C4 Corvette Bespoke Aerokit

Performance, Automotive Communications, Engineering, and Design (PACED) is a student-driven initiative dedicated to transforming a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (C4) into a high-performance, show-ready vehicle for SEMA. A key focus of the project is the design and fabrication of a student-engineered aero kit, built from carbon fiber and fiberglass. This custom aerodynamic package is crafted to enhance both performance and aesthetics, while utilizing real-world design, simulation, and manufacturing techniques. An industry-level project such as this bridges the gap between academic theory and professional specialty automotive engineering.

As a collaborative design engineer, I utilized Fusion 360 surface modeling techniques to develop a complex vehicle body mesh. I conducted preliminary CFD analysis in ANSYS Discovery to evaluate external flow behavior, identifying low-pressure regions and optimizing spoiler-diffuser wake mixing for improved aerodynamic efficiency.

My primary focus was on the aerodynamic structures, specifically the diffuser and spoiler supports. To enhance the spoiler’s effectiveness, I introduced and validated a swan-neck mount design using FEA simulations in Abaqus/CAE. This approach optimized airflow beneath the wing profile, increasing efficiency in the low-pressure region and improving the efficacy of downforce translating to mechanical grip.