Cross Flow Radiator/Spoiler

[Clois Harlan]

I have been told that Cross Flow Radiators need to be mounted with the top of the radiator leaning forward because the horizontal tubes act as a spoiler. Therefore, if the radiator is mounted leaning back toward the engine on a cross flow radiator the spoiler effect on the tubes would cause the front of the car to lift at speed. Does anyone have any actual knowledge about this. I have noticed that FF appears to use the crossflow radiator and mounts theirs leaning back toward the engine.

I want to go to a cross flow alum radiator but mine would need to be mounted leaning back. In order for me to mount my radiator leaning out I would have to make some bracing modifications.

Anyone have any ideas on this subject?
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Thanks,

Clois

[RACER X #99]

Clois,
I don't know about radiators, but I do know that all Cobra roadsters lift at high speed. Has something to do with that big air scoop on the front.

McCranky

[Clois Harlan]

Thanks, McCranky.

Please look at my next post maybe you can shed some light on my next question.

Clois

[Richard Hudgins]

Clois,

I am afraid that the bit about the radiator causing lift due to flow through the core is a urban legend.

Actually at any speed over about 80 mph the air is in essence "stalled" in the core.

In other words the boundry layer developed between the fins has reached its limit and additional flow will not happen.

The air will just stack in front of the radiator.

[Clois Harlan]

Thanks Richard,

I wanted someone to tell me what I thought but I didn't know if I was actually correct. I felt like there would always be lift but wheather a cross flow radiator would create significant lift just didn't seem to make much sense since the tubes and fins were so close together.

Thank you,

Clois