land-speed
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: Horsepower and Wings

To: John Beckett <johnbeck@blueridge.cc.nc.us>
Subject: Re: Horsepower and Wings
From: "Thomas E. Bryant" <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 19:50:00 -0700
Interesting conversation! I have had the opportunity to consider the
alternatives allowed to improve traction. I have changed my mind about
about ballast. It is usually thought by many (myself included at one
time) that if the rear wheels are spinning, add more weight to the rear.
I have come to the opinion that more weight is not always the answer. 

As some of you know, we had a problem with traction a couple of years
ago, spinning at three meets, going upside down on the last one. After
talking to many, who are more savvy than I, it was determined that
balance was the big problem. Center of gravity versus center of
pressure. Adding weight to the rear may have solved the wheel spin, but
if they should spin, there is more imbalance than before. (The reason a
car spins is likely that the center of gravity is to far to the rear,
therefore when the wheels spin, the rear being heavier wants to lead.)   

We added approximately 500 lbs to the front of the car. At the World
Finals in 1997 I drove 224 MPH, on probably the very worst course that I
had been on at Bonneville, the car was free-wheeling the last two miles
and never once wanted to get sideways. After removing about half of the
weight because of suspension problems, with my son driving,  it got
loose and again spun, this time a much slower spin with long side-slides
which is probably why it went over. (before the weight the spins were
very quick, almost snap spins).

After the rebuild, at Muroc last year I got side ways again (no weight}.
Since then we have added a spoiler and the weight is back in the car. So
far it has gone straight. However, horsepower has not been up to par. We
are still in the experimental stage, but I am convinced we are on the
right track. I don't like to carry the extra weight, but I really don't
need the extra thrills.

If you are experiencing traction problems, I recommend, spoilers, wings,
or anything else the law allows. Going straight is a lot more fun!!!

Tom

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>