OK some here have the front splitter and replacement rear wing. How effective are they in producing down force for track events? Please share your objective opinions and style/mfr you are running. I understand the theory, but want to make sure that what is currently on the market is effective, and not just for show. Also noted that there are some Japanese MFR wings for the undercarriage that are supposed to be effective at getting air from under the car.
So what say you, really worth it, or just all show and no go!
Thanks

 

Minzilla,

Good questions and I'm sorry that you haven't received any responses as yet. I'd like to add to the discussion a question whether there are tangible benefits of fitting smooth underbody panels to reduce underbody air flow. I have fitted 3/4 length aluminum air panels to MINI as an experiment and have no way to measure any impact on vehicle dynamics. Attached is a photo of part of my installation. Don't seem to have a photo of the rear panel as installed.

Regards,
John Petrich in Seattle

 

I think the Mini can take advantage of a lot of aero tricks, BUT the problem is that most classes do not allow most of it. Underbody aero mods are for the most part not legal. Wings have their limitations as almost every class requires that wings must be lower then the roof line. Hard to do on a Mini.
A good rear diffuser would be very beneficial I think, but once again, not legal.

As for my personal experience I just can't say at this time that I feel the benefits of my wing and splitter. I will be building custom ones for the car this winter that will be much more substantial. Wish I could do under body stuff, but....

 

i saw this yesterday but forgot to post!!
i see u dont have any holes in place for ur components that need air flow down there, is it a big deal when ur standing still?

 

Being at a stand still is not really a concern in a race car. Not like there are any stop lights or traffic jams out there .

 

Onasled
Thanks for the input, I'm purty enuff now without wasting money just to look good. And the stock wing probably does no good as to downforce, just keeps the rear window dirty, and adds weight!?

Anyone else want to weigh in on wings and splitters?

I was not aware that most classes do not allow under body and wings.
I definitely think that air flow management will benefit the MINI the other thing I want to try is to extend the lower front air dam down to almost the ground by adding an extension there, IE pushing the air around the car and limiting how much can get underneath,

Petrich is winging it away after the underbody panels, How bout doin it right up front, what effect does that have on classification if any?

 

Very interesting subject Minzilla

AND thanks for sharing the pic's John Petrich! How'd you come up with the design?

Minzilla: Do you have links for any of the Japanese parts/companies you're thinking of? If you do, please post them.

Re: racers, classes & skid-plates:
What about weekend warriors... folks who have skid-plates like the Moss unit intalled? Not there for air-flow, but they certainly do protect the p/s fan & engine compartment from harmful debris & general road grunge. It would really suck having to re & re the skidplate all the time.

 

not for street use :0(

 

Skid plate 'may' be OK as it ends before the steering box. I believe this is the limit for a front splitter to ascend.

 

http://www.delta-mini.net/cgi-bin/pa...pen&ids=EX0073

 

Thanks

Anyone have links for a rear difuser or other air channeling/downforce bits?

 

As far as I know there are none, but maybe someone will surprise me ..

 

That site is difficult to manage You may have missed these:
http://www.delta-mini.net/cgi-bin/pa...pen&ids=EX0003
http://www.delta-mini.net/cgi-bin/pa...pen&ids=EX0077
http://www.delta-mini.net/cgi-bin/pa...pen&ids=SU0066

 

Surprise!
We have all seen it, But did we really look? Someone did a lot of aero work.

 

I've studied that car quite extencivly and have a file of photos.
I'm talking with the body builder now in hopes to get the frairs. Body panels are available, but that Mini is longer then stock and they will not fit. I'm sure that with some easy mods it would work.But that's a rear wheel drive car and I don't think we need such a wide body on our FWD cars.

 

Cool!

Yes, I was refering to the similar aerodynamics. Wing, spoiler, diffuser etc. Since the research had been done, thought it might be easier not to re-invent the wheel.