Do the Rocker Panels help with Top Speed in a SC?

[VFR750]

Are the Rocker panel extensions (and required rubber strip to hide the fasteners) on a G-series a good thing for Aero?

Is there any data that suggests the Rocker Panels added to the lower edge of the body help reduce drag, and hence increase the top speed of the impact bumper body?

Was there a lift reduction as well?

[Superman]

Fold the "flag" mirrors in. H4 headlights probably help. And frankly, at top speed, the tail and chin spoiler are a good idea. The chin spoiler likely increases drag but the tail likely decreases it. I have no idea what effect rockers have.

[ian c2]

Theyre there to hide slightly weighted vertical flaps that hug the floor but are loose enough to travel upwards over slight bumps etc .
It’s part of the primitive yet too highly effective it had to be outlawed aero package they developed with lotus f1 .
It all went to pot in the 80s when spoilers that ruined the shape of classic cars became known as “ground effects” .

Queen summed it up quite well when they sung
‘Flat-bottomed girls you make the f11cking world go round ! ‘

[jac1976]

Originally Posted by ian c2

Theyre there to hide slightly weighted vertical flaps that hug the floor but are loose enough to travel upwards over slight bumps etc .
It’s part of the primitive yet too highly effective it had to be outlawed aero package they developed with lotus f1 .
It all went to pot in the 80s when spoilers that ruined the shape of classic cars became known as “ground effects” .

Queen summed it up quite well when they sung
‘Flat-bottomed girls you make the f11cking world go round ! ‘

Or “Fat Bottomed Girls”...

[ian c2]

It was a joke .
I’m english .

[jac1976]

Whew, I thought I might have to loop in Sir Mix-A-Lot.

[ian c2]

I’ll be honest , any kind of body adornments or aero or ground effect ruins the classic shape of the 901 .
But I’m a sucker for wide-track early cars ....


I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE !!!!!

[ian c2]

I also like responsive mechanicals and engineers with a sense of humour .
Which is rare ...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XRXwWbo_mX0

[Bill Douglas]

From what I read on line these 911SCs are capable of phenomenon top speeds, so maybe these here rocker panels do make a difference.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by VFR750

Are the Rocker panel extensions (and required rubber strip to hide the fasteners) on a G-series a good thing for Aero?

Is there any data that suggests the Rocker Panels added to the lower edge of the body help reduce drag, and hence increase the top speed of the impact bumper body?

Was there a lift reduction as well?

Short ans, yes
long ans, take a look at more modern implementations. But aero is dependent on speed and front splitter & rear wing have far more effect

[VFR750]

I’m putting them back on.

Porsche must had a reason, even if it was visual on the G-series. A little bit of benefit is good. Added weight will be offset by skipping some beer 🙄

Already have spoiler lip and early whale tail. Already taped rain gutters and added headlight covers for track days.

Have not tried folded mirrors as that compromises visibility. But those flag mirrors have got to create a lot of drag.

I imagine the aero mirrors make a difference.

[911pcars]

Remove the antenna and wipers
Tape front end panel gaps
Lower front ride height
Increase tire pressures +5 lbs
Drive with all windows closed

If you like the rocker covers, keep them. If not, no real aero loss.

[Trackrash]

Porsche didn't use them on their race cars.

[jjeffries]

Originally Posted by VFR750

Are the Rocker panel extensions (and required rubber strip to hide the fasteners) on a G-series a good thing for Aero?

Is there any data that suggests the Rocker Panels added to the lower edge of the body help reduce drag, and hence increase the top speed of the impact bumper body?

Was there a lift reduction as well?

What an excellent looking SC...perfection. John

[ian c2]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

Porsche didn't use them on their race cars.

Upto a certain year ...

[911pcars]

On a race car, those parts are just extra weight and stuff to drop off. Finding a more slippery shape is a worthy aero testing exercise, but I think those rockers would be far down the test list.

I say keep them. Your car looks faster with them.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

Porsche didn't use them on their race cars.

'74 RSR



934





935


959



964 Cup


964RSR



993RSR


991Cup


991RSR

[1980 SC Targa]

Originally Posted by VFR750

Are the Rocker panel extensions (and required rubber strip to hide the fasteners) on a G-series a good thing for Aero?

Is there any data that suggests the Rocker Panels added to the lower edge of the body help reduce drag, and hence increase the top speed of the impact bumper body?

Was there a lift reduction as well?

Beautiful SC! I have the same color in a Targa.

[pdtweeks]

I'd say they do help with "Top Speed".....how often are you planning to go there ?

[TRE Cup]

Nice progression of pics showing the absence of rockers and then as the aero packages got more sophisticated.

From personal experience with our shop built 913>935 racer, the lipped 935 box rockers definitely helped in high speed turns. The standard rounded sides of the car were perfect lift design when drifting through the turns