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Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance?

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Old Aug 25, 2001 | 10:55 AM
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Default Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance?

Hi Everyone,
I was curious to know what everyone thought about acceleration performance with the targa top removed? My feeling is from 0-60 the difference would be negligible but anything above that the hatch area would act like a parachute and diminish performance significantly due to the increased drag. Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Joe
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Old Aug 25, 2001 | 11:34 AM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (CRUZMISL)

Are you going to racing on the track? If not I would say Who Cares.. I think some us go to far in to this performance quest, (myself included) when we step back and think about it a min, what difference does it make if the goes 3 mph faster with the top on? Are you not going to be thrilled to be going over 130 mph anyway? How long do you think you will stay at top speed? You know what I mean.. 2-3 hp here and 1 or 2 there, yea it is always best to get all you can with-in reason, but diminishing returns on $$ spent as we squeeze more out it, I am happy as hell in my convertible with top down punching off from a roll or dead stop but I really like staying in 2nd and hauling down twisting road, I know it would be better handling as a hardtop BUT I don't want a hardtop I want to feel the air.. My .02cents (I had a little caffeine this am, so I am a bit chatty this am....lololol :cheers:
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Old Aug 25, 2001 | 01:14 PM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (chuckoc)

Well the reason I posted the question was because yesterday I raced an Fbody ramair from a stop. I pulled probably about 7 car lengths on him in the first 200 feet or so and we went up to about 130 mph. He never caught me I was just curious if I would have been further ahead if I had the roof on and windows closed.

My feeling is 3 mph faster can mean the difference between winning and losing whether on the street or track but I am very competetive

Joe
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Old Aug 25, 2001 | 04:33 PM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (CRUZMISL)

Good kill. :smash:
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Old Aug 25, 2001 | 08:49 PM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (2000^C5)

It's a good point. Smart to remember to roll up your windows and put the roof on at the track or during a race for money.
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Old Aug 28, 2001 | 11:13 AM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (MelloYellow)

Mellow,

FWIW you can't race at any track without the roof in.

PS You said the other day you were driving a GrandPrix while the vette is in the shop. I remember when I met you on Dixie Hwy and I was driving a Grand Prix waiting on my 01 to arrive.


[Modified by Steve-O, 10:15 AM 8/28/2001]
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Old Aug 28, 2001 | 02:11 PM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (Steve-O)

I would think that at 130mph in the coupe, you would have to hold on tight to keep from blowing out of the vette. The wind buffeting had to be intense.

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Old Aug 29, 2001 | 02:27 AM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (rschiltz)

I would think that at 130mph in the coupe, you would have to hold on tight to keep from blowing out of the vette. The wind buffeting had to be intense.
I hit < 145 with the roof off and the windows down. It was rather windy :yesnod:
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Old Aug 29, 2001 | 02:41 AM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (CRUZMISL)

Well the reason I posted the question was because yesterday I raced an Fbody ramair from a stop. I pulled probably about 7 car lengths on him in the first 200 feet or so and we went up to about 130 mph. He never caught me I was just curious if I would have been further ahead if I had the roof on and windows closed.

My feeling is 3 mph faster can mean the difference between winning and losing whether on the street or track but I am very competetive

Joe
7 car lengths in 65 yards?? :eek: :eek: :eek:
Are you sure he had his motor running? :lol: :lol:
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Old Aug 29, 2001 | 02:48 AM
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Default Re: Does having the roof off affect acceleration performance? (CRUZMISL)

Hi Everyone,
I was curious to know what everyone thought about acceleration performance with the targa top removed? My feeling is from 0-60 the difference would be negligible but anything above that the hatch area would act like a parachute and diminish performance significantly due to the increased drag. Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Joe
My observation is that at over 120mph, the car handles better with the top on and the windows up. The drag coefficient would no doubt be higher without the top on, so the top end will be lower, but how often is that an issue :blueangel:
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