I have been slowly preparing my car to road race some time next season (got a few mods to go). When does it make sense to get a functional rear spoiler/wing? Recommendations?

 

Certainly way after you have a rollbar in there....

I don't know the speed at which a spoiler is useful, but depending on what kind of racing you're planning on doing, it could easily be irrelevant.

Dave

 

Well, when you brake, weight transfer will put alot of weight towards the front, and with these cars they are already nose heavy. So, more downforce on the rear will help in this regard, and will also help give a little more stick in the rear in cornering also.

I considered getting a 5" lip style, RKSport has these, its basically a 69' Camaro style, similar to what Nascar uses other than not being angular adjustable and fixed size only. They also have a 2" lip, if you want a smaller one.

I unfortunately can't give numbers, I've seen stuff for a whale tail at 100 MPH adding 375# of rear downforce, don't know on the other stuff, it would be nice to know though. Dave is probably right, I rode in a car with a 4 point rollbar and it was VERY stiff, which helps in a couple ways other than safety.

 

I should have added that a 6pt roll bar will be added *before* I do any roadracing--I didn't think any sanctioning body would allow me without one. The Roll bar will also come with a 5-pt harness of course.

I do plan on gradually getting into this--defininately not into getting a close look at walls with my first race

Actually, I need to check out the track (Phoenix International Raceway) to see what hazards there are.

I may also opt for wheels+tires before I do anything serious--still have the 16" stockers.

 

With a convertible, I think outside of AutoX you are right in needing a bar of some sort, I am not sure that AutoX requires one at all.

 

Autocross does not require a rollbar, but I think even driving schools require one on a convertible, so you probably wont be allowed out on a track until you have at least a roll bar. Besides, where else are you going to mount your video camera?

--Kevin

 

I've never heard of being moved up in class because of additional safety equipment. With a 'vert I'd have a roll bar.