<VV>Fan HP

Padgett pp2 at 6007.us
Sun Jun 26 10:59:09 EDT 2005


>The reverse flow concept would kill one of the best features of the 
>Corvair design and that is the downward flow that keeps all of the top 
>engine equipment at near ambient temperature, the carburetors, alternator, 
>distributer, etc. all run cool and trouble free.

Actually these all run near the engine case temp - conduction works much 
better than convection and why the alternator has its own fan. OTOH an air 
dam behind the axles to channel high(er) pressure air into the engine 
compartment  and create a lower pressure area under the engine would be 
very beneficial.

I suspect that this is why removing the lower shrouds does not always help, 
particularly at higher speeds: the shroud itself with its rearward facing 
exit will put the opening in a pressure flow area that will use the 
momentum of the air around it to help extract the exhaust air. Remove the 
lower shroud and this will be lost. I suspect that removing the shroud will 
help below 40-50 mph and hurt above that.

Have there ever been any manometer tests of the pressures at various speeds 
above and below the shrouds ?

Keep in mind that much of the Corvair design was lifted from the VW which 
had an entirely different shape, much smaller engine, and lower design 
speeds. I wonder what the underside of a 356 Porsche looked like ?

My Westphalia had a monster RVEECO oil cooler on the side that really 
worked. Had no temperature issues even crossing the Rockies and Cascades in 
summer. Did need all of the gears though.

Padgett

still looking




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