front end down force
Discussion
I can't help but notice that when laiden with a full tank of fuel how the front of my little car lifts.. ok so i solve this by running half tank all the time.. but that only lasts 120 odd miles....
but theres more, above 100 in fact anything above 80 really the front of the chimaera becomes a little too light for my likeing, i am aware of the little wings on the the front of the tuscan 2, i presume these do the job?! anyone running anything similar on a chim? or shall i get out the old ice cream tubs and my glue gun?
but theres more, above 100 in fact anything above 80 really the front of the chimaera becomes a little too light for my likeing, i am aware of the little wings on the the front of the tuscan 2, i presume these do the job?! anyone running anything similar on a chim? or shall i get out the old ice cream tubs and my glue gun?
The fuel tank is behind the rear axle isn't it? So putting more fuel in actually means less weight on the front wheels. It'll also make the rear end ride lower will increase the aerodynamic lift. If I were you I'd check the front splitter is still there, check the tyre pressures and front/rear ride height, check the geometry. These things can make a big difference to the feel of the steering at speed, and I suspect the feeling of vagueness you are interpreting as front end lift is actually coming from the steering.
mark you've hit it mate..but a stragiht lines fine, tried corners? understeer! well i say that its more just about 'the lack of what, at lower speeds say 60-80, corners feel solid and balanced and you have fun skipping the rear', know what i mean? you can push and push it below a ton and it bites and is just so predictable, but that lift over.. is not so reassuring, anyone know where i can buy and/or try a splitter?
Saw a Chimaera for sale on Autotrader recently that had an aftermarket splitter on the front (the bolt-on boy racer type). Actually looked really good and gave the from of the car a more purposeful look.
Not sure if they actually add any downforce though, or whether they are purely cosmetic.
anyone had any experience with them (on any car, not just TVR's)?
Not sure if they actually add any downforce though, or whether they are purely cosmetic.
anyone had any experience with them (on any car, not just TVR's)?
hut49 said:
backslide said:
anyone know where i can find a splitter?
Scattered around the entrances to most NCP car parks and the nearest speed hump to your property after you have one fitted
and there was me thinking i'd run over a cat!? maybe i should buy a cayenne (shudder)
Edited by backslide on Monday 3rd July 14:17
Edited by backslide on Monday 3rd July 14:18
The splitter on the chimaera's are not actually visable if you are just looking aound the car. It is positioned underneath the car (sort of under where the radiator/fans are). Easy to spot if you are looking for it and there is bound to be a picture on here somewhere if you do a search.
It also stops the bonner lifting at speed which can be experienced if the splitter has come off.
It also stops the bonner lifting at speed which can be experienced if the splitter has come off.
just had a look, er nothing like the stave heath picture shows, the whole bumper area (housing rad) is a sealed unit there are no scoops or splitters anywhere or behind it... regardless i believe the car needs more downforce anyway.
those tuscan flaps are there for the same reason F1 cars have them.. they work! i want some.. wheres mr heath these days or has he moved over to a six?
those tuscan flaps are there for the same reason F1 cars have them.. they work! i want some.. wheres mr heath these days or has he moved over to a six?
Edited by backslide on Monday 3rd July 14:35
backslide said:
mark you've hit it mate..but a stragiht lines fine, tried corners? understeer! well i say that its more just about 'the lack of what, at lower speeds say 60-80, corners feel solid and balanced and you have fun skipping the rear', know what i mean? you can push and push it below a ton and it bites and is just so predictable, but that lift over.. is not so reassuring, anyone know where i can buy and/or try a splitter?
Interesting, not really had cornering problems to be honest, just go in flat and smooth and ease the car out the other side. The only time I felt a bit uncomfortable was when I was corning really rather faster than I should have been and the palms got a bit sweaty. Presumably your tyres are at the right pressure and the geometry is all ok?
not trying to teach you to suck eggs.
I just don't see all this splitter stuff doing anything - have tried on and off - no difference and at big number speeds - more down to suspension IMO stiffer springs and lower it and bin splitter. But running it with low fuel cos a bit light at the front - you woul bethe pertol station every other day (or every day in my case!).
Get it by the scruff of the neck and drive it hard.
Get it by the scruff of the neck and drive it hard.
Edited by jellison on Monday 3rd July 16:17
The splitter might have some effect on stability, but it will probably not be a lot. By the look of it, the main effect will be on cooling because without the splitter there's very little incentive for the air to turn up into the rad.
Mine has a much bigger splitter stuck right out the front several inches clear of the bodywork. Again it improves flow through the radiator and counteracts the front end lift at high speed. Even without the splitter the car feels pretty steady up to the rev limit in top gear, but the splitter improves the balance in high speed corners. It also had a noticeable effect on the cooling, although that wasn't the main reason for doing it.
Mine has a much bigger splitter stuck right out the front several inches clear of the bodywork. Again it improves flow through the radiator and counteracts the front end lift at high speed. Even without the splitter the car feels pretty steady up to the rev limit in top gear, but the splitter improves the balance in high speed corners. It also had a noticeable effect on the cooling, although that wasn't the main reason for doing it.
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