Recent content by mender

A.T., reread my last post; I think that the amount of force needed to shear a dirt particle from the surface would be much higher than the force from the momentum change imparted by accelerating the particle after shearing. Just my thoughts.

Nothing comes to mind, Mike, just check the service records and make sure everything is up to date. Most M-B owners are pretty diligent about that though! Danger, the compressor on the SLK should have an automatic clutch only, no shifting or switching (a la Mad Max!) required.

Good cars, fun and quick, no major issues that I remember (was an M-B shop foreman); anything specific that you're wondering about?

My pleasure, Danger!

Top Fuel runs them at about 55 psi boost. Max is around 75psi.

Two main types of superchargers: positive displacement and centrifugal, the difference being the method of raising the pressure. You can get cross-overs or hybrids but typically for automotive use they are distinct groups. The Roots is a example of a positive displacement air pump. The...

Just a note on the first of your thumbnails: for street tires, the free diameter is the number to use. They don't grow like the slicks used in the higher classes.

If you're using engine dyno graphs and not chassis dyno graphs you also have to factor in powertrain efficiency loss. A 20% drop is typical and will get you close to real numbers. This is what you actually have available at the rear wheels to accelerate the car. After applying the 20% factor...

Temperature is the issue. Same heat over a shorter period of time = higher temperature. High temp = brake pads wearing out quicker. Using the engine to slow down instead of the brakes = more $$$ spent (brakes are much cheaper than engines, clutches and transmissions). Don't downshift to save...

First of all, Mike, as usual you're spot on with the load being distributed at multiple points and a wishbone suspension being much better for racing, etc. but I thought the OP was asking specifically about strut towers with the intent of making sure his were strong enough for the loads...

The direct acting McPherson strut has a lower vertical load and a higher lateral load than the wishbone strut (essentially a coilover, not really a McPherson strut). When changing from direct acting to wishbone, the vertical force increase on the top of the strut tower is the inverse of the...

No; see tire load sensitivity graph. If they canceled out we wouldn't have to worry about weight transfer or weight distribution or roll couple distribution or ... :-p

1. Adding weight to the front of the car increases the load on the front tires. This results in lower lateral acceleration capability at the front because of load sensitivity of tires. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_load_sensitivity 2. In the case of mild oversteer, mild acceleration will...

Brake pad and rotor wear are tied pretty closely to peak temperatures reached during braking, all else being equal. Lowering temps by 200F makes a rather large difference in brake life, an especially critical parameter in endurance racing. "Get thee to a punnery!" indeed!:smile:

Have you called Comp Cams for their opinion? How long are your races? Why the auto and why a flat tappet cam? Is it a vintage class or something else? Do you have a casting or part number for the heads? What rule restrictions are you working with?