Aero at lower speeds

[basher13]

Wondering about ride height and aero tricks at lower speeds, we'll be running a fairly stock Studebaker in the 130/150 clubs. Blocking off the grills and changing the attitude/ height of the car is fairly easy. Car sits pretty low right now with a slight rake, is this best? I know real low looks the best but have also seen cars that had a good amount of rake on them run well, Burkland Stude and a Vega come to mind. What are your thoughts?
I have no money and no experiance and it's not really a race car but I'm goin racing.
 
Dan

[jacksoni]

There are a couple of Hot Rod articles about Aero, and specifically what Keith Turk et al did to their Camaro that helped. Many are simple you might be able to use.  What doesn't work well too. If you can find the '05 article referred to (I didn't in quick search but is there) it helps too.

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/body/113_0703_car_aerodynamics/index.html
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/body/hdrp_0609_aero_tricks_tips/index.html

[Rex Schimmer]

Lowering the car will reduce its frontal area and adding some rake helps the air flow around the back of the car's "green house"  so both of these are good ideas. Blocking of the grill prevents air flow thru the radiator and engine compartment, also good is to run some sort of air dam to keep the air from going under the car. With these mods and 3-350  hp you should be good for at least 150. Lots of details but you are off to a good start.

Rex

[panic]

Lowering the car will reduce its frontal area

How?

[Rex Schimmer]

Panic,
When looking at the front of a production car the area between the bottom of the car and the ground should be considered part of the cars frontal area. This is because the bottom of the car is so cluttered with things that resist air flow to the extent that if you lower the car you will effectively be reducing the frontal area.

Rex

[racergeo]

   Thats as good and concise of explanation for lowering your car as I've ever seen!  Good on ya.

[fredvance]

Works for bikes too, I think.

  Fred

[basher13]

So I'm thinking maybe a bit lower in the front or an air dam and then adjust the rear. The roof rails that are required for 175mph and up, do they help airflow or are they there to break the air if the car gets sideways?
Dan

[Cajun Kid]

So I'm thinking maybe a bit lower in the front or an air dam and then adjust the rear. The roof rails that are required for 175mph and up, do they help airflow or are they there to break the air if the car gets sideways?
Dan

roof rails main purpose are for safety should the car decide to step out sideways at speed

Charles

[basher13]

Charles,
Is your air dam from the same company as the frontend or did you fab it?

[Cajun Kid]

Charles,
Is your air dam from the same company as the frontend or did you fab it?

Yes, I bought the front air dam from the same place as the one piece front end.(that way I knew it had the best chance of fitting) only minor trimming was needed to get a nice tight and flush fit.  We also needed it removable so used 6 Dzus fasteners to hold it on.

Charles