Canards

[Dimer]

We are going to compete in the 2010 Toyo Time Attack, but we are having problems with the downforce on the front of the car. The nose seems to get very light at high speeds and this makes the front wheels lock up at braking.

To eliminate this problem I was thinking to put canards on the front bumper.

This is our car:

But Taitec has discontinued the canard set.

The Downforce GT Diffuser is on its way and we are trying to make the underside of the car completely flat with aluminum plates.

What else can we do to reduce the front from getting lighter at high speeds? Do universal canards help? How do I know what to buy?

 

[FXMDBilly]

Is that the Titec rear wing?

What model and size tires are you running front and rear?

What brakes (caliper, rotor, pad) are you running front and rear? Do you have ABS deactivated?

Before knowing the above, there is a high likelyhood that the front lockup is a result from an imbalance in the braking system, especially if you have aftermarket brakes.

In regards to the "lightness" of the front of the car, a 2-4" splitter will make a substantial difference and might not need the addition of canards. You can look up pictures of our racecar and the custom canards we made. Making your own canards with a similar design would be far more effective than any "off-the-shelf" canards which are more for looks than function. The canards for your current front bumper appear to be more of a "show" piece than functional.

If you can't find any photos, I will send you close-up pictures of our front bumper/canard design.

Billy

 

[Ponyboy]

I think the only other alternative to the canards is getting an NA1 hood w/ the NA2 NSX-R hood duct, actual internal ducting so that air will flow through it, and the NSX-R underbody panels for the front. And fab up a splitter as well.

 

[Dimer]

Is that the Titec rear wing?

What model and size tires are you running front and rear?

What brakes (caliper, rotor, pad) are you running front and rear? Do you have ABS deactivated?

Before knowing the above, there is a high likelyhood that the front lockup is a result from an imbalance in the braking system, especially if you have aftermarket brakes.

In regards to the "lightness" of the front of the car, a 2-4" splitter will make a substantial difference and might not need the addition of canards. You can look up pictures of our racecar and the custom canards we made. Making your own canards with a similar design would be far more effective than any "off-the-shelf" canards which are more for looks than function. The canards for your current front bumper appear to be more of a "show" piece than functional.

If you can't find any photos, I will send you close-up pictures of our front bumper/canard design.

Billy

Yes it is the Taitec rear wing.

Front brakes are GT2 Brembo brakes with Brembo discs. Rear is stock. Both calipers have Ferrodo pads.

We run two different set of wheels and tires. I will get you the sizes asap.

I would appreciate some close op pics of your canards and splitter.

I also came accross this pic, see attachement, would this help?

 

[Dimer]

I think the only other alternative to the canards is getting an NA1 hood w/ the NA2 NSX-R hood duct, actual internal ducting so that air will flow through it, and the NSX-R underbody panels for the front. And fab up a splitter as well.

I was thinking about doing this mod, plus it looks great

 

[FXMDBilly]

I forgot to mention the hood. Yes a vented hood and peoperly sealing off the radiator to the hood will greatly improve front downforce as well.

There are also many things you can do to increase front downforce including front diffusers, ducted hood, canards, splitter, etc... With the splitter then hood being the 2 easiest followed by the canards.

The flat-bottom looks like what we currently run. I will cautuin you that this reduces airflow to the tranny and engine and the ducting you have pictured are really important at preventing extreme engine bay and tranny temps. A tranny cooler greatly reduces this problem.

What "Brembo GT2" brakes are you running? Are they a monoblock, bolted together 2-piece? Do you know the rotor and caliper piston sizes? Can you take a picture of the brakes? Is it safe to assume you don't have ABS?

Billy

 

[FXMDBilly]

Our splitter and canards:

More pics: http://www.doubledgarage.com/?m=20100102

EDIT:

Your splitter does not need to be this long! From seeing the Taitec wing in person, it dosn't appear to be a high downforce wing. I will caution you that adding a big front splitter, canards, and the hood might give you an aero imbalance with too much front grip. Our rear wing has a significant Angle Of Attack, a large gurney flap and decklid spoiler to support the high AOA of the wing, and a large diffuser that works with the decklid spoiler. Through extensive testing we have found a fairly good balance with this setup on our car.

I would suggest only having a 2-4" front splitter with NO supports (unlike our car pictured) and use a carbon fiber-reinforced splitter thats strong enough to be able to stand on (ideally).

Good luck!


Billy

 

[Ponyboy]

That's not a splitter. That's a repurposed tractor bucket from a Kubota.

Sheesh, that thing is huge. Dimer, you'll have no problem with high speed corner traction with that thing.

 

[Dimer]

That is one big ass splitter!

Thanks for the pics.

P.S. I love the FXMD car!! It's a monster