Highest recorded top speed of 3/S? Has anyone ever broke 200mph...

[Blackmount]

Glad I'm not the only one. Anxious to see what might come out of this thread. I have already learned quite a bit of information that may prove handy in the near future.

[familyMAN]

Indeed. What I've concluded is the answer to their significance is substantiated by effective modeling. My approach to this process involves individual component disassmebly, and combined modeling. Take it apart and measure each puzzle piece, put all the puzzle pieces back together, and test your puzzle.

I cannot express in words the countless hours I've spent (because of the inquisitiveness of my mind) taking the these damn cars apart. Every nut, bolt, panel, piece, everything... Some might think its ridiculious to disassemble every mechanical component on our cars by hand and measure, mark, model, research, and collaborate with professionals whom have a very specific expertise on chassi, aero, handling, engines, and suspension setup, but I don't. What I've learned above all, experts can only give you answers with real data. You must be able to answer their qualifying questions in order to get legitimate feedback. Part of the research and collaboration process involves taking it all apart, scrutinizing, evaluating function, engineering intent, as well as cause and effect. The more data you collect, the tighter your resolution gets.

It was actually you who pointed out to me on 3stech many years ago where and how to find my answers in the beginning... They were in a book. That book became a center focus point for all things built to go fast... And WIN.

For that I'd like to tip my hat to you sir. You pointed me in a direction. From there I found my own way.

I sometimes laugh quietly to myself about the most ridiculous things that I've likely collaborated and collected data on (which gave me results) that I choose not to share... and wonder why so many have it all wrong. They identify a problem and come up with solutions and opinions with no data or modeled puzzle pieces.

^ that's all great but you failed to use commonsense in your initial calculations that a big ass wing hanging off the back, your open windows and gaping front end, may negatively affect drag/top speed

To the guys saying they broke 180mph, hell even 200mph. Today, I pointed my car east and dropped the hammer 3 times for 8 flat and straight miles. 186mph... that was all she had and my SAEwhp is 720whp. So... I'm asking what's going on with the 180+mph guys and inquiring about those who claimed breaking 200mph.

Also, commonsense, to most people, not to use HIGHLY corrected whp for comparisons.

Out of curiosity, are you intending to do some sort of top speed competition or is it just analysis fun?

[JasonY]

Matt M also made those runs at higher elevation than most and in NM there are literally roads that dont turn for miles and miles. I have no reason not to believe Matt considering how easily my car stuck the speedo past 180 down here at sea level. Literally on a highway paralleling the ocean.

No intentions of ever doing something like that again either.

Jason

[J. Fast]

^ that's all great but you failed to use common sense in your initial calculations that a big ass wing hanging off the back, your open windows and gaping front end, may negatively affect drag/top speed



Also, commonsense, to most people, not to use HIGHLY corrected whp for comparisons.

Out of curiosity, are you intending to do some sort of top speed competition or is it just analysis fun?

Well, I knew the physics couldn't be defeated. It was easy to see the errors when I didn't get the results I anticipated. That's what data acquisition is for.

This was more less a test of current capability before I start bolting aero components on. I actually anticipate approaching 185 miles per hour on the straight away at the racetrack Erron linked to. Obviously its less than ideal t do it with my vehicle setup like this .

I was curious as to whether or not anyone has ever really discussed what it takes to crack 200mph. I'm not that far off. I'm willing to give it a go in North Carolina or the desert.

I'm sorry but everyone models SAE for the sake of comparison. Bring your happy little 700 wheel horsepower cars here and get 550 .

I don't really care about discussing possibilities. I care about the data that came from my testing. It's invaluable to me and I'm happy to share.

Many will benefit from this data later.

There was a lot of really good stuff dropped in here by Jake. Anyone have thoughts on that? specifically the 2008 and 2011 GTR? I believe I have a side by side photo comparison. (Man, it's freaky how close to comparison my car is to my buddy Steve's gtr)

I did see some mixed results online regarding the drag coefficients for cars. Does anyone disagree with the information I'm using from the actual wind tunnel? Ayone have additional data or opinions regarding the drag coefficients for different model years and styles of 3/S?

[Blackmount]

Why not?

[UTRacerX9]

For comparisons sake, on Top Gear Clarkson hit 200 mph (speedo indicated) in a stock Porsche 997 turbo, with 473 bhp, which is about 415-420 wheel horsepower on those cars. The factory claim is 193, and has been verified with track telemetry. It weighs about 100 to 200 lbs less than a 3S. With an exhaust and flash tune only, several guys have hit 200+ with about 540 bhp, so about 480ish whp.

[familyMAN]

I know you mentioned your wider tires (that probably stick out past fenders) but have you thought about your wheel design? If I recall correctly, you have concave grids...bet you are taking a drag hit with those as well vs a stock vr4 wheel.

[Julianvr4]

that's my plan, but on gtr they don't go to the intake as far as i can see. it looks like people use revered nasa duct to exhaust hot air. i am thinking to put one facing forward and two facing back.
revered vents

Yeah that's a fail. Reverse NACA ducts are for show. NACA ducts are designed (back before many of us were born, mind you) to be a source of air induction with minimal drag. They do not work in reverse when you flip them around (to vent). No such thing. If you wanted to vent air out of the hood, you would want to get a JGTC hood, or get some low profile louvered vents and rivet them to your hood. (or weld them if you want it relatively seamless)


Welcome to the wonderful world of aerodynamics. I was hoping that I could wow some people when I get my car back in town and in my garage to fab up a front splitter, underbody tray, and a diffuser (basically make the car as slick as possible) but it looks like you guys are onto it already...My guestimations lead me to believe that 200mph can be had with 550HP and a very well designed aerodynamic package. It would just take a bit of sense and patience to get everything ironed out.

You want the front of the car as low as you can, and the rear can be less so if you have a flat underbody. That in itself would cause a pressure differential and you would get downforce out of it without creating any additional drag like you would from adding a wing. A front splitter will increase this effect if it is actually built correctly (IE: Angled down and matching the rake of the rest of the car, not that skillard splitter that just sticks straight out and looks goofy)

PS: Remove mirrors plz. The lincoln mark 8 ran 181 mph with under 300 horsepower back in '93 with MINOR aerodynamic mods.


oh yeah, and spend lots of time on Time Attack Forums. Lots of good information.
Also, check out mulsannecorner.com. Literal goldmine of race engineering.


EDIT: Oh yeah, at higher altitude you make less power because the air is thinner...but you also suffer less from drag because the air is thinner.

[RealMcCoy]

A full weight Stealth that would run 10.90's and trap 130 at 3000 ft. elevation, (without the NOS) and you guys are telling me it didn't have the power to hit two bills...? And calling BS on Matt?

What the hell reason would Matt have to bullshit anyone...?

[R/T93]

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If you guys think one of the mainstays of the entire community of the last 15 years is a liar....