Im hoping we can share ideas that you have either adopted from other racecars, or things you've developed on your own. I dont think anyone here is going to be racing head-to-head against each other and will really want to keep their ideas to themselves. If you do, thats fine. My hope is that we can share ideas and help all of the Roadsters get out and kick butt.
I think the biggest thing Ive seen is in regards to airflow and managing that airflow in and around the car.
Airflow into the engine bay
Heres some pics from Solvang of the beautiful #33 car. Direct routing of air into the oversized radiator
The Rock Vest car has a nice heatshield that runs forward to the front, as well as using the headlight opening to route air to the carbs
a few more views of it
Aerodynamics/ Downforce
Removing the windshield seems to be a #1 item for a full-bore racer, so that reduces drag.
I know the BRE air dam is a purely functional setup, anyone care to share close up pics or mods they did to improve its functionality. Has anyone done anything like a rear wing/ spoiler. I dont think this is remotely legal, but has anyone actually tested to see if there is any value to one?
I also have been reading about the airflow into the wheel wells and the lift they can cause. Saw this on a race-car 510 and was wondering if youone has adopted something similar?
Weight Reduction
Obviously anything that doesnt belong should be removed, but are there some often-overlooked items that help trim the fat? Im at the point that the heatercore is about to come out, but not really sure what else there is to do other than lightweight body parts (which Im not sure how legal they are for Vintage racing)
that said, I am happy to share. Keep in mind that sanctioning bodies will allow some modifications but not others, keep in mind that rules are there for a reason, to make the playing field as even as possible. Note that My 67.5 and Mikes 68 (the Rock Vest Car) raced in different eras with different rules. So for instance my car due to the rules I race with which are C Production rules from 1972 do not allow a cold air intake through the headlight, although it was legal in E Production in the 80's and 90's along with a lower weight and suspension pickup point modifications. With this tips and tricks section you might want to segregate this by classification. That said we can address a few problems that Roadsters have: 1) Roadsters trap heat in the engine compartment, anything you can do to clean up the air going into the engine compartment or to get it out will help with performance, the BRE airdam across the bottom of the car helps clean up the flow and pull some heat out of the motor for instance. 2) comp springs are not a benefit on a roadster, they lower the back of the car too much and don't provide the softer compliance needed in the back of the car. We run the front of the car as tight as possible and the back as loose as possible. We run a Panhard rod to dial in the rear suspension and to adjust the roll center.
