why dont we see gt wings on zs?

[MikeW]

Originally posted by zrush

It kind of reminds me when we used to say that our cars seemed to run better after we washed them. ROFL

I heard a story a while back about a kid with a soap box derby car. After he won the race he was asked why he painted his car black. Expecting a childish answer the adult asking the question was shocked when the kid explained that the sun caused the black surface to warm up faster thereby causing the air in close proximity to expand and therefore making his car faster due to the lower drag caused by thinner air.

[MrPeabody]

Regardless of functionality, I believe they look out of place on the Z, and screw with the lines.

Case in point, here was the one on my Z when I first got it:

-Ben

[seerex]

but as a positive when your friends come over you can hold atleast half a case of beer on the wing as you talk about cars

[baddriver]

The only legitamate reason I know of to add a wing to a car is to help in cornering or high-speed stability. Wings actually reduce quarter mile times, top speed, fuel mileage, and aesthetics in the case of the giant GT wings (some of the previous statements are statements of opinion)

The most critical part of a drag race, and the only time traction is a serious issue, is the start. And unless you are facing into a pretty stiff wind, the wing won't do a bit of good until you are going at least 50 mph, Few cars are capable of breaking traction at over 50. (I'm talking production cars here, I know dedicated drag cars do use wings and they do benifit from them)

But the aerodynamics do help corner, mainly by offsetting lift, and they can improve high-speed stability, which won't make the car faster, but it might make the driver a little more confident, resulting in better times.

I believe wings on most street cars are just for looks, they generally hurt the performance more than help, but I have to admit I do like the way they look on certain cars.

And I laugh every time I see a FWD car at the strip with a big wing, 'cause I know if I want to beat that guy, all I have to do is buy an identical car and take the wing off.

[datto_240z]

wow, u people really hate ricers hey?

[Mr Camouflage]

How much does a GT wing cost anyway?

[TKR514]

1) They are only really effective at higher speeds

2) They are only really effective for cornering at high speeds

Unless you routinely exceed the speed limit and do so only in the turns, THEY ARE USELESS. Why add useless stuff to your Z?

[Victor Laury]

Originally posted by TKR514 Unless you routinely exceed the speed limit ....

Whoa, I guess I needed one and never knew it!

[TKR514]

Maybe,

But no street car that I ever drove "needed" one. Some pickups would have benefited from the extra downforce, but none of the cars.

I guess that adding "fins" to a car are once again in "style"?

[baddriver]

I wouldn't say I hate ricers, I actually think some of the wings look good on cars. I think rediculously sized wings are ugly, but that's my opinion. I also think PT crusers are ugly, but I don't dislike the people who drive them.

But I have seen a giant wing on a rusty 80's pontiac grand am, or an old cavalier, and wondered if the people driving it knew how um....(I'm looking for a nice word for stupid) ah..silly it looks. These were brand new wings on cars with rust and 15 year old paint, and the kids were driving them like they were the hottest thing on earth. I think it's the attitude and the poor (in my opinion) tast that gives ricers a bad name.

I recently saw one of these wings on a 1st gen laser. Now, I like the way the factory spoiler looks on these cars, but the wing looked rediculous. Not to mention the fact that the original spoiler was still on the car! Come on kid, one or the other.

Subtle aerodynamics, chosen carefully to fit the cars lines, look great. Billboard sized air-brakes do not.

[TKR514]

baddriver might have figgured it out. It's basically "bad taste" to add a barn door wing to a Z. It would be like buying the Mona Lisa and painting eyebrows on it because you think it will "look better". Some things look best in simplicity, IMHO.

I guess if folks add a wing on a street car as a "fashion statement", we are free to make one as well (like pointing and laughing). Seems fair...

[lordbiotree]

Originally posted by datto_240z

wow, u people really hate ricers hey?

Yes I hate ricers VERY MUCH

-Brandon

1971 240-Z