acceleration and weight
acceleration and weight
(OP)
I am trying to determine the difference if any in the performance of my RX8, weight= #3100 vs a base model at #3050 for a 60 second autocross. I can't see much of a difference. I understand the numerous variables, ie COG, tire grip, lateral motion, braking, etc. but should the difference in time be noticeable like some of my racer pals are telling me?





RE: acceleration and weight
If you make the crude assumption that in an autocross you are accelerating 1/2 the time, that's half a second in a 60 second run.
RE: acceleration and weight
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: acceleration and weight
RE: acceleration and weight
But since transitions take time, and because most of us can't stay on the friction ellipse for that long or trace precisely the same line from one run to the next, you probably won't see anywhere near that much. If your run times are scattered over a two second range without generally showing improvement, you wouldn't notice it. And if your car preparation isn't otherwise apporaching the allowable limits for your class/category I wouldn't worry about it yet.
That said, it definitely is a step in the right direction, as 0.100 seconds will show up in the results even at local or regional events (I should know - the last time out I was 0.06x second behind the next higher position).
Norm
RE: acceleration and weight
Sorry.
Norm
RE: acceleration and weight
(This assumes, of course, the 50 comes from around my middle)!!!
Rod
RE: acceleration and weight
I know a boat racer here who was drilling the centre out of bolts to save about a gram per bolt. He was 30 Kg overweight himself. A diet and exercise would have had a much greater improvement in performance and health.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
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RE: acceleration and weight
Gotta run, Pat....my ice cream is melting!
Rod
RE: acceleration and weight
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