Aerodynamics

[marT350T]

I have a 2 door hatchback car which I use for drag racing, Is there any simplish mods that can be done to make it more aerodynamic so thet I can increase my terminal speed.

Thanks

[PJ S]

One or two come to mind - 1/2 or 3/4 fill the wheel arches, as well as underbody floor pan.

[belleair302]

Its not that simple. Weight is going to be your biggest issue. If the car weighs less its acceleration and speed will increase. Aerodynamics will not play much of a part at under 100mph.

[evolutionvalet]

Martin,


really it comes down to weight and traction.....the Polo is a fairly light car but look to rplace glas with plexiglass/ perspex which should save some weight. Maybe a carbon or fibreglass bonnet/bootlid depending on cost.

Dont worry about folding mirrors etc like some hot hatch drivers do....that wont help much over the 1/4 mile.

Appart from weight, then decent drag radials (which I presume you have) should help along with lighter wheels to reduced rolling mass.

I have found, to be quicke, I had to concentrate more on my launch and reaction time to get the timing down. Once you are down below a 0.5 sec reaction time should you be thinking of geting the car modded more I would think.


Kev

[marT350T]

evolutionvalet said:

Martin,


really it comes down to weight and traction.....the Polo is a fairly light car but look to rplace glas with plexiglass/ perspex which should save some weight. Maybe a carbon or fibreglass bonnet/bootlid depending on cost.

Dont worry about folding mirrors etc like some hot hatch drivers do....that wont help much over the 1/4 mile.

Appart from weight, then decent drag radials (which I presume you have) should help along with lighter wheels to reduced rolling mass.

I have found, to be quicke, I had to concentrate more on my launch and reaction time to get the timing down. Once you are down below a 0.5 sec reaction time should you be thinking of geting the car modded more I would think.


Kev

I have done all of the above aprat from the body panels which I am trying to find
Last year my my reaction times were pretty constant at 0.6 sec, not that make any difference in my time as the time only starts when you move.

Thanks

[dickkark]

friend of mine spent 3 days with a drill and tank cutter on his anglia, drilled everything,things like the bonnet & boot hinges,support pressings under the panels,pedal box etc.
if done carefully you can retain the cars strength and shave off quite a bit of weight.
every bracket on the car looked like swiss cheese,he reckon`s he had about 20-25kg of metal and swarf after.
If its just for dragging what about ripping the dash and heater out and fitting plexi windows,glass weighs a lot.