I havent seen any data, I would think the new 4th gen are the best air cutting cars, but want about the 3rd gens, feedback is appreciated

 

I think you will find that the 85-90 TA's are the best aerodynamically. The body is very "clean", they have a very small frontal area, and the rear spoiler actually adds downforce at high speeds. I believe the 85-90 TA still holds the land speed record for stock bodied vehicles but I'm probably mistaken. I'd imagine the the the 85-90 IROCS are pretty decent too. I imagine the newer cars (93+) have the CD advantage over the older cars but the thirdgens would be better top speed cars. Does anyone do top speed runs? (Silver State, Pony Express)

 

I am going to try some high speed runs in the future when I slap in my 350 with either a two small turbos or one large turbo.
My goal is to hit 200mph, I've almost hit 160 but ran out of gear and RPM (5th gear at 5000 rpm).

The land speed record for a factory bodied car is a 92 Trans Am owned by Kugel & Lefevers,
http://www.kugelkomponents.com/bonneville99.html

 

Whoa, that's a lot of "200MPH tape"

 

The 3rd gen is the most aerodynamic F-body ever made. Stock for stock that is. In fact, I believe the '82 was one of the most aerodynamic 3rd gen actually. Some '82 Firebird models had drag coefficients as low as .29!

The '85-'90 T/As had a greater (total) frontal-area making them a little less efficient. I think the '85-'90 T/As had a drag coefficient of around .32-.33. Remember, vehicle cross-sections/frontal areas, usually measured in square ft., are affected by tire width, add-on spoilers, gfx packages and etc. The wider a tire a particular vehicle has the greater the frontal area compared to a similar one with skinnier tires. Wider tires increase the "total" frontal-area cross-section by increasing the area the air stream has to flow over. That's why some Firebirds with wider tires had higher cd's than others with smaller tires. All things being equal that is.

The 4th gens are generally not as aerodynamic as the 3rd gens. Why? Because they have larger or greater frontal-areas or cross-sections than 3rd gens. Even though the windshield is raked back further, 68-degrees rather than 63-degrees like on a 3rd gen, the 4th gens are still less efficient aerodynamically. The overall vehicle height is around 2" inches higher. The overall body width is around 1.5" inches wider. The tires on some models are about 1"-3" wider than some past 3rd gen models. In addition, take into account the aggressive hood scoops and styling "accents" on some 4th gens that further contribute to the less aerodynamically efficient design.

As for now, "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."


-Mike

 

I was searching the Internet on this subject the other day and while everyone is correct I found that the 1984 Recaro Edition had a drag co. of .31 as to where the 85-90 were .32-.33. I don't have any proof of this other than someone that had one posted it on his Recaro T/A Website. Here's ya just alittle more info on a few other Car's Aerodynamics to give you an idea of how sleek our cars!
Lamborghini Countach - .40(without the wing)
Lamborghini Diablo - .29-.33
Ferrari Testarossa - .36
4th Gen Trans Am - .32
2002 Corvette - .32

 

I thought I read somewhere the Formula actually was better aerodynamically than the T/A & GTA because the extra GFX are not really that effective over a certain speed. They help some, but the extra weight & drag from their shape is more of a hinderance. It is actually more of a cosmetic thing than anything.

My bet would be the 91-92 Formula OR standard Firebird, because the nose of the car is slightly longer than a 82-90.

John

 

Very intresting subject. Ive always been proud to know that the 3rd gen Bird's were very "slippery" cars. Ive heared that the 84's w/ the gfx were some of the most aerodynamic. The 3rd gens are without a doubt very aerodynamic. I think the 93-97 T/A's were pretty slick too (at least they LOOK it!)...so in closing...i have no idea

 

thanks for the replys, checking to see if this works posting a pix.
it does

 

According to the Dec '82 High Performance Pontiac magazine, the 1983 Trans Ams had a drag coefficent of 0.312 and the 25th Anniversary Datona 500 Pace Car replicas had a drag coefficient of 0.300!
Rob

 

Well, when my brother was in the army his car went faster than any other car, somewhere around 350+ mphs in his 87 IROC.

Of course thats cause it was on a transport plane when he moved, hehe

Zepher's pushing for 200mph, damn dats fast. Gonna need a chute for that kinda speed and some big 12 inch disc brakes all the way around.

 

.299!! The lowest ever!