I see most new cars today, i.e. BMWs, come with a little fin at the back of the roof. This thing is used as a gps/radio receiver, but how does it affect aerodynamics?

I see lots of them are going cheap on ebay now, so I'm thinking of buying one and attaching it on my EG Civic track *****.

What do you think? Good idea?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What do you think? Good idea?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

That is an awesome idea. I have some clear corner lenses you can buy to match.

Ricer!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris F &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That is an awesome idea. I have some clear corner lenses you can buy to match.

Ricer!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was asking how it affects aerodynamics, not your opinion on looks.

 

It will change your life.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I see most new cars today, i.e. BMWs, come with a little fin at the back of the roof. This thing is used as a gps/radio receiver, but how does it affect aerodynamics?

I see lots of them are going cheap on ebay now, so I'm thinking of buying one and attaching it on my EG Civic track *****.

What do you think? Good idea?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Why? Do you think you'll realize an aero advantage from a tiny 'fin' that does nothing more than cover an antenna?

 

DoWhatYouWant!
why does everyone ask questions (usually dumb ones) then get all bent when they dont get the answer they wanted?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lo-Buck EF &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">DoWhatYouWant!
why does everyone ask questions (usually dumb ones) then get all bent when they dont get the answer they wanted?</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

go ahead and buy it...like mentioned, its nothing more than a stylish way to hide the antenna

 

I have one on my BMW 3-coupe. It's changed my life.

 

I think it would work best with about 200 lbs of lead... you know, so you could put it in the trunk for that perfect 50/50 weight balance and super awesome handling.

 

Wow, this thread really shows what Honda-Tech has become. Only 1 of the 8 replies I got in this thread actually stayed on topic.

If you have nothing useful to contribute with, please stop posting crap!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you have nothing useful to contribute with, please stop posting crap!
</TD></TR></TABLE>

And questioning the aerodynamic capability of a regular antenna vs BMW shark fin is not <u>crap</u>?

You should heed your own advice.

 

Trying to get this thread back on topic:

What I'd like to know is what aerodynamic effects this little fin might have on a hatchback chassis!

I see both BMW, Volvo and Mercedes are using these little fins now. By the way they're shaped, I doubt they're only there for looks.

Knowing that hatchback chassis generates a lot of lift in the rear, I'm thinking a little fin like this might have some effect at high speeds.

As a keen follower of various forms of motorsport, I know for a fact that tiny little changes like this often have a big impact on aerodynamics.

So please, lets keep this thread on topic!



Modified by Pompiuses at 9:14 AM 11/23/2007

 

Are you talking about these things???

http://search.ebay.com/search/...&fgtp=

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vbspec &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you talking about these things???

http://search.ebay.com/search/...&fgtp=</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes, those would work identical. Are they effective?

 

you wanted an answer, so here it is...... NO it won't do ****.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yes, those would work identical. Are they effective?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

We're missing clarity as to what you mean by effective. That really is open to interpretation:
- effective at providing lateral stability (no)
- effective at hiding antenna (yup)
- effective good looks (debatable)
- effective chick magnet (fo sho!)

You just need to be more specific what it is you're hoping to achieve by installing one on your hatch.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TPB &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You just need to be more specific what it is you're hoping to achieve by installing one on your hatch.</TD></TR></TABLE>

As stated earlier for those who read ; Effective in reducing rear lift on a Civic hatchback chassis at high speeds.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 91jdmhatchback &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you wanted an answer, so here it is...... NO it won't do ****.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i disagree.

it will take money out of your pocket that you could have spent on an autocross entry fee or shipping for new "R" compound tires, etc.

 

Google is your friend.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.c...3.pdf

I haven't read it, but I found it using google in about 30 seconds. Sometimes a little searching goes a long way...

I really doubt the ones on eBay are going to do you any good. I agree with everyone's opinions here. The eBay VGs are just going to lighten your wallet, but they'll make your track car look phat! It appears that you need to set up all parameters of the VGs by either doing some CFD modeling or wind tunnel testing. Way beyond what you're going to find on eBay. I'm no aero specialist, though, that's for sure.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

As stated earlier for those who read ; Effective in reducing rear lift on a Civic hatchback chassis at high speeds.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sorry, I completely missed that calrification half way down the thread. Anyway the answer is a definitive yes. You'll notice that many hatchs competing in pro series take full advantage of the antenna cover to maximize their rear downforce and lateral stability, over and above the wings they've invested (presumably) many hours developing in a wind tunnel and on the track.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Pompiuses &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As a keen follower of various forms of motorsport, I know for a fact that tiny little changes like this often have a big impact on aerodynamics.

Modified by Pompiuses at 9:14 AM 11/23/2007</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

Ya gotta have fins if ya want to swim with the big fish.

 

According to my friend with an EVO VIII MR, the VG's that comes standard with his car did show a small percentage less drag in Mitsu's testing. There are other sites dedicated to showing how VG's work and help. BUT, considering the significantly small amount of drag they are helping to alleviate, you money would be much better spent on a front air-dam/splitter setup (and without having to put up with all that crap of being labeled a ricer). There is so much drag and poor aerodynamics on the underside of a civic/teg, that a row of VG's on top of the car are going to be insignificant in showing any noticeable changes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mrlegoman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">According to my friend with an EVO VIII MR, the VG's that comes standard with his car did show a small percentage less drag in Mitsu's testing. There are other sites dedicated to showing how VG's work and help. BUT, considering the significantly small amount of drag they are helping to alleviate, you money would be much better spent on a front air-dam/splitter setup (and without having to put up with all that crap of being labeled a ricer). There is so much drag and poor aerodynamics on the underside of a civic/teg, that a row of VG's on top of the car are going to be insignificant in showing any noticeable changes. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Good info . I'm probably going to drop using a VG then.

I've already made some plastic covers under my rear bumper to cover the bigs gaps there. So perhaps it's better to focus my attention on covering up the rest of the underside as well.

 

Is your purpose for your modification less drag for better fuel economy?