cobramatt

Its always nice to race for a shop that has their own machine shop and cnc machine on site as well as a mechanical engineer to input the design into the machine. Magically out pops a shiny new upright. As you can see the wing is taking shape. Tomorrow we will install end plates and the pin system to secure the wing when the hatch is closed. I gotta say..........Damn. I also like when a project takes shape that I had very little to do with besides the original concept. Letting people do their jobs is a wonderful thing and for a control freak like me it is rare. Matt

We have studied the effect of the lip on the splitter on our corvettes. Here is the skinny. When you have a 2" lip, like the one on the Z you get great downforce and you can still get it in the trailer without having to turn the shocks 6 times and put pucks in the springs or take the nose off the car. A 4" splitter works better but you cant get in in our out of the trailer without removing the whole nose piece. When we race I have a pit crew with me and they assist me greatly with everything possible. The majority of the time I will take a car to the track with me my tool box and a trailer. I have to try and make things practical. If we were running in a professional series and had the $$$ from major sponsors and all that jazz.........you get the picture. I am starting with a wing that we had on the back of a World Challege Corvette. It is a 60 inch Carbon Fiber static dyhedrial wing. I've attached some pictures. The wing does have end plates, their just not attached in the picture. I just laid it up and took a crappy shot of it. It is actually a very nice wing. The size is just right as the width of the car is comparable. Ive attached a few pictures, probably prematurely, to show how the frame for the uprights are being developed. What we are doing, as the pictures show, the chromoly supports that will be welded to the frame rails, they will protrude from the holes in the hatch, see picture. There are some small billet attachments that the wing will attach via heavy duty billet pins. The wing and uprights are mounted via bolts to the hatch and by removing the pins you can open the hatch for access. This is actually going to be very sturdy, obviously it has to be. When we build a splitter or wing our rule is that you have to be able to stand on it for it to work. The front splitter passes the test as it can support my weight. The wing should but...........like I said these pictures are probably premature. I just wanted to show what we were attempting to do. I will be removing the three piece IMSA tail and I am trying to find just a little 1" lip that fits on some other car and I can retrofit to the back of the Z. (Any ideas would be welcome), I need something to keep the air from tumbeling behind the car. My wind tunnel guys know exactly what we need but we just dont have enough time before this weekend to get it. The three piece IMSA tail has served me well and more than likely I will sell it for a resonable price. Let me know if there is anybody intersted. As well I have a widebody YZ race car front end with the quick release air dam. I had the fiberglass all re inforced so it is very strong. Since you can still buy these brand new, remember mine have been fitted and will go slightly cheaper. I also have a set of rear IMSA flares still in the box. These are from the Frizelle Z molds. I was going to use them but had already figured backspacing on the CCW's. I really dont want to buy 8 more CCW's to change the offset. They are from Brian at z car customs. All for now, This is getting interesting. Matt

Of course. I will say that the splitter is not perfectly symetrical. I'm sure your aware that even though we have the same front end the bend and fitment is not exact. I'm sure that it would work and be very close but I had to make that decision when we made this one. Did I want to make it symetrical or did I want it to fit this exact front end perfectly. What I need to do is simply make a cardboard template of it and send it to you. You tape it up under the front of your car and see how close we are. The trimming of the air dam is also very important as originally it sweeps down in the middle by design. Trimming also raises the level of clearance to make it drivable. Look at post #202 and see how we trimmed it level. They say your aero package is just about as best it can get when you cant jack the car up and it wont go in the trailer and I dont have a million dollar hauler with a flat gate lift. The fact that I have already had one made and the setup fee (template/mold) is done the cost would be reflective of that. First let me see this weekend exactly how it works. This is our first attempt and even though I have high expectations I want this to really be 100% functional as well as look great. Matt

Thank you, I was waiting for your comments and I mean that in a good way. As you know more than most, this is new ground and I want to try some different things to try and acheive the best results given our benchmark. I think this is a good start and with the addition of the rear wing, I am testing on track Saturday. I am also having another professional driver do laps in the car so we can compare notes and data from the AIM system. The data aquisition system is going to play such an important role in that it shows exactly what is going on and comparing it to the data that we have without the aero will show our gains...........or losses. Matt

Here is another shot that gives an idea of the new profile. and before you ask why the white tape that looks like crap. I just haven't replaced it after the last race. I do that to fill all gaps and to secure the fittings. I redo it before each outing and the faster I go the less you notice

I love it when a plan comes together. I dont get too excited over things usually but this is something I am floored over. I cant wait to test it this weekend. We have, as I mentioned in a previous post, leveled the front air dam to accomodate a front splitter/undertray. The splitter is now in place and looks incredible. My expectations have truely been exceeded and I dont have a problem saying that there is not another one like it. Notice how the splitter trey's out at the corners to accomodate the air laying on top. This also will make it marry into the side skirts that will come in phase three of the aero project. We have started the rear wing and uprights but I will wait to post pictures when we get more done. For now we have one BAD AZZ SPLITTER...........I hope you all concur. Matt

Here's the schedule so get on board: Almost every other week till mid December. Come down for the Z Nationals at Barber. There will be 700 Z cars at the show on Sat in Carrollton Ga. at Z1 Motorsports. Then off to Barber for Sunday track day all day. The end of the season at Road Atlanta Santas Run where we collect toys for kids is always a big event. The track is cool and fast then as well. Let me know of any track days at VIR between now and then and maybe I can come up there. When you come here you have a place to stay no worries. Sept 1 AMP Member BBQ and race w/ nasa vintage guys (practice) "aero shakedown" Sept 15 AMP Member BBQ and race (practice) More aero shakedown Oct 6-7 Barber Z NATIONALS Oct 20-21 AMP NASA SE race Nov 9-11 CMP NASA SE race Nov 30-Dec 2 Road Atlanta NASA SE race and as far as coming here to learn something from me on Aero.............you and I can listen to the experts and learn together. I just drive and give feedback as to what works and what doesn't. The only thing you will learn from me is that my secret is to surround myself with people who are a lot smarter than I am. Matt 8/29/12 UPDATE: Check my thread for new Aero pics......

Good looking progress. Bring that beast down here and lets sort her out on the track. Come on......... Check my thread as I am starting the aero package this week. Ive got some real good guys that know their stuff, so I'm lookin for big results. Matt ps Do you know where I can get a Lexan front windshield? My windshield broke this last race and I'm gonna have to replace it anyway. I know about reinforcement bars and all, I just dont know of a sorce for the plastic.

The car pictured does not have side skirts???? are you referring to the flares? Matt

Brian is who I have purchased all parts for body mods and I recommend him highly.

I hope mine qualifies as it is white with some wrap.

This week we are fabricating a front splitter and undertray in Carbon Fiber. I wanted to document the steps we are taking as this is kind of uncharted. I have seen a few people try and I applaud their efforts, I just feel as if we are approaching this in a 100% function and application over something that looks cool. I have a few guys that have spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel and they are spearheading this part of the build. After our last race at Road Atlanta, where we did quite well. I noticed that there was a lot of time being lost approaching the esses and how other cars around me utilized a much higher downforce setup to their advantage. The Datsun is in an unlimited class so the build rules are minimal to say the least. I love the way the car looks with the three piece IMSA tail and from a historical point it pains me to change it in any way. I however want the car to reach its ultimate potential and to do so is going to require the front splitter, some side skirts for the air to lay on and a 60 inch rear wing. I am just about the only car in the entire group of 40 cars I race with that doesn't have a giant rear wing. Step one has begun and we have taken and cut the front air dam to make it level from one side to the other. We then took and molded a lip in fiberglass for the CF splitter to attach to. We are in the process today of attaching the undertray to the bottom of the car. The next step is the wing. I'll post pictures as we go. Here are a few of the lip we made on the backside of the airdam. Matt

I appreciate all the different people who have followed the thread and all the comments. I wanted to post a video so everyone could see her in action. This was the NASA Hotlanta Challenge at Road Atlanta in August, which is very hot and slick. In the Thunder race group, which has the fastest cars, there is normally about 8 different race groups all mixed together. The fastest, usually, is the GT cars. They are normally Porsche cup cars from Grand Am or some IMSA group doing practice under race conditions. This race was a long race thus I didn't post a 45 min race, only I can watch all of it on the egde of my seat to see who wins, again and again. There was a bad wreck towards the end of the race, a Corvette Zo6 took it into the wall, something I know a little about as well. This brought out a lengthy red flag and everyone almost died in their car from the heat, Ive never appreciated a cool suit as much as that day. The restart is stacked up and we are running 1st in class but 5th overall. The C6R Corvette spins on the final lap and I was able to finally overtake the MTI Racing Z06, Reece Cox, who is my sponsor in his personal car. We ended up with 3rd overall, only behind the two 500k porsches. Which for a 42 year old, slightly modified vintage car is something else. My goal is to get the Aero balanced, which is in the works and try and compete with the cup cars and eventually win overall. Thats a tall order but might as well shoot for the stars. Enjoy............ Matt

I was having such a great today until I went into the tire barrier at 150MPH. Long story.............and I should have known better, just pushing a touch too hard. Went and got the Datsun at the shop and gonna get back on that horse that threw me tomorrow. I'll just fix the Vette back better than before, but what a buzz kill. and I didnt think the entire course was paved. Did they just do that this year??? Matt

2014...........I have a hard time planning for an event next month. I encourage you to set that as a goal and do everything to achieve it. I had a good friend of mine just got back and they wore P.P. out. He just went out and did it to say he did it. Is this a bucket list item or are you wanting to compete in the event? Matt

I thought I would post an interesting shot that a photographer did of my car and my Tonka truck at the track this past weekend. I dont get many pics of my daily driver......... I'm no photographer, but I love the lens effect this guy has. It makes things look like candy. Matt

I know that was a pain in the ass but now look at it. Great job. I think our dashes look better than stock. Matt

Mike, You said you saved a few of the pics from my car. That is a very nice compliment. A photographer this past weekend took a some shots and a few really stood out. Its my new screen saver............

The helmet blower is great. After trial and error I have ordered a little item that I think you will agree is necessary. The silicone fitting that attaches to the top of my helmet is molded and constructed with a bend in the fitting. This is for helmets that have the helmet fitting on the side of the helmet. My Stilo has my push to talk on one side and my hydration on the other. I use a top mount blower attachment. I am having cool suit send me a straight, rather than angled fitting, because it hits the roof of the car while driving. The other fitting will iliminate that problem. Just a thought.......... Matt

Thank you, Lots going on in the last few laps. The two Grand Am cup cars were one and two then the two corvettes and I were battling it out in a field of over 30 cars. Last lap the C6R spins out going into 3, can't wait to see the video of that, which left the door open for the C5 and I. I knew if I was on his bumper going into turn 7 I would have my best chance to get him down the back straight. Luckily we pulled it off and took 3rd overall, 1st in our division. 45 year old Datsun kickin some major ass. Can't wait to take some pictures of the new splitter and undertray we have developed, It looks amazing. Was not able to use it this weekend as we haven't attached it to the underbelly yet. I'm putting side skirts and a wing on the back as well. At this point I can just about hang with the fastest cars out there, so I'm ditching the 45 year old aero, even though I love the way it looks, to try and place her first overall. Also a side bar............One of the guys I race with, Clark Crawford, drives in the specZ class. He used to be the driver of the Fizelle Z back in the day. Always a great guy to talk to about the way they built the car from scratch. Today he remembered to bring the original build book from Brad Frizelle Racing. It is amazing to look at the design sheets and how they fabricated just about every part on the car. For example: The engine was lowered 1" back 4" and to the passenger side of the engine bay 2.5". Now think about all the engineering that went into getting everything from there back to work. I told him about our forum and how I'm sure there would be a lot of people, like me, that would enjoy seeing this build book. Complete with pictures of every phase. The book is signed by John Morten and Pete Brock. Hell I bet there are some things that could even be helpful and applicable today. The book even documents the restoration of the car where it now sits at the Bob Canepa showroom and can be yours for just $350K. Thank you for everyone who came out to show there support. Matt

I know its just my opinion but since you are only going across part way, at least consider adding another piece to bring it back at an angle to the right of the wheel. This way all your switch cluster is within reach and no worries after being strapped in. Just a thought since at this point you can go any direction. Matt

All the dash and re wiring is a pain in the ass but when your finished....................... Matt

Now your talkin. Get rid of all the stuff you dont use anyway. I was about ready to order a set of H2O slicks and it dawned on me. I dont drive my car on track in the rain. First and formost...........I cant afford to make a silly mistake in the wet and it set me back $$$ I dont have. Car is too light and too powerful for those conditions. This is your track car and every ouce counts. I know guys who take out all the wiring and housing on the tail lights except for one light. Thats really all you need is one light the rest is just extra. The CF dash I made has worked out real well and I've been very happy with it. Whats going on at VIR at the end of August? Maybe I'll come up and visit. Matt

What a wonderful day at Atlanta Motorsprorts Park. The threat of rain, I guess, kept everyone away and I never complain about having the entire track to myself. Love it when I can set up shop right on the grid. Anybody out there that doesn't mind $250 for the day, hit me up and we can take your car to the track and get your skills on. I dont belong to any Z clubs or anything but I wish I could get a SouthEast Z group together for an outing. Next Vintage race for me is at Road Atlanta August 4th and 5th if anyone would like to come out and see the car on track. Matt

Mark, Thank you for the comments and we will meet in the near future. Your input has helped over the course of the build. Attached a picture of the new helmet blower and smarty cam.