R500 front "spoiler/wings"

[bradders]

With the R400 currently off the road, due to a slight mishap in the engine department, I've been looking at options to improve it. Noticed that on the Caterham website, the R500 images show two small "wings" either side of the nose cone - I am assuming to keep the front end planted when making progress.

Does anyone have any close up shots of them? Do they work? Do you know if they are available to fit an SV nose?

Cheers, Bradders.

[CanAm]

You'll find them in the Caterham Online Store. I doubt anything so small and flimsy could offer much in the way of downforce. Just my humble opinion, of course; no foundation in fact.
Alan

[fergus]

CanAm said:

You'll find them in the Caterham Online Store. I doubt anything so small and flimsy could offer much in the way of downforce. Just my humble opinion, of course; no foundation in fact.
Alan

the 'dive planes' on radical's seem to offer an increase in front end downforce in slow speed corners....

OP - have you made sure your front mudguards are not acting as sails by catching air underthem?

[bradders]

fergus said:

CanAm said:

You'll find them in the Caterham Online Store. I doubt anything so small and flimsy could offer much in the way of downforce. Just my humble opinion, of course; no foundation in fact.
Alan

the 'dive planes' on radical's seem to offer an increase in front end downforce in slow speed corners....

OP - have you made sure your front mudguards are not acting as sails by catching air underthem?

Good question Fergus - will check them when I get the car back in a few weeks. It did feel a little light when pressing on, so maybe thats the cause. Cheers.

[sam919]

I have a full Caterham Aero report done by a leading aerodynamic guru who's written books, had colums in magazines, worked at MIRA, a legend, if it aint in this it aint worth doing........costs me £250.....£50 quid a shot!!

[Dave J]

they add 78g of downforce

[fcat]

These winglets first appeared on the CSR. When developing the CSR, Caterham did some aero testing and found there was substantial front end lift at higher speed - as a race spec CSR will do around 155mph this was a serious issue; ultimately 4 things were done to reduce this: (in no particular order)

1. air dam under the nosecose - looks like a sort of chin
2. winglets on the nosecone
3. redesigned front cycle wings that hug the tyres and have a better aero profile
4. radiator airflow vent out through the top of the nosecone instead of through the engine bay and out the bottom/down the tunnels

This did not completely eliminate lift but very substantially reduced it.

[fcat]

[pedant mode on]

Dave J, I'm concerned about your units here. 70G would crush the car flat, 70 grams is less than the bloody things weigh...:E

[/pedant mode off]

[Smollet]

I've got them on my SV

I just bought them because they look nice.

[bradders]

Can't seem to find them on the online parts site. Anyone any ideas??

Cheers Bradders.

Edit : Scratch that, I believe it could be called the "Aero Whisker".

Edited by bradders on Wednesday 30th June 16:29

[mickrick]

bradders said:

Can't seem to find them on the online parts site. Anyone any ideas??

Cheers Bradders.

Edit : Scratch that, I believe it could be called the "Aero Whisker".

Edited by bradders on Wednesday 30th June 16:29

Well they are for a Cat.

[sjmmarsh]

[bradders]

sjmmarsh, did you fit them yourself, or were yours fitted from purchase?

mickrick - classic!

Cheers Bradders.

[BertBert]

Now those on their own can't really make any material difference can they?
Bert

[GetCarter]

BertBert said:

Now those on their own can't really make any material difference can they?
Bert

Well at 150 mph, if they stop some air going under the front suspension, I'd imagine they would.

Steve's assessment did make me laugh mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfy1VO4ePlA

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 1st July 14:10

[David Long]

I fitted some this year - just for a bit of fun really, but they do seem to make a difference at high speed. The data shows a few more mph than was there before and it feels more stable. I have also noticed that the front number plate is worth a few extra mph and so I don't remove it on the track anymore.

[Dave J]

big difference

those 78g's make all the diference

I can now turn into my street with an extra 0.2 mph according to my data logging

I should add that downforce is increased to 94g if
you use washers behind the bolts !

[rj]

Dave,


Are you sure it isn't caused by the downforce introduced by the boat anchor under the bonnet of your car?