My project this weekend is to build an airbox for my race car. I'm going to take pictures during the build and present it in the next post. So lets talk about why I'm doing this project. The purpose of an airbox on a race car is to aid in providing denser, cooler, and higher pressure air to the engine. Internal combustion engines make power by burning a fuel and air mixture … [Read more...] about BUDGET AIRBOX, part 1
How To's & FAQs
CHASSIS part 4, geometry and adjustability
You didn't sleep through highschool geometry class, now did ya? You're gonna need some of those math skills now if you really want to understand your race car's steering and suspension. To understand the real nitty-gritty details of how they work, you better go back and get your Engineering degree. But with a little patience, some homework, the right tools, and a lot of … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 4, geometry and adjustability
RACING FAQs – Budget Racing
"Are there any racing series for the financially challenged, hardcore budget racer?" Yes, I can think of two, but I'm sure there are more. Both of these series are relatively new, and are quickly gaining traction. 24 Hours of LeMons is half circus, half endurance stockcar racing, and is now nation-wide. It is hard to explain unless you have attended one. Cars must (barely) be … [Read more...] about RACING FAQs – Budget Racing
CHASSIS part 3, SUSPENSION
All we need is big, stiff springs and big, thick rollbars to go racing, right? Only if our tracks were as flat as a pool table. Every bump or irregularity in the track upsets our cornering race car to some degree, so we need to have suspension compliancy as well as stiffness. And there is a reason why Formula One drivers need to be as fit as Olympians, a stiff suspension really … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 3, SUSPENSION
CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE
Continuing on our rollcage discussion, how many points of attachment is enough? More is better is the usual train of thought, but more bars in the cage means more weight. And since acceleration is determined by horsepower per pound of car, the more you weigh, the less you accelerate. So the right balance of enough cage to be safe and to keep the chassis rigid versus keeping the … [Read more...] about CHASSIS part 2, ROLLCAGE
REKINDLING THE FIRE
If you have been out of the sport for a while, and are feeling the old desire pulling you back in, be prepared for sticker shock! The old days of driving your MG to the track, unhooking the muffler, and letting your scarf fly are unfortunately gone. $350 entry fees, $8/gal race fuel, $800/set racing tires, they are now a fact of life. But don't let that keep you on the … [Read more...] about REKINDLING THE FIRE