Reply to "Cold and Confused"

Boss,

I recall that there were some reports that the L Bumper did provide some downforce. I did not mention this in my earlier post because I could not find the reference. My minds eye recalls the article I read. I have the Ford wind-tunnel reports on a 71 car (ref. Style-Auto). Ford had wind tunnel tested the Pantera as a comparison to the Boss 302 and GT-40. It was part of an evaluation to determine whether to campaign the car. When I tried to dig up the wind-tunnel report on the L bumper car in my DeT references I could not find it. The L bumper design was evaluated as a supplement.

I do remember that it was one of the reasons that the trailing edge of the bumper, just in front of the front decklid was designed to be above the leading edge of the car body. This was done to promote laminar airflow over the front of car. I did note that the wind-tunnel reference indicated a relatively higher front end lift with the early cars when compared to the L bumpered cars. The Ford wind-tunnel tests reflected early 70s cars thad did not have the chin spoiler as is intalled in GT4, GT5 and GT5S cars. It would have been good to see the wind-tunnel numbers (CL, CD, Forces) for a true GT5 like David's.

Can anyone else help with this?

B.G.