Aerodynamics Question.

[oodolbyoo]

Being that we have front wheel drive cars we all know that wings arent functional. Id like to know if a front lip would do any good at the track. I think it would, because it would create more downforce on the front wheels. Im not talking about a full kit, just the front lip. Anyone know?

[VZV21]

You can't really just take any front spoiler and expect to add downforce. It's gonna have to be designed specifically for the car and for straight roads.

[Slant]

At the same time it also creates more drag and adds more weight. If you're talking about 1/4 mile track, it'll be useless. Only time more downforce on front wheels would be useful is the first 60' or so and any spoilers would make very little downforce at such low speeds.

[cbr600drm]

You still need downforce on the rear in a front drive car. It just keaps the rear end stable at high speeds. Look at rear drive race cars. They all have the huge wings on the back, but they also have diveplanes and wings in the front to keap the front stable. It is more a stability and handling issue than traction while acceleating or anything like that.

[Slant]

You are absolutely correct about the need for down force in the back, but I was only referring to the original question.
1/4 mile race. Mostly like you're going less than 100mph. Do you really think stability and handling are crucial issues to be dealt with?