Does Lowering help or hinder handling?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
You have to remember that stock height is often a compromise between performance and ground clearance. If the Z06 video says to lower 10-15mm for track duty then it seems that would be the optimum ride height for maximum handling performance.
That being said, it is definitely true that lowering the car much more than that will have adverse effects on handling. It's not all about how low your center of gravity is. When you lower the car excessively you are negatively effecting your roll center and suspension geometry.
That being said, it is definitely true that lowering the car much more than that will have adverse effects on handling. It's not all about how low your center of gravity is. When you lower the car excessively you are negatively effecting your roll center and suspension geometry.
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...D=2002-01-3333
Abstract:
This paper documents a one shift (10 hour) wind tunnel test program conducted on a Corvette C5 prepared for Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) World Challenge racing. The testing was conducted at the Canadian National Research Center in Ottawa, Canada. Specific areas of test included front fascia and under tray, rear air discharge, rear wing configuration and angle, B-pillar configuration, and ride height. Standard wind tunnel test procedures were followed. In total twenty-six separate configurations were evaluated. Data for front and rear lift, total drag, and lift/drag (L/D) ratio are provided for each test configuration. The cumulative effects of the aerodynamic changes evaluated in his program, calculated at 192 KPH (120 MPH), increased front down force by 318 N (72 Lb.), and rear down force by 770 N (173 Lb.). Lift/drag ratio was improved from -0.597 to -1.016. These changes increased total drag by 381 N (86 Lb.). Further testing lowering ride height 2.5 cm rear and 5.0 cm front reduced drag by 326 N (73 Lb.) and resulted in a L/D ratio of -1.247. Although data are specific to the Corvette C5, the general principles studied may be applied to any production-based racecar. These modifications should be validated on the racetrack prior to competing to ensure the handling balance can be optimized for the driver and car combination.
This paper documents a one shift (10 hour) wind tunnel test program conducted on a Corvette C5 prepared for Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) World Challenge racing. The testing was conducted at the Canadian National Research Center in Ottawa, Canada. Specific areas of test included front fascia and under tray, rear air discharge, rear wing configuration and angle, B-pillar configuration, and ride height. Standard wind tunnel test procedures were followed. In total twenty-six separate configurations were evaluated. Data for front and rear lift, total drag, and lift/drag (L/D) ratio are provided for each test configuration. The cumulative effects of the aerodynamic changes evaluated in his program, calculated at 192 KPH (120 MPH), increased front down force by 318 N (72 Lb.), and rear down force by 770 N (173 Lb.). Lift/drag ratio was improved from -0.597 to -1.016. These changes increased total drag by 381 N (86 Lb.). Further testing lowering ride height 2.5 cm rear and 5.0 cm front reduced drag by 326 N (73 Lb.) and resulted in a L/D ratio of -1.247. Although data are specific to the Corvette C5, the general principles studied may be applied to any production-based racecar. These modifications should be validated on the racetrack prior to competing to ensure the handling balance can be optimized for the driver and car combination.
Last edited by AU N EGL; Jul 11, 2008 at 09:49 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: McKinney TX
Here are the exact details from windtunnel testing on the C5Z. Best $15.00 you will ever spend on your car
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...D=2002-01-3333
T1 cars use 17x10 front and 17x11 rear rims and 17x315/35 tires on all four corners
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...D=2002-01-3333
T1 cars use 17x10 front and 17x11 rear rims and 17x315/35 tires on all four corners
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,063
Likes: 9,827
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Here are the exact details from windtunnel testing on the C5Z. Best $15.00 you will ever spend on your car
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...D=2002-01-3333
T1 cars use 17x10 front and 17x11 rear rims and 17x315/35 tires on all four corners
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productD...D=2002-01-3333
T1 cars use 17x10 front and 17x11 rear rims and 17x315/35 tires on all four corners
Bill
