Airflow through Radiator - then where does it go??

[Daveb]

Ive just realised with the MR2. The air flows through the front. Through the radiator.

Where does it go after that? Theres a metal bulkhead behind the radiator isnt there?

And below it is the plastic covers?

Its got to go somewhere and if you go 100+ thats a lot of air, just got me thinking. Got to affect the car aerodymanically whereever the air goes too? Is this why it goes light at high speeds.

Most MR cars like the elise, vx220 and esprit have a vent in the bonnet. So air goes in the front and out the top. This will push the car down too. But the MR2 doesnt.

[MR2lover]

by border bonnet and remove front undertray this helps

[jonb-]

The air hits a near vertical wall then gets pushed under the car. Not the most elegant design and one of the things a border bonnet / radiator relocation kit trys to correct, just don't fall into the trap of thinking "if the elise does it, it must work for every car". Aerodynamics is a complex complex science.

[skinthespin]

Removing the bulkhead and having elise style vents would probably help tbh, you would also likely be able to get away with a smaller radiator, you wouldnt however be able to have a spare wheel and somewhere to squash a soft bag, remember the MK2 was as much a GT car as an out and out sportster so its highly likely packaging reasons dictated that layout more than pure functionality from a performance poiint of view.

Most roadcars are very very compromised remember and the MR2 is no exception, an elise is much less compromised!