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12-04-2024, 02:28 PM
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#1 |
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Senior Member
 Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 273
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Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
I'm replacing the rear bumper on my truck and it occurred to me that not only is it a bumper, but also a giant air catcher that is the exact opposite of aerodynamically efficient (and yes, I know the overall truck is a giant box). So I was wondering, has anyone "filled-in" some of the empty inside space or done anything else to make the bumper less of an air catcher, and if so, did it seem to make much difference, especially with mpg at speed?
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12-04-2024, 02:40 PM
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#2 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,976
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
I think if you left the bumper completely off you wouldn't notice one whit of difference in the fuel mileage. A brick is a brick.
But you did make me smile...
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
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12-04-2024, 02:44 PM
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#3 |
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Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,350
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
I don't believe there is much or anything to be gained there. If there were all the OE manufacturers would be doing it in the quest to get their CAFE averages up.
You see some car manufacturers doing stuff with rear air channeling and effects but mostly they are doing it as a styling exercise. To truly make effective gains there you need to have properly designed under chassis aerodynamic panels. More to be gained by front spoilers or air dams.
__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help.  RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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12-04-2024, 06:16 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kernersville, NC
Posts: 97
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
I tried all of the gas mileage "tricks" - tailgate up, tailgate down, tailgate off, rear bumper, rear roll pan. All of these options gave me the same, remarkable 11 mpg :-)
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12-04-2024, 09:08 PM
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#5 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 3,770
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
Quote:
 Yep, a brick is a brick!
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12-05-2024, 09:00 AM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Posts: 551
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
I removed the ends of the bumper on both sides and it made a huge difference when I was cruising at 253 mph. My gas mileage almost doubled to 3 mpg over the 1.5 mpg I usually get.
Definitely worth the effort. |
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12-05-2024, 03:25 PM
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#7 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 273
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
Well, looks like that question was good for laughs all around! But, you guys did unanimously agree on the answer and I appreciate that - no need for me to create an extra side project, I can concentrate on the ones that really need to be done. On the other hand, if I can locate that carb screw that takes the truck to 253 mph, then all bets are off...!
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12-05-2024, 03:49 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Under the Truck Dreaming
Posts: 751
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
You would be better off putting a large wing over the tailgate area.....hey if it worked for Ferrari......and all those boys racers I see on the street.....I mean come on....
__________________
72 K20 Custom Camper, D60, 14BFF, full roller 406 TPI w custom built ECU and yes..it has tow hooks...and a 5 speed |
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12-05-2024, 04:01 PM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Under the Truck Dreaming
Posts: 751
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
No wait Dodge already thought of that....darn...now what to do.....but hey look how fast that thing is going standing still....
__________________
72 K20 Custom Camper, D60, 14BFF, full roller 406 TPI w custom built ECU and yes..it has tow hooks...and a 5 speed |
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12-05-2024, 04:01 PM
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#10 | |
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Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,350
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
Quote:
__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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12-05-2024, 04:25 PM
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#11 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 273
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
Truck is a Suburban - I think that Ferrari wing on the back end of the roof combined with that Dodge-style racing stripe would definitely do the trick!
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12-05-2024, 05:34 PM
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#12 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 331
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Re: Rear bumper/aerodynamics question
this just might be one of the oddest posts....hum
__________________
'72 C10 Cheyenne SWB North Carolina truck for 50 years, 72k original miles, Medium/Hawaiian Blue, 3 owners - one for 40 years, garaged kept, original: sheetmetal, undercarriage, moldings, glass * * * New - engine rebuild at 65k in 2015, one repaint in 2010, new front bumper, houndstooth seat, carpet, 8 inch rally wheels on 275-60R-15, LED lighting. - Semper Paratus! |
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