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Author Topic: Miata aerodynamics  (Read 3864 times)

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Offline bradnree

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Miata aerodynamics
« on: June 04, 2010, 10:27:31 PM »
Top up or top down - 130 at World of Speed....
What do y'all think?
Thanks
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Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2010, 10:49:04 PM »
Top up.  Here's a link - we discussed it at length with regard to my Midget.  I found a source that reported that with the top up, you could run 8 mph faster than with the top down in a stock Midget with no engine prep.

http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,7365.0.html

That is, of course, unless you're trying to slow it down . . . :-D

And I will see you there! :cheers:
« Last Edit: June 04, 2010, 10:51:32 PM by Milwaukee Midget »
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Offline donpearsall

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2010, 10:50:55 PM »
You get more than one run don't you? Try both and try to compare the results. That should be good info for aerodynamics data. There was a Mythbuster episode where they proved that for a pickup truck, tailgate UP was more aerodynamic. I think based on this and the car shape in general, top UP and windows all closed would be less draggy. With the top down, there is most likely going to be a lot of turbulence right after the windshield.
Don
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Offline Randall Parker

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2010, 11:49:24 PM »
You could chase down a hard top and install it for a run.  That would be the cleanest aerodynamically.
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Offline DavidinDurango

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2010, 07:42:16 AM »
I ran 130 and 150 w/ a hardtop.

Have an extra - pm me.
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Offline bradnree

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2010, 11:09:04 PM »
Thanks for the advice!  I'll be running the Ruby Slipper with my soft top up.  :-)
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Offline Jonny Hotnuts

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2010, 11:41:03 PM »
exposed roll cages are he77 on Cd.
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Offline johnneilson

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Re: Miata aerodynamics
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2010, 12:40:52 AM »
We ran Miatas in class rules trim, spec and production classes.

The Spec cars run with and without hard tops, with is better.
Some track day guys are running fastback models, much better than stock.
On the prod cars, no top and cut off the wind screen air brake.

Ride ht and rake is also very important on these little cars.

You can see some here www.jnent.net
Getting the air around the nose is very important, if rules pemit you can block off most all the inlet.

I had one of the SCTA inspectors looking the white car over for rules compliance, only the rear fenders and drivers cage area needed attention to comply.
I opted to not modify for SCTA and sold to SCCA driver.

Let me know if you want some NA HP, I have a fresh 1.6 with Haltech available.

Best of Luck, John


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