Miata Mailing List: December 1999, Message #271

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Matt-

One problem that occurs to me with the center mounted roof scoop
like the Mercedes CLR et al. is ducting the fresh air to the intake
plenum box  without loss of the use of the rear view mirror. Perhaps
dual, off center scoops? Also, without some kind of testing, I don't
think one could say that the airflow is better or worse over the roof.

I do seem to remember reading on the list that someone recorded
temps of 170 degrees in the engine compartment, which, if true,
makes a great argument for ambient air ducting. Were these temps
taken moving, or standing still?

Ed Harbur

Matt Wells wrote:

> I think the windows are beautiful and should be left alone(sorry Mr.
> Ryke).
> If more air to the carb is desired,simply grab the cleanest air which is
> that flowing in the center of the car over the roof.I invision a sugar
> scoop spoiler finally being used effectively with a low profile scoop
> built into the middle,cramming 60+mph air flow into a venturi effect
> cowling with a rubber seal/rubber seal connection to a sealed air
> box,still retaining the stock grill in between the seals if desired.A
> bypass butterfly valve and secondary intake beneath the scoop would
> prevent moisture entering in wet conditions,control intake ,controlled
> via remote switch.
> Kinda like the Miss Budwieser intake cowling or the "hound from hell"
> design only with a subtle low profile to match the natural contour of
> the original design.
> Hopefully more airflow psi would also help at higher altitude cruising.
> I base these views on the stick my hand above my head in the convertible
> at 80mph test.
> Actual results may vary.
> Just leave those side profile lines alone!
> As far as fresh air induction,all those race cars I've seen can't be all
> wrong.And most side scoops seem to be for brake or radiator cooling
> anyway,heat dissipation being the primary goal whether it be by positive
> or negative airflow.
> Albeit the mid-engine design and using the quarter windows as air
> intakes seems natural on a Pantera,for some reason as a result of the
> body lines,it just isn't that effective unless you use mickey ears and
> ruins the original lines,if that matters.
> It sounds like the voice of experience tells us no big gain can result
> from side scoops that are currently available.
> Good with fiberglass or carbon fiber? Be original! Has anybody seen a
> good looking center mounted scoop done on a Pantera? Vendors?
> If stock air just isn't good enough,seems like the best design to me
> until wind tunnel test or Mike's "tuft"test studies are conclusive.Done
> right,I think it would look great and be functional.
> But then again that's just my dumb as nails opinion and best guessin',
>
> Engineers care to comment?
>
> Knowledge is power,but immagination is greater than knowledge...
> Matt"no data"Wells
> .