Ok, dumb question for all the experts, but what purpose does the body louvers serve on front fenders? I am unclear how it affects air flow, aero, cooling, or whatever.
I will guess that the louvers serve as a vent to release air pressure in the wheel wells which would otherwise create a lifting force, reducing downforce, thus reducing traction.
That said, I know an engineer who has covered the louvers up on an Elan DP02 because he said that they have redesigned the air tunnel under the car to prevent air pressure buildup.
Yes, the wheel wells develop high pressure and the vents are there to relieve it to better allow the underbody to do it's work generating downforce. Same vents can be found on the GT3RS, GT2RS, and GT4RS if you're familiar with Porsche's. You'll also see some time attack cars where the body panel behind the front wheel is carved out for the same reason.
With that established, can anyone elaborate on the science of vents vs Large holes - as with lmp cars?
Given lmp cars have advanced aero are vents less effective? What are the pros and cons?
I suspected all the above, thanks for clarifications. Yes, I am used to seeing on Porsches and other cars. With that being said, these are certainly somewhat fragile areas of my SR3XX fenders as two of the slots are already pretty ragged from tire rubber/rocks hits. I recently covered the thin leading edge of the louvers with 1" wide clear vinyl tape strips in an effort to help protect the edge. Will see if tape holds up in service and offers some additional protection.
