Anyone running time trials with a wing?

[truegearhead]

I've been shocked how many NASA TT 4 cars run wings, including the one Boxster in the group. I'm not running one and I'm starting time trials (TT4) in two weeks. I'm not in a huge rush to be competitive and cover my car in aero but was curious what you guys thought. Is a wing worth anything in a 2.5l Boxster?

[MaxD]

A wing would be nice, but you really have to think about drag and the real cost of aero.

You need to eek everything out of a spec (2.5) Boxster to be competitive in TT4 and you won't be. NASA really screwed to pooch on this by kicking everyone out the the higher alphabet classes to TT4.

Are you going to be significantly faster in the corners that the loss of top speed on the straights works for you? The tracks you run and data acquisition should help you decide.

[Lemming]

I've not done it on my boxster, but did on my 3L 924S (220 rwhp, 2506 lbs race weight). Splitter and wing cost me 4 mph top speed coming into T10a at Road Atlanta, but saved me 1.5 seconds for the overall lap.

[truegearhead]

Any wing recommendations? I don't think I'll run one this year but it might be something to play with this winter.

[Lemming]

I've had two, a cheapo ebay ricer wing and a 70" predator from GT-racing. Both worked, but I would look around to see what is working on the boxster. Don't forget, it you add a wing, you will need a good splitter in the front to balance it out. Aero is a slippery slope, lot's of testing and changes will need to made to get it right.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Lemming

I've had two, a cheapo ebay ricer wing and a 70" predator from GT-racing. Both worked, but I would look around to see what is working on the boxster. Don't forget, it you add a wing, you will need a good splitter in the front to balance it out. Aero is a slippery slope, lot's of testing and changes will need to made to get it right.

+986
You can't just throw something on the car and think it will do what you expect. Factory aero has gone through wind tunnel testing validate the effect it has.

I always laugh when people throw on fleabay aero and think it is going to improve things. Often it can have a detrimental effect.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by JayG

+986
I always laugh when people throw on fleabay aero and think it is going to improve things. Often it can have a detrimental effect.

So true. On the red 924S I had an issue with the front end lifting at T9 at Road Atlanta. My solution was to add a splitter. Next time there, the front end was planted and the ass end was all over the place (not just T9, but also the esses) and lap times when UP! Then I had to add a wing and start the balancing act. In the end, the car was much better, but it took time and effort to get it there. If you do not have a data acquisition system in the car, you will need one.

I will also say that one of the reasons that I sold the V8 944 was because I got sick and tired of the constant arms race ($$$) and track tuning that was required to win/podium in wt/hp class racing.

[Lemming]

I've not seen any wind tunnel data for the 986, but having that information is very useful. Something like below for the 924.

[Topless]

Aero is often very track dependent. In PCA Z8 we pay a lot of points for aero and it works well at Chuckwalla but kills you at AAA Speedway. I am sticking with tire grip for now.

[rastta]

My car had aero on it when I bought it. Wing is in middle position. Front has a GT3 splitter. I added the canards. To be completely honest - I've never messed with it in terms of position. Car feels neutral and if it ain't broke. The canards did help keep the front more planted.

[truegearhead]

Originally Posted by rastta

My car had aero on it when I bought it. Wing is in middle position. Front has a GT3 splitter. I added the canards. To be completely honest - I've never messed with it in terms of position. Car feels neutral and if it ain't broke. The canards did help keep the front more planted.

Wow that's a sharp looking car!

[rastta]

Originally Posted by truegearhead

Wow that's a sharp looking car!

Thanks! It's so much fun!

[truegearhead]

Perhaps I went to far....

[Lemming]

Nothing wrong with a tall wing, but I am not so sure about that spoiler. IMO, the spoiler is adding mostly drag. If more downforce is needed, greater wing angle and/or gurney flap will give it to you without as much drag.

[JayG]

You need to wind tunnel test it or at least use a CFD application.
Otherwise you are literally pissing in the wind (pun intended)