Touring car aerodynamics....really a big difference??

[Bugs Buggy]

I just got a used XXX-S Graphite Pro and am looking to get a new body and new wheels/tires for it. I'll probbably race it at a local indoor track (fairly small track ,asphalt) mostly, plus at an outdoor track in the summers (a bit larger, in a parking lot with traction compound applies on the racing line...). I'm trying to avoid getting a standard touring car body and instead want to get something more exotic or more vintage (Saleen S7R, 65 Mustang GT350, 68 Camaro, Viper GTS, GT40, etc.). I'm no aerodynamisist by any means, but I was wondering how much difference the aero package on these bodies really makes. I have expermented with different configurations of the rear wing on my B4, but didn't find much difference with the car's handling after each change....

I know real cars such as the Porche 911 and the Chrysler Crossfire have (or had) spoilers that automatically deploy when above a certain speed... So do the wings and spoilers on touring car bodies actually make enough downforce at speed to make much difference (especially on a short track)?? Or do they add more directional stability, if anything???

Also, I notice a lot of wings on cars are mounted fairly low... perhaps that helps reduce drag??? If I could, I would try and mount it as high as possible so it gets cleaner air (sort of like the Chapparals of old..)...again, if they make a big enough difference...

The Aero Package must do something, since Protoform makes carpet vs all purpose body types...But I wonder if chassis tuning is much more important overall that the aerodynamics...


Aero-heads and racers respond at will, I'm interested in heading opinions on this topic before I get a new body (I'll probably not go too overboard, this is the first onroad car I've purchased sicne a Parma 10th scal pan car years and years ago...so I'll probably crash a lot :D )

I'm pretty siked about getting into onroad racing. I like off road racing a lot, but you can personalise your race car so much more with an onroad car..

:cool:

Bugs

[Rtsbasic]

As far as I know, having the top of the wing less than the max hight of the bodyshell is the best way to go. Bodyshells can affect the cars steering response and high speed stability mostly, everything else is harder to notice. Personally I run an aerodynamic shell when racing, but off the track I prefer shells that actually look good (although the Mazda 6 is a good compromise).

Of course, you won't notice it much until you get tuned into your car and get consistant, at which point setup changes including the shell & wing will start to make a difference.

[gizmoguy303]

The body definitely makes a difference. If you are racing, go with a body that is designed for racing like the ones from Protoform. The Mazda 6 sounds like it would fit your applications pretty well.

[PitStops]

in TC racing the body and wing make a huge difference in the way your vehicle handles. not only will a wing provide downforce in the straights but it will also help control your car in the corners.

check out this site for more info http://users.pandora.be/elvo/

Bryan

[cmdj_chris]

I ran the mustang gt 350 body after running an eclipse body. I might have well run with a shoebox as a body. Once you get your car dialed in, and you can turn consistent laptimes, you will notice the difference. While the mustang body looks good, it drives like crap. One other thing to consider is what the track rules are. I have raced at tracks that only allow certain bodies.

[Giant655]

yes, touring car bodies make a HUGE difference in howw the car behaves on the track. Roar has a website that shows all bodies that are roar legal, but I cant remember the website :mad: . If you are looking for a nice neutral setup, go with like a few people said, a mazda 6, or a parma alfa, BMW M3/5. You have to remember how fast these cars go when you think that aero doesent matter, scale somewhere around 150-300 MPH ( dont flame me people!!! LOL) and full size cars benefit greatly from a little wind tunnel testing. Just be sure not to get confused on which size to buy. In touring you hear 200mm and 190MM, 200 is for nitro, 190 is for electric if you didnt already know

[ducati777]

Scale speeds don't really apply, but I agree that the body can make a big difference. I can tell even on my 18th scalers. Its funny how you wouldn't think a half inch lexan wing would do much, but it really does. Its also a lot of fun to play with.

I started gluing oversize wings onto bodies one day. It was fun to see how they all acted, if anything I'm a big fan of vertical stabilizers now. That added directional control is key.

Anyway have fun, and expierment every chance you get. If there is practice at the track, tear it up and try different bodies. Who knows someone at the track might have a different style body you could try. RC'ers are typically a pretty friendly bunch.

[highroller]

Certain bodies do have downforce qualities, even the same body style from a different manufacturer don't always have the exact same handling. On the front the amount of angle works good and too much doesn't, roof height and it angle to front and rear deck also helps or henders downforce. A roofline that's too high in relation to rear deck doesn't allow air to reach rear spoiler. While rules limit spoiler size you can use different sizes of side dams to channel or decrease the amount of air. Placement can also alter balance a little - for more forward bit mount body a little forward, or a little to the rear if it tends to have too much front downforce.

[Bugs Buggy]

Well, I went ahead an got a CADILLAC CTS-VR. I'll paint it like my offroad buggy, Purple Pearl and add Autographics white pinstripes to it...with Takeoff white dish wheels and 36 tires, it should look pretty good :)

(I can't paint worth a darn, so I always stick with one color... also, I figure I'll crash this thing some since it's my first stint on road....why waist a ton of time painting when I may have to get a new body anyways :rolleyes: )

:cool:

Bugs

[ritchies rc10gt]

i have had reall good luck with the dodge stratus bodies on my NTC3.i can tell the difference in handleing between the stratus and chrysler 300M and other bodies.the wing makes a HUGE difference,wait till it comes off while driving.the rear end of the car will be all over the place,very hard to keep it straight.when my wing gets ripped off i usually put the car away as this is when my biggest wrecks happen.

[highroller]

Years backI didn't think spoilers or wings made a big difference but it does, but too much also reduces speed by creating too much drag - there is a middle ground. Ever try to run 6cell modified pan car -then have it come loose on a back stretch thats 200ft long - airborne - yeow.