tho-- I have a question. Typically speaking, percentagewise, how much does an underside pan cut the cd?
 
SuperMag":g7abj0h6 said:
xctasy":g7abj0h6 said:
Sorry. I've studied aerodynamics since 1981 as an 11 year old, and haven't seen it published...
No wonder I'm stupid; when I was 11 I was collecting comic books... :?

Seriously, tho-- I have a question. Typically speaking, percentagewise, how much does an underside pan cut the cd?

10% via an under car pan if its a passenger car. 0.05 for every 0.50 cd.

Renault proved it conclusively twice, once in 1982 with the VERA and then again with the 1984 R30. Cd's were dropped from 0.34 to 0.28 on the R30, and from about about 0.33 to 0.26 with the VERA. (The VERA was an R18 with extensive modifications to a totally stock small fry car).

On an SUV, there are compounding issues with approach, departure and breakover angles being really badly impaired, and crumple zones being messed up. In addition, things like stabilizer bar and steering gear 'galling' factors which could result in serious legal malsuits for steering arm damage in the advent of a big bunt by a rock or crag. An earlier F150 may yield a 0.60 Cd, but with a underpan, it could drop even more than 10%, perhaps to 0.45. Sadly, the pan then needs to be 'man enough' for a king hit. If holes are not drilled to reduce weight or help remove water when doing a river crossing, it then becomes a hydrofoil. The weight increase cancels out the drag improvement.

This afternoon at work, while cruising the broadband, I saw this site and had to post something.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/livernois-motorsports/ford-livernois-motorsports-mustang-gt-ar8792.html

You started something Straight Six
 
xctasy":3u35p0v6 said:
On an SUV, there are compounding issues with approach, departure and breakover angles being really badly impaired, and crumple zones being messed up. In addition, things like stabilizer bar and steering gear 'galling' factors which could result in serious legal malsuits for steering arm damage in the advent of a big bunt by a rock or crag. An earlier F150 may yield a 0.60 Cd, but with a underpan, it could drop even more than 10%, perhaps to 0.45. Sadly, the pan then needs to be 'man enough' for a king hit. If holes are not drilled to reduce weight or help remove water when doing a river crossing, it then becomes a hydrofoil. The weight increase cancels out the drag improvement.

On an '88 Mazda RX-7 I had, the belly pan that went from the nose of the car to just under the front wheels was made of plastic and held on by about a dozen bolts. Had a couple of drain holes, was light weight, flexible if it was hit by something, and easily removed for servicing the undercarriage.
 
Lots of new cars have something like that. Alfas have a fibreglass one (ane believe me, it costs a fortune to replace :roll: ).

Renault introduced a combination skidplate/streamlining tray on their rally-spec 8 Gordinis, way back in the early '60s.

Regards, Adam.
 
My Honda CRX had a belly pan for about six months (it got ripped off whilst backwards at 80 mph). I noticed a 2-3 mpg drop afterwards.
 
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