How functional are Rear Wings?

[BioBanker]

Ive been debating whether or not I should get a rear wing.

My only reason for doing so would be the added downforce it would provide on the track (Mosport, which is a VERY fast track).

I dont particularily like the look of them from many angles and they're certainly not inexpensive to boot, and Ive never felt that Im lacking on rear downforce, but hey, if the big ass wings work, why not.

Do they provide a noticeable difference?

 

[MvM]

Ive been debating whether or not I should get a rear wing.

My only reason for doing so would be the added downforce it would provide on the track (Mosport, which is a VERY fast track).

I dont particularily like the look of them from many angles and they're certainly not inexpensive to boot, and Ive never felt that Im lacking on rear downforce, but hey, if the big ass wings work, why not.

Do they provide a noticeable difference?

According to Honda just replacing the original rear-spoiler with the 2002 Type R rear-spoiler will increase the downforce on the rear tires by 25kg at a speed of 180 kph. The influence of the underbody rear diffuser seems to be minimal there.

http://world.honda.com/NSX/technology/t3.html


So, if a bigger spoiler already has this effect, a real wing would probably even work better. And, of course, a good wing is adjutable.

 

[kenjiMR]

Ive been debating whether or not I should get a rear wing.

My only reason for doing so would be the added downforce it would provide on the track (Mosport, which is a VERY fast track).

I dont particularily like the look of them from many angles and they're certainly not inexpensive to boot, and Ive never felt that Im lacking on rear downforce, but hey, if the big ass wings work, why not.

Do they provide a noticeable difference?

Yes, noticeable. Obviously also depends on the type and size of wing. An average driver wouldn't be able to tell most likely.

 

[nsxtasy]

Do they provide a noticeable difference?

No.

 

[92 white 0650]

Re: If you have to ask, you don't need it

No.

Is that the shortest Ken post ever?

For a track day NSX, there is plenty of evidence in these forums to support the general consensus that you don’t need one until you’re in the top 5% of driving experience and skill and have spent many tens of thousands of dollars on serious power and handling upgrades. Look at what Kip and others have done without one and he could potentially be World Challenge material.

You’ll definitely know from first hand experience when you need one and you won't be asking us.

 

[Shumdit]

Re: If you have to ask, you don't need it

Is that the shortest Ken post ever?

He's a post whore just trying to get to 20000 before everyone else:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :tongue: :tongue: :biggrin:

I think there is some benefit, but it would have to be a faaast track

 

[Gansan]

Re: If you have to ask, you don't need it

A wing must be balanced with a suitable splitter and undertray at the front, otherwise you're asking for more understeer. So a wing is not always an improvement in handling balance. I disagree with Ken and I would say that aero makes a BIG difference that is obvious if you are an experienced driver. On my race car, I can easily tell the difference in handling and straightline speed when changing my wing angle just a few degrees (granted, at a high speed track where aero matters).

 

[BioBanker]

Re: If you have to ask, you don't need it

Thanks for all the great info guys.

Sounds like Ive got a ways to go! But I remember Hyashi and his S2000 friends knocking seconds off their times when the Big Ass Wings showed up.

I never thought about the understeer aspect; makes sense.

 

[Peter Mills]

Very thin line between down force and drag. Trial and error on a track with a highly skilled driver and timing his laps, then switching wings etc... Wind tunnel is the best way to test but very very expensive. Also, a wing will only help you on the back straight as all the others are too short to be effective.
What lap times are you looking for? Dare I suggest you learn how to drive your NSX first.

 

[BioBanker]

Dare I suggest you learn how to drive your NSX first.

Peter, nice.

Anyways, Ive been told by people whom I thought knew what they were talking about that it makes a huge difference. I was asking if that was true as Id rather have more rear downforce than less. It seemed odd to me, but that's why I am asking the question. I dont care about drag, nor lap times.

Like I said, seems like I dont need one.

Hope to see you with Trackmasters.

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

http://www.therealjdm.com/archives/TheRealJDM03.pdf