139 replies to this topic

[NPiekarski]

The 1999 and up cars should be able to tape up the screen or even cover the bumper opening completely to help with aero. The 1.6 and 1.8 na  already have an aerodynamic advantage, they shouldn't get the help. These are the first hand parity issues that should be discussed...don'tcha think Bench?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I am betting it would be a huge advantage under 5500 rpm... 

[Bench Racer]

The 1999 and up cars should be able to tape up the screen or even cover the bumper opening completely to help with aero.

 

The 1.6 and 1.8 na  already have an aerodynamic advantage, they shouldn't get the help.

 

These are the first hand parity issues that should be discussed...don'tcha think Bench?

Ok, list the areo advantages the NA chassis has and we may discuss.

 

A.

 

B.

 

C.

[Bench Racer]

I am betting it would be a huge advantage under 5500 rpm... 

 

I am betting if the 99 plus was torque choked similar to the 1.6 below 5,500 rpm, you'd all have zero advantage below 5.500 rpm.
 

[Jim Drago]

... of consistent mesh size... and serves no other function.

Were people using very fine mesh to reduce flow though one side of the radiator or effectively duct it? Where does it say I can't use multiple staggered layers?

Former SMAC, remind us why this exists?

Probably the same reason we can tape over part of the radiator but not over the mesh or grille.

After the 2012 runoffs many were convinced that we ( east Street) "found" something and why we were taping the grill. We ran a piece of duct tape to keep the car 180 plus and I hate T-stats.  Also was a big deal in Production about wire size and aero, so it carried over into Sm.. It is silly. 

[Jim Drago]

Ok, list the areo advantages the NA chassis has and we may discuss.

 

A.

 

B.

 

C.

The lack of tq below 5500 creates an aero advantage since the car doesn't push against the air quite as hard

[Bench Racer]

^ 

[NPiekarski]

Good Question Bench

 

A: The nose is pointier...Like a shark nose

 

B: The Mirrors are rounder...Like breasts, unless there floppy then that causes drag...that's why women in bra's are faster at running that chicks going commando

 

C: The headlight are smoother...like older corvettes and corvettes are always cool cause old guys drive them.

 

Pretty simple.

[Bench Racer]

Good Question Bench

 

A: The nose is pointier...Like a shark nose

 

B: The Mirrors are rounder...Like breasts, unless there floppy then that causes drag...that's why women in bra's are faster at running that chicks going commando

 

C: The headlight are smoother...like older corvettes and corvettes are always cool cause old guys drive them.

 

Pretty simple.

 

It's simpler yet using the coefficient of drag which are engineering facts.  

 

NA = .38

 

NB = .36

 

Ah, lower number is more efficient.  

 

 
 

[Ron Alan]

Ahhhh David...we can't let facts get in the way of floppy breasts

Some just don't read much or pay attention to the year car which wins at all high speed drafting tracks!

[ChrisA]

It's simpler yet using the coefficient of drag which are engineering facts.  

 

NA = .38

 

NB = .36

 

Ah, lower number is more efficient.  

 

 
 

Those numbers don't really mean a damn thing, because they were done with a stock car at stock height with windows up. Were they don't in the same tunnel? Full scale w/rolling floor? Take the windows out, lower the car, throw wider profile tires and wheel offsets that push them in to the airflow more and who knows what the coefficient of drag is now. Certainly both numbers will be higher, but WE don't know what they are and we can't assume the NB will maintain that 200th % advantage. All we can say is the miata has the aero of a brick.

[Todd Lamb]

Which is why you have to tape the radiator screen. For aero. Got it.

[Brian129]

9.1.7.5 - A radiator screen of 1/4 inch minimum mesh may be added in front of the radiator. The screen must be installed behind the front bumper cover and attached to the air guide. Tape and/or other materials may not be applied to the mesh or in the radiator opening in the bodywork. Tape or other materials may only be added directly to the radiator.

 

Believe it or not at NASA nationals folks had to change out a bunch of screens because they were closer to 3/16".One guy had a diamond shape opening where the long side was larger than .25" but  the smaller was less but they determined his was compliant. Strange rule, stranger enforcement.

 

Come to think of it, I probably would have won the race if had true screen parity.

 

 

I could see a wish to not tape the grill opening,  as the tape would be dependant on the strength of the tape to stay in place. (which should be ok,  but...)  if the tap broke at the top it could flap, end up hanging under the car, rip and then be debris on the track. 

 

If it was onto the rad it would have no possibility to fall out and end up on the track.  It would be held with with pressure onto the radiator

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Which is why you have to tape the radiator screen. For aero. Got it.

 

No Dummy its for the torq advantage under 5500rpm 

[NPiekarski]

I was taught to not believe everything you read but if its on the internet, it MUST be true.  I don't try to get facts from Wikipedia because we know its very accurate.

 

NA- .38

NB- .36

Chevy Astro Van- .40

VW Euro Van-.37

 

Something doesn't jive.

[Todd Lamb]

The NA cheated the system. The drag was determined with headlights up.

[FTodaro]

Attention SMAC this is my request, that you request we get rid of the no tape in the radiator screen rule.

 

There is no Aero advantage, if someone says different show me the data.

 

We do it to keep heat in the car and its a PITA to pull the radiator to do it.

 

As far as advantage, i will buy a roll of duct tape and will pass it out 4" strips free to any underfunded team.

[Bench Racer]

Be creative, there are a front and back side to a radiator.  Ding, Ding, Ding, any radiator.

[Todd Lamb]

Or.... Or.... Just hear me out on this. We could do the easiest thing. We could tape the radiator screen. Crazy, I know. But it just might work.

[john mueller]

Attention SMAC this is my request, that you request we get rid of the no tape in the radiator screen rule.

 

There is no Aero advantage, if someone says different show me the data.

 

We do it to keep heat in the car and its a PITA to pull the radiator to do it.

 

 

 

Write your letter...  It would be interesting to see if this issue gathers more letters than the "1.6 suggestions" did.