Author Topic: is Light not right?  (Read 6413 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jl222

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2955
Re: is Light not right?
« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2008, 03:47:48 PM »
     I believe that a lot of wheelspin problems at speed is caused by airodynamic lift, it has been proven that speeds around 160 mph the suspension will go into droop with less weight on the tires. Jim Hall ' Chaparral' figered this out around 1965 resulting in the spoiler then the adjustable spoiler while running,then the wing and adjustable wing. I wonder if we will ever catch up to that 1960's tech?
     The formula 1 cars run 60-65% Rear weight and so do we on the 222 car, 288mph+ coupe. Rear engine lakesters, dragsters and funny cars probably have more.
    JL222
« Last Edit: February 28, 2008, 12:36:07 AM by jl222 »

Offline Howard

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 53
Re: is Light not right?
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2008, 08:50:39 PM »
Back in the old days we went 262 MPH with a 60 cu. in. liner that weighed less than 1100 lbs. on the track. The car was very slippery and we never reached the point where aerodynamic drag exceeded available traction. Any aerodynamic device that produces downforce will increase the drag
so now you need more power.
It's a balancing act and I believe keeping it as light as possible will reduce the number of miles you tumble when things go bad. Less kinetic energy will dissipate faster.
Door slammers and high profile vehicles will be a bigger problem because of their increased drag.
I wish I knew more about this but it's redundant for me now.
Good luck,
Howard

Offline 836dstr

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 694
Re: is Light not right?
« Reply #17 on: February 26, 2008, 11:06:31 PM »
The Harvey's run a E/FMR. The car is low and long, runs little or no ballast and goes 230. Sleek helps.