To CRX Owners, Not Hatchback : Aerodynamics and Downforce Questions
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To CRX Owners, Not Hatchback : Aerodynamics and Downforce Questions
First off, i'd like to state this is NOT a cosmetic debate. I'm after sheer <U>PERFORMANCE</U> , not the LOOK of the ability to go fast.
I'd also like to state that I already know somewhat how to work with carbon-fiber. My speciality is really fiberglass, but they go hand in hand.
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Well, My CRX project has been progressing well and i've been interested in a few things. The main things i'm building my CRX for is for drag, and top speed.
The CRX itself seems pretty aerodynamically set. The front windshield is at a fair steep angle, and the rear window slopes an angle that would cause very little vacuum in the rear.
My questions are the following:
Front End:
Would anyone know a bit about tuning the front end a little better? I've been contemplating with fabricating a piece of carbon-fiber to use as a front spoiler. Would anyone have a guess on how much of a slant to put on the spoiler, and how long do I make it?
Rear End:
From what i've heard, a majority of drag is caused by the rear bumper. Just like with the front end, i've been playing with the possibility of creating a TAITEC-style rear diffuser out of carbon-fiber as well. The only i've been stuck up on the a wing. What height should the wing itself be? What slant should it be at as well? I've also considered using the spoiler in conjunction with roof-mounted Vortex generators, much like the EVO.
I'm after maximum traction at over 100 mph speeds.
I'd also like to state that I already know somewhat how to work with carbon-fiber. My speciality is really fiberglass, but they go hand in hand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, My CRX project has been progressing well and i've been interested in a few things. The main things i'm building my CRX for is for drag, and top speed.
The CRX itself seems pretty aerodynamically set. The front windshield is at a fair steep angle, and the rear window slopes an angle that would cause very little vacuum in the rear.
My questions are the following:
Front End:
Would anyone know a bit about tuning the front end a little better? I've been contemplating with fabricating a piece of carbon-fiber to use as a front spoiler. Would anyone have a guess on how much of a slant to put on the spoiler, and how long do I make it?
Rear End:
From what i've heard, a majority of drag is caused by the rear bumper. Just like with the front end, i've been playing with the possibility of creating a TAITEC-style rear diffuser out of carbon-fiber as well. The only i've been stuck up on the a wing. What height should the wing itself be? What slant should it be at as well? I've also considered using the spoiler in conjunction with roof-mounted Vortex generators, much like the EVO.
I'm after maximum traction at over 100 mph speeds.
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Re: To CRX Owners, Not Hatchback : Aerodynamics and Downforce Questions (SIred91)
Aha, but you're wrong.
Honda CRX has less coefficient drag than a Lamborghini Diablo.
Downforce is another issue...obviously some of that cof. drag. would be sacrificed to gain a little traction and planting to the tarmac instead.
# 5.10 - 1999 Honda Insight
# 5.71 - 1990 Honda CR-X Si
# 5.76 - 1968 Toyota 2000GT
# 5.80 - 1986 Toyota MR2
# 5.81 - 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
# 5.88 - 1990 Nissan 240SX
# 5.92 - 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster
# 5.95 - 1990 Mazda RX7
# 6.00 - 1970 Lamborghini Miura
# 6.13 - 1993 Acura NSX
# 6.17 - 1995 Lamborghini Diablo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient
Yes, the Honda Insight has the least amount recorded yet. =P
Honda CRX has less coefficient drag than a Lamborghini Diablo.
Downforce is another issue...obviously some of that cof. drag. would be sacrificed to gain a little traction and planting to the tarmac instead.
# 5.10 - 1999 Honda Insight
# 5.71 - 1990 Honda CR-X Si
# 5.76 - 1968 Toyota 2000GT
# 5.80 - 1986 Toyota MR2
# 5.81 - 1989 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
# 5.88 - 1990 Nissan 240SX
# 5.92 - 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster
# 5.95 - 1990 Mazda RX7
# 6.00 - 1970 Lamborghini Miura
# 6.13 - 1993 Acura NSX
# 6.17 - 1995 Lamborghini Diablo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient
Yes, the Honda Insight has the least amount recorded yet. =P
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Re: To CRX Owners, Not Hatchback : Aerodynamics and Downforce Questions (office888)
down force wont help your top speed.. first of all. most of your problems cannot be solved unless you have a wind tunnel or are really good at differential equations involving fluid systems.. and.. ahem, why would you want a wing on your car.. unless it is on the hood, which would look pretty goofy.
if you want maximum traction, get some stiff springs for the back that add a little in height.. that should tip your car forward, thereby shifting the center of gravity forward a bit. it will also rotate the body of your car longitudinally forward, thus raising the angle of attack http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_attack of the of the hood, giving you more down force where you need it.. over the front wheels. and then you wont need to buy a wing..
if you want maximum traction, get some stiff springs for the back that add a little in height.. that should tip your car forward, thereby shifting the center of gravity forward a bit. it will also rotate the body of your car longitudinally forward, thus raising the angle of attack http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angle_of_attack of the of the hood, giving you more down force where you need it.. over the front wheels. and then you wont need to buy a wing..
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Re: To CRX Owners, Not Hatchback : Aerodynamics and Downforce Questions (sanimalp)
Keep in mind the CRX has a very short wheelbase, which will sacrafice some stability at very high speeds.
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