Aerodynamics of a brick

[AZMike]

At least I wish it were as good as a brick

Drove the Bronco to work today - I have 5 miles of freeway on the drive. We've got 50mph winds blowing today, and I had to draft behind a semi to keep it above 50mph. The semi took an exit before mine, so I had to drive most of the rest of th 2 miles in 2nd since it wouldn't get above 50 in 3rd. I was able to keep it at 65mph doing about 4,200 RPM though. Based on the headwinds and my speed, I guess you could get a Bronco up above 100mph. I don't have the stones to try it though. Glad I seem to have resolved my high RPM problems, or I'd probably still be on the road fighting that nasty wind.

Looks like I'll be able to coast all the way home tonight!

 

[tasker]

use a sail like a boat, much better results!

 

[Broncobowsher]

With soft springs mine gets spooky above 100 (done on a private closed 5.7 mile oval track with a 130 MPH nuetral steer lane). Up to about 80 is good. The wind pushes the front of the truck, the wheel want to drive out from under it. When the front starts to lift, air starts packing under the truck, causing more lift. The steering gets very light when that happens.

With stock springs, it takes high speeds much better.

 

[thomstone]

winds

hi azmike, down here in prescott and the winds are kicking my but too, good luck.

 

[Mtn Gote]

My truck I get to 50 MPH and the wind blows and I almost fly into the other lane!!!!!!! It is rediculous!!!! But with the aerodynamics of a brick comes beauty!!!!!!!!! This is my 400th post!!!
Cory,

 

[67u13]

I just drove mine on the road for the first time. I have a 170 six cylinder, 3 on the tree and 3.00 gears in the rear. my truck hates me. I have to be at about 50 to shift into 3rd gear and then it just slows down since I have 100 horsepower.

 

[AZMike]

I just drove mine on the road for the first time. I have a 170 six cylinder, 3 on the tree and 3.00 gears in the rear. my truck hates me. I have to be at about 50 to shift into 3rd gear and then it just slows down since I have 100 horsepower.

Slap a V8 in there or get some lower gears. 3.00 is too high for that 6 banger. I've got 4:11's and 35's. It's a bit of a dog off the line, but does OK on the highway (minus the 50mph headwinds, of course).

Hardly used any throttle on the way home last night. Should have hoisted a sail!

 

[ugly74]

I've gone around 110 in mine with stockish springs, and I wasn't the least bit worried. it seemed fine! I woulda gone faster but ran outta RPMs. (I was messin with a Civic that had a bumper sticker that said "all motor baby" ;D )

even with the 32s I run in the summer, I have no problems. wind doesn't seem to affect it a whole helluva lot. it does way way better in a sidewind than my S-10 does. a headwind definitely does F up the MPG though.