I hope that this book explains the usefulness of putting giant spoilers on front wheel drive cars to all idiots who continue to do so. I also hope that it explains the difference between a real exhaust system, and a fart pipe. Kids these days are really, really, really stupid, it seems (either that, or I'm getting old).
You've obviously never taken any aerodynamics classes. The point of the spoiler isn't for traction, it goes along with the basic understanding that an airfoil will provide a significant horsepower increase. Your typical spoiler on a Civic will increase horsepower 40 to 60 percent.
Take airplanes for instance. They need a large amount of thrust to get off the ground, so aircraft engineers went ahead and put TWO big airfoils on each side, as well as some smaller ones in back.
It's all simple engineering really. Let me guess, you think that stickers are purely aesthetic, and don't serve their main purpose of abrateable heat sheilding during fast runs?
You've obviously never taken any aerodynamics classes. The point of the spoiler isn't for traction, it goes along with the basic understanding that an airfoil will provide a significant horsepower increase. Your typical spoiler on a Civic will increase horsepower 40 to 60 percent.
So, assuming that you have a Civic that will go 120 MPH +, how exactly does downward pressure on the back end accomplish adding horsepower? And I'm sorry, I only took a few college level physics classes, but from what I remembe
Well, see, since it is front wheel drive it forces hte back end of the car down, which decreases traction up front, which means the drive wheels spin easier/faster - and isn't that what HP is about?
Now pardon me while I go teach some ricers about proper handling in the twisties with my wimpy 4 cylinder car [356registry.org]...
As someone who's owned cars with spoilers, I confirm that they do add downward pressure to the back of the car. The calculation for this is quite simple: if the spoiler weighs 15lbs, it adds 15lbs of downforce.
Of course, you could put 15lbs of potatos in the trunk, and you'd get the same effect.
The purpose of a spoiler is not to provide traction, it's to provide stability at high speeds (120+), and that's only if it's functional (many spoilers have not been tested in a wind tunnel and aren't functional- for looks only). Spoilers provide pretty much zero downforce at speeds where traction is an issue.
You've obviously never taken any aerodynamics classes. The point of the spoiler isn't for traction, it goes along with the basic understanding that an airfoil will provide a significant horsepower increase.
Pot... come in pot, this is Kettle. You're looking mighty black today, over.
You forgot the thrust generated from the "fart can" style muffler. The rythmic pulse generated will induce a thrust coefficient similar to what a turbo would effect. Sure the sound is nice but the extra 50hp is the real gain. Tinted windows also reduce cabin temp allowing for increased ignition timing without detonation. Lets not forget how VTEC technology has brought hydraulic roller lifters into the spotlight. The reduced friction coupled with boost potential from the carbon fiber bling items have maximum
Wow. If a spoiler adds 40 to 60 percent horsepower, then I'm sure if I put some of those black racing stripes down the center of my 4 cylinder Neon they will add at least 10 to 20 percent, don't you think?
With all the fancy scientists in the world, why can't they just once
build a nuclear balm?
Spoliers! (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:5, Funny)
Take airplanes for instance. They need a large amount of thrust to get off the ground, so aircraft engineers went ahead and put TWO big airfoils on each side, as well as some smaller ones in back.
It's all simple engineering really. Let me guess, you think that stickers are purely aesthetic, and don't serve their main purpose of abrateable heat sheilding during fast runs?
OMG!!! (Score:2)
Re:OMG!!! (Score:2)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:3, Funny)
So, assuming that you have a Civic that will go 120 MPH +, how exactly does downward pressure on the back end accomplish adding horsepower? And I'm sorry, I only took a few college level physics classes, but from what I remembe
Re:Spoliers! (Score:1)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:1)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:2)
Now pardon me while I go teach some ricers about proper handling in the twisties with my wimpy 4 cylinder car [356registry.org]...
Re:Spoliers! (Score:2, Insightful)
Of course, you could put 15lbs of potatos in the trunk, and you'd get the same effect.
Re:Spoliers! (Score:1)
The purpose of a spoiler is not to provide traction, it's to provide stability at high speeds (120+), and that's only if it's functional (many spoilers have not been tested in a wind tunnel and aren't functional- for looks only). Spoilers provide pretty much zero downforce at speeds where traction is an issue.
Re:Spoliers! (Score:1)
I guess you've never stomped on the brakes hard enough.
Re:Spoliers! (Score:2)
Pot... come in pot, this is Kettle. You're looking mighty black today, over.
What? Informative? Insightful? (Score:2)
Re:What? Informative? Insightful? (Score:2)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Spoliers! (Score:2)