I have seen many vendor offer the elephant ears for the Pantera. Is this just a cosmetic thing or do they really have an effect on engine temp/performance? I currently have removed the side glass and put the frame back in?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have a pair that I took off my car, GT5, and put the glass back in. I don't have a wing on my car and I thought they looked funny without it.
They do collect air for the engine compartment, along with dust, dirt and anything else that flys by them. It's my understanding that a few have hooked them up the flow air to the carb.
I didn't see any difference other than the extra time it took to clean the engine area while I had them on.
They do collect air for the engine compartment, along with dust, dirt and anything else that flys by them. It's my understanding that a few have hooked them up the flow air to the carb.
I didn't see any difference other than the extra time it took to clean the engine area while I had them on.
quote:
Originally posted by tmoug:
I have seen many vendor offer the elephant ears for the Pantera. Is this just a cosmetic thing or do they really have an effect on engine temp/performance? I currently have removed the side glass and put the frame back in?
A few notes on side scoops on the Pantera:
the sow-moving boundary layer of air along a Panteras side is at least 2" thick, so small tasteful scoops do literally nothing. This can be crudely checked by wetting a finger and slowly inching it out the rear of a rolled-down window. My finger is extended a good 2" out a stock-bodied L model before evaporative cooling is felt on my finger tip
The large elephant-ears do reach out & grab some air, but due to the massive airflow from under the car out the back window, ANY scoop will be overwhelmed unless its ducted to wherever you wish to apply the extra air.
At 160 mph, elephant ears grab enough air to rip the whole chrome frame, with the ears, completely off D Antenucci's car at a SS event. The lost frame cost him over $100 used and there aren't many around.... no word on the cost of a replacement ear-scoop.
Big scoops obviously add some overall drag to the car much as a wing does, so one ought to have a clear idea of what you're trying for, before adding them
the sow-moving boundary layer of air along a Panteras side is at least 2" thick, so small tasteful scoops do literally nothing. This can be crudely checked by wetting a finger and slowly inching it out the rear of a rolled-down window. My finger is extended a good 2" out a stock-bodied L model before evaporative cooling is felt on my finger tip
The large elephant-ears do reach out & grab some air, but due to the massive airflow from under the car out the back window, ANY scoop will be overwhelmed unless its ducted to wherever you wish to apply the extra air.
At 160 mph, elephant ears grab enough air to rip the whole chrome frame, with the ears, completely off D Antenucci's car at a SS event. The lost frame cost him over $100 used and there aren't many around.... no word on the cost of a replacement ear-scoop.
Big scoops obviously add some overall drag to the car much as a wing does, so one ought to have a clear idea of what you're trying for, before adding them
I bought my 72 L with the large elephant ears on the car and I like the appearance with them on. They do funnel air into the engine compartment and I have never had any excess dust or dirt because of their 'cosmetic' look. It's just a matter of preference. Just my 2cents worth.
A sentance left off my reply above:
"So I'd suggest if you're going to mount elephant-ears on your Pantera, to use pop-rivits or sheet-metal screws thru the ss window frame at the door posts, to positively retain them at high speeds."
"So I'd suggest if you're going to mount elephant-ears on your Pantera, to use pop-rivits or sheet-metal screws thru the ss window frame at the door posts, to positively retain them at high speeds."
Would directing the intake from the ears to the carb make an appreciable difference? If yes, do anyone know who's making a nice kit for that?
Wow, important safety tip for 160mph+ driving. I will definitely keep grocery runs to sub-155mph.
I think the ears are a cosmetic choice. They look good on some cars, not so great on others. They look awkward if not combo'd with a delta-wing I think.
Cheers,
Cousteau
Wow, important safety tip for 160mph+ driving. I will definitely keep grocery runs to sub-155mph.
I think the ears are a cosmetic choice. They look good on some cars, not so great on others. They look awkward if not combo'd with a delta-wing I think.
Cheers,
Cousteau
quote:
Originally posted by MARLIN JACK:
I've read some results of Dyno testing by "experts". The end data proved the difference between underhood/engine compartment, temperature air; and much cooler outside air... Is UP TO 10%. Period. Yes! On a 400 HP engine, add 40 HP when you add a cold air induction. I would believe that a big block engine will get more benefit from the MORE dense charge, than would a small block. Because it is all about volumetric efficiency and the fuel/air charge to compression ratio. More Cubic Inches, More results. I once rigged up a cold ram air carb inlet on a 1967 GTA Mustang fastback. It had the 390 FE Engine. You should'a heard the change in exhaust note and power, when driven on the Freeway on a cold winter Night. Marlin.
[This message has been edited by MARLIN JACK (edited 07-21-2003).]
[This message has been edited by MARLIN JACK (edited 07-22-2003).]
I read somewhere in a Holley book that for every 10 degrees drop in intake temp. you gain one horsepower. I had a ram air setup on a big block chevelle and it made quite a difference in power. One november night on the freeway in Salt Lake I actually froze the carb with a 1/4 of frost showing on the outside of the body. I had to disconnect the ram air tubes and wait till morning for it to thaw out.
I was thinking about the same thing. Take a look at this website http://www.ramairbox.com/
Thanks for all your responses! There is much to think about.