I'm from Cardiff Uni and we're competing in the International Formula Student Competition this year with a newly designed car (for more details goto: http://cardiffracing.co.uk) I'm in the engine and drivetrain group, and we're modifying the plenum design to try optimise the air going into the engine. I can't seem to download images down to this page so i'll try explain the problem.

Instead of having a side entry into the plenum, we're thinking of having on antry all the way across the top of the plenum from 1 side of the car, and a long diffuser to aid (laminar) flow. I remember reading on this site before that the lower the entry into the plenum -the better. Does anyone know of the reasons for this other than what i might guess that air will accelerate more as it goes in over the trumpets..? Has anyone done any mods like this before?

The plan is to fabricate it out of carbon fibre using wax moulding, and we will only get 1 chance to do it so we've gotto try get it right!

Thanks for any help or advice, Llyr.

(PS- How do you download pics to the page?!?)