Everything I've seen indicates that a smooth inlet radius is paramount.
That said, I wonder just how much the cylinder fins contribute to cooling a lycoming? Clearly, they are important, but based on their small size and somewhat haphazard method of baffling, the heads are where the majority of cooling takes place.
My scheme for baffling the cylinder barrels is more to do with keeping the temps consistent around the circumference than as an overall increase in cooling capacity. I have no knowledge of any studies on the velocity of cooling air past the barrels, but intuitively, I'd think the top side is in relatively stagnant air, while the fins right near the stock intercylinder baffles sees a much higher velocity jet as the air shoots through that little gap. Seems to me this will pull the barrels out of round somewhat and that can't be good for ring sealing. Shrouding the barrels also make a convenient place to add the sealing baffles.
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WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.
Michael Robinson
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Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
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