Engine Compartment Ventilation

[RumRunner]

So I've had an idea after driving the GTM for several years now about how to better ventilate the engine compartment. Figured summer is coming up so I finally did it. Basically, I made two hatch supports that can pivot up from inside the engine compartment and support the hatch in an open position, so it is even with the rear wing. This should let significantly more heat out and create better airflow around the engine and exhaust. Soon as it stops raining here (7+ days) I'll test it out and report back.

-Michael

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[beeman]

That looks good flush with the wing! How do you keep it from buffeting around at speed?

[Shoeless]

I concur, looks very sharp!!!!

[Perkster029]

I'll be curious to see what the results are. You may end up trading some aerodynamics loss and noise for the extra venting. Or the air might not dump into the engine bay like you'd expect. While stopped, definitely better results, but once you're moving, might be different.

Keep us updated!

[crash]

If you happen to end up going backwards, then you will definitely have an issue with this.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

That was my first thought....flashbacks of Richard Oben........

[RumRunner]

If you happen to end up going backwards, then you will definitely have an issue with this.

Crash - I agree. Intent is NOT to go backward (at least at speed)! To be fair, I really drive on only on normal roads. If I end up going backwards, I'm in more trouble than just the hatch!

-Michael

[kabacj]

Hey Michael

I’m interested to hear how it works.

I ran the GTM with the hatch completely off for several years on the race track.

Mostly because the air cleaners on my intakes almost touch the glass. 86426



I figured more air into the motor was more important than the hatch. It worked well so I just ran it that way.

If you are familiar with the cam back design you will recognize that after a sharp lip the air flows along the shape of the hatch as if it was the there.

Interestingly the way the air flows in the engine compartment under the fast moving air going across the glass (or open space) is not what you would expect.


Airflow is actually more towards the front of the car instead of back like I would have guessed.

I know this because the blow by from my oil breather goes forward not backwards in the compartment.

The bottom of my car is totally sealed off with panels this likely also changes the airflow.

Let us know how this works in your situation.

[KGTM]

Any one with update on this?

I had my engine on for test about 30 to 40 minutes Ideal, engine bay in the front behind the gas tanks got to 190F and at the back to about 180F this was in at best 70F ambient .

Any one has measured these?

Mostafa

[RumRunner]

Mostafa,

I sold the GTM before I ever had a chance to experiment with my hatch support, so I have no results to share. I figured no way could it be worse. Even just idling the heat escaping was significant.

-Michael

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Just a friendly reminder.......:D

http://vraptorspeedworks.com/aluminum-hatch-glass-replacement-louvered/

[KGTM]

Shane, I have seen this and it does look good, but I sort of like the glass back look at least for now.

Need to add fans or something and see how it goes and may end up with your louver.

Thanks,
Mostafa

[Edgeman]

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I installed a 12" fan in the back down by diffuser.

[KGTM]

Are they pushing air into engine or pulling air out?

Have you made temp measurement with on and off?

Thanks,
Mostafa

[Edgeman]

Pulling out and discharging out the diffuser. I don't have an exact number but with out I always opened the hatch after a ride. With the fan in I did not have to do this and the glass was cool to touch above the engine. Also on start up - evac the engine compartment make sure there is no vapors in under the hatch, like on a boat.

[KGTM]

Thanks for the update, the number I got was scary but it was also with car setting idle for about 45 minutes.

Will have to see what I have to do.

Thanks,
Mostafa