SCCAForums.com

Hey everybody,

This is my first time posting but I have been shadowing the forums for about two weeks now.  I don't currently have the resources to build an A Mod but it is something I have wanted to do for some time now.  Though I dont have the resources to build it yet, I have decided to start design.  I am a former Virginia Tech FSAE participant so I am really excited about doing this.  Ever since I saw the Shark in action at Danville airport, I have wanted to build one.  Anyhow, enough blabbering...

 
I was wondering if anyone would have any information on typical autocross tracks, ie:  average corner radius, slalom layouts, typical track speeds, or even a track map. 

I am just starting my suspension design so any additional info about typical A mods would be helpful.  I am assuming most run the minimum wheelbase, and I have heard that C.G. heights are around 11".  What are typical track widths? typical aero loads @ 35mph? 65mph?  Any additional info would be helpful.

 Thanks!
 

You will find that the average age of Amod competitors is over 60 years, they do not spend a lot of time posting. You will need over 200 HP. You will need a CVT. The cars total weight needs to be only one pound over the limit. Packaging is critical, keep all you weight as low as possible. If you are resourceful a car can be built for very little money. Most parts will be built buy you, there are not many off the self items.  Pre-plaining and design is everything, look at it from every angle, keep it simple, easy to work on and thinking outside of the box is what will be needed to produce a faster car.  Once you start building and then running the car, I can tell you that the fun meter will always be pegged to full.

Neal

Welcome to th forum - and the addiction of A-mod.

There is a wealth of info buried here.  This subject line has come up 3 times now in 4 years.  Some informative discussions have been posted in the last few months, too, one good example: http://sccaforums.com/forums/post/268383.aspx     My other favorites are: http://p081.ezboard.com/bdsrforum and http://fsae.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/125607348 

I will share anything I've learned as well, but you are probably a level above me with your FSAE experience.

Marlin

http://s221.photobucket.com/albums/dd280/Bailor_AM_Special/  

William Burke:

I was wondering if anyone would have any information on typical autocross tracks, ie:  average corner radius, slalom layouts, typical track speeds, or even a track map.... 

 

....What are typical track widths? typical aero loads @ 35mph? 65mph? 

 

Hello Bill, welcome.  Did you know that the Shark was designed by a former Virginia Tech FSAE member?  I have always thought that future A-Mod builders will be coming from the FSAE pool rather than the traditional autocross community.

For data on typical course speed, layout and track maps, contact Dr. Bob Woods at UTA.  I believe he has data logging records from all the SCCA Nationals. The UTA cars (probably the fastest FSAE cars on any typical SCCA style national courses) have been running times slightly slower than the top A-Mod cars, so your analysis needs to take that into consideration. Typical track width is around 5'.  Aero downforce at 50mph is around 200-350 lbs. depending on who you ask.  Most aero numbers being quoted were estimates from CFD, or numbers from wind tunnel tests, rather than actual data collected while the cars were on course. Personally, I would say numbers towards the lower end of that range is more realistic.  Same with horsepower numbers quoted, most numbers quoted are optimistic and inflated. 

Joe