| Re: Aerodynamics
Hi Bill,
Don't you just wish you could get one of these guys to sit down and lay ALL the facts on the table.
Since non of the replicas use the pre '66 nose and all have the rear spoiler, I seriously doubt there's any problem with high speed areodynamic stability in any decent replica. The "standard" GT40 shape we're all familiar with probably has some high speed lift, perhaps 10% of the total weight, nothing like lifting the front wheels off the track which the earliest prototypes reportedly did.
Of course today you can't build a supercar without "downforce", or 15" wheels for that matter. Ad variable assist power steering, ABS, adaptive suspension, traction control and so on, what do you get? a car that gets from A>B looking good but with no soul.
I can say from experience that the CAV is rock stable well over 175mph and the car lets you know whats going on as well has how good you are. These cars require finesse and concentration to drive quickly, try to muscle one around and it will make you look a fool.
Anyone planning to go really fast in a home built GT40 replica should have the whole car gone over buy a competent race car shop first and pay attention to the details.
There's a lot more to be gained in spring/shock rates, ride height, alignment, weight distribution and tire pressures than worrying about the body shape.
Maybe someone should ask Jackie Ickx how unstable 1075 was, he ought to know...
Cheers |