I just noticed that it looks different than it does with the Yellow brick which means there is definitely something different about the way the air flows around it. You can see that there is a low pressure area behind the tailgate - which makes sense. It makes me wonder if shimming the tailgate hinges or simply moving the tailgate in a subtle way might have a significant effect on the downforce to increase traction without adding static weight.



To take it further, you can photograph the faster or streamlined vehicles to study the dust trails they leave and see if you can apply any of the tricks they use to the uni. Then you have a picture of something that definitely works to use for reference.


Lawrenceville, GA

Charlie,  I believe you are on the right track in trying to combine aero and downforce at the same time with the position of the tail gate.  It is these kind of efforts while staying within the rules that make a difference.  I am convinced that aerodynamics is a major player at any speed, just look what duct tape did for the coupe.  With the bed covers we run, they reduce the large area of low pressure just behind the cab.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a taller tail gate, angled back some and allow it to act as a spoiler?  Think they would notice?     

Charlie Burns Laton, Ca (South of Fresno)



BurnsRacing981@gmail.com

Or if the latch let go at speed and the chains kinda held it at the right angle?

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Or if the latch was spring loaded to let the tailgate open at speed and close when stopped?

Gary Ryan San Antonio.TX.

Nice try guys.  They have a photo of the finish for each car.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

What's that got to do with anything? If it passed tech, it passed tech, right. It's going to look the same at the finish as it did in tech.


Lawrenceville, GA

Those guys have been doing tech on the salt for a LONG time. Once they caught you with something "questionable" I'm sure tech would be a lot harder for you from that time forward. All "cheating" has to be done within the rules.

What if the bed cover tapered down at the back until it was an inch or so below the tailgate?

They did a low speed test on Mythbusters about tail gate up or down for better fuel mileage. As I recall they found no real difference. Might be the wrong end to start on. I know air flow into the engine compartment has been a problem on many LSR cars and trucks. I think I would look at some ducting there to smoothly funnel the air in and out of the engine area. I would think positive air pressure would build up under the hood and act like an air dam at speed. My thoughts. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Chuck I was thinking the same thing. Those guys have probably seen almost any type of "cheat" that could be thought up already tried at some time. Just my 1¢.



And here's what Myth Busters has to say (My Grandson and I watch the show together before bedtime every night).







Of course they had an open bed, I believe Tim has a cover? I found on my '06 F-150 Screw that I do get slightly better mileage with a hard lid on the bed (not to mention it keeps the M/T's from flying out, haha.).

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

I thought that I've read or heard somewhere that newer trucks are designed in such a way that it really doesn't make much difference whether the tailgate is up or down. This makes sense when the demanding economy requirements are considered. If this is true, then how applicable is it to a truck 40 or 50 years or older, when aerodynamics was of little concern?


Lawrenceville, GA

Only thing I can tell you for sure is when my tailgate is down, my backup sensors detect it and the buzzer is on whenever I put it in reverse. Very annoying...



Maybe someone with a 40-50 yo truck should experiment... I'm not sure how much a difference it would make with the bed covered?




"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL