That looks like a blast!
Big thanks to Ed Malle and Steve Stafford for help in creating our own functional spoilers.
We hadn't modified the bodywork before hitting the first autocross with wings, so we had to run the car naked.
After a trip to SCCA Solo Nationals, we decided to ramp up the performance of our project Formula 500 autocrosser.
With grip being one of the most important aspects of an autocross car, we decided to induce more downforce with a set of wings. To make sure our added aero performed as efficiently as possible, we enlisted the help of Grassroots Motorsports $2014 Challenge winner, Ed Malle, and aerodynamics expert, Steve Stafford.
This addition means we’ll be bumped to A Modified class at SCCA Solo events. It might not be the fastest car in its class, but we’re excited to see what the added downforce looks like on a stopwatch. We’ll also be detailing how we built these wings using composite techniques well within the reach of the average (and very patient) hobbyist. You can read all about it by subscribing to the magazine.
The video below was basically the shakedown to see if the new aero would fly off and hit us in the face. They didn’t. Soon we’ll have data showing exactly how much these new wings actually help.
That looks like a blast!
You'll get a LOT more out of those wings if they're in ground effect - more AoA before the stall and less drag. Mount the rear wing so that its lower edge "pulls" on the back of the tunnel.
chaparral wrote: You'll get a LOT more out of those wings if they're in ground effect - more AoA before the stall and less drag. Mount the rear wing so that its lower edge "pulls" on the back of the tunnel.
The original intent was to mount the front (at least) in ground effect, but the mounting proved trickier than we originally thought. And for the rear to have any effect on the diffuser it would lose a lot of forward exposure, so the decision was made to get it as high as practical and keep it up in clean air.
Both rear and front mounts need little love before the "official" testing, though. Still, our quick "proof of concept" outing was mighty impressive.
So are you going to stuff 20sq-ft of 6 element wings on it? I applaud the effort. We did something similar to an older FSAE chassis with noticeable gains.
Yes if your going to run A-mod might as well use A-mod sized wings not those little toy units.
The size of the wings was partially dictated by the design goals. JG told me what he wanted and I designed to that limit. Can't wait for the testing phase to begin... I think the numbers will impress a few of you.
Steve Stafford
kevlarcorolla wrote: Yes if your going to run A-mod might as well use A-mod sized wings not those little toy units.
The downside there is I don't have AMod horsepower to push them along.
Although, there was a supercharged jet ski with that 494 Rotax in it at one point... Hmm...
The coolest thing abut driving with aero is it makes you sort of abandon your instincts. If you feel a little slip angle building on the front, where you'd normally back off and let the tires bite again, you have this intense desire to just gun it and try and get more speed to produce more downforce to get those bastards to stick again. Sometimes it works.
JG Pasterjak wrote:kevlarcorolla wrote: Yes if your going to run A-mod might as well use A-mod sized wings not those little toy units.The downside there is I don't have AMod horsepower to push them along. Although, there was a supercharged jet ski with that 494 Rotax in it at one point... Hmm... The coolest thing abut driving with aero is it makes you sort of abandon your instincts. If you feel a little slip angle building on the front, where you'd normally back off and let the tires bite again, you have this intense desire to just gun it and try and get more speed to produce more downforce to get those bastards to stick again. Sometimes it works.
That sounds delightful. I have nothing in my future that sounds like it could get me there, but now I want to see what that's like.
I've driven with 20 sq feet of wing....yes its as awesome as it sounds.
I considered taking my f500 to a-mod(before I found out my neck hated that thing)and it would seem that the rotax engines are very lego like.It sounds like the 800cc twin will exchange with the 494 easily,clearly not up to AM front runner power status but the 800 and big wings with that F500 buy in cost is WAAAY less $$ to run almost as quick.
Oh and since your in AM anyways please please ditch those stupid hockey puck suspension canisters,hit ebay up for some cheap 3 way adjustable sport bike dampers and step into the 20 century.
kevlarcorolla wrote: Oh and since your in AM anyways please please ditch those stupid hockey puck suspension canisters,hit ebay up for some cheap 3 way adjustable sport bike dampers and step into the 20 century.
Don't think I haven't looked :)
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