How Close To The Track?

[DanStokes]

Just wondering if anyone has a rule of thumb for how far off the track the front air damn needs to be so it doesn't scrape. I know it varies with suspension compliance and so on but I'm just looking for a safe starting point.

Dan

[miketblsr]

1/2 TO 3/4 of an inch Dan.

[DanStokes]

Thanks Mike! Mine's WAY higher than that but I may add a skirt later.

Dan

[Joe Timney.]

Check clearance at the bump stop.

[DanStokes]

Thanks Joe - as usual, great suggestion.

Dan

[Russell]

I saw a couple of air dams rub the metal disc before the starting line I think they are reflectors? that would be my number to use, unless its flexable.

[miketblsr]

If you plan on keeping your air dam for any length of time plastic at the bottom is a smart idea!!!!

[DanStokes]

This is a 1 time deal. But I left quite a bit of clearance just to be sure. Should be fine (I think). And ANYTHING has to be better than the windtunnel I had under there before.

Dan

[JoeyG]

I'm following your train of thought Dan. I made mine with about 1.5" of clearance.

[YELLA BRICK]

If you have any sort of frontal downforce, it'll compress the front suspension at the top end, AND allow for bumps at speed.

At Mojave in '10 I scraped off 1/2 inch just from downforce, no bumps.

[JoeyG]

Yella Brick, what was you height with the car at rest?

[YELLA BRICK]

2.0 inches

[DanStokes]

I set mine at 2 1/2. I have no idea how it'll do at speed - hoping someone will take a pic at the Big End so I can see it.

Dan

[greenjunk]

Joey that is way to much for your car. It has a ton of lift on the nose because its shaped like a bubble

[JoeyG]

Joey that is way to much for your car. It has a ton of lift on the nose because its shaped like a bubble

Eh, well I already made it and set the distance to 2-1/4" above ground. Worst case I'll find out how bad it hurts me when I make a motor pass first off. I've watched all the C5 wind tunnel tests I could find (all 5) and it always seems to have a stagnate point of air at the lower nose. Then like you said forms a semi-bubble over the roof and tail but there is a little lift once over the rear bumper cover. Oh my bumper cover was already messed up from an armadillo collision last year.