trackday, hardtop?
Since I'm probably taking the miata to the track next monday, should I get the hardtop on or leave it? Is the (feeling of) improved handling/stiffnes worth the weight on top?
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Yes keep the hardtop on for sure.
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I like to have the top down, hard top off. I like listening to the exhaust, other cars, corner workers yelling at me, ect.
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Is the aero benefit worth it for the added weight?
I like the top down. http://gallery.upshizzle.com/albums/05.07/droptop.gif |
Will your head fit under the hard top with a helmet? If it will I would try a few laps with and without and see if it does anything.
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fitment is not an issue, although I don't wear a helmet. The hardtop does give some more rearview because of the larger rear window.. we'll see
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Originally Posted by hustler
(Post 114277)
Is the aero benefit worth it for the added weight?
I like the top down. |
All the SM guys run with hardtops on. The weight is more than compensated for by the better aerodynamics and stiffness.
What track lets you run without a helmet? I guess in a country where it's legal to light up, shoot up and pay for girlfriends by the 1/2 hour, it shouldn't suprise me you can drive your car on a track naked. |
You don't have to wear a helmet, unless you have a rollcage..since I'm only driving in the slow-as-fuck-class I'm not bothered...
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Hardtop is worth 5+mph on the straightaway, according to SM guys.
This isn't really scientific, but I did a drive a little while ago where the group was able to open the taps a bit. I spun the motor out to about 6k in 4th gear, and there was a green Miata behind me with the top down. We stopped, and he asked me what was under the hood. I've got advanced timing and a DIY Randall cowl intake, but it turned out he had a fresh JRSC supercharger setup with a water/air intercooler in the crossover tube. He said he was flat-chat and he was not pulling on me. The difference? He had his top down; I had my hardtop on. |
top down creates lots of drag, but was just wondering wether the hardtop was more aerodynamic than the softtop..
I'll probably put it on anyways |
For a HPDE trackday event or a w2w race?
Put the top down and enjoy the sounds of buffeting wind down the straight and squealing tires around the corners. Unless it's a timed event for points or a race, I wouldn't get caught up with how many hundreds of a second quicker you MIGHT be with the top on. |
I normally run top down but at straight line fast tracks I will go top up. I don't have a hard top but I would think it would help to have the top up in the straights.
I can't believe you don't ware a helmet, you have got to be off your rocker. I would not track any car without a helmet. If your driving fast enough to get in an accident your are driving fast enough for a helmet. |
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just got back, was friggin' awesome. hope to get some pics up soon
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I want to hit it!!! PICS PICS PICS!!!!!!
I would totally run that top up once I was comfortable with the track. |
I did put the hardtop on, I liked how it felt..I'm waiting for the trackphotographer to up the pics to his site. My passenger only took a few so-so photo's with my phone.
still had tons of fun, even on shot stock shocks and springs... |
here's a vid of one lap, shot from the pax seat with my phone: http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r...t=MOV00194.flv
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damn that's a crowded track...
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this was a quiet day, during office hours. imagine the weekends...
here's a pic of last year: Attachment 216475 |
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