In a race, how much does the top being down hold you back? Has anyone raced the same car... one with the top up and the other with it down and seen the difference? thanks

 

i think that its about half a car of difference from a dig but up top it makes more difference

 

Its an expotenial drag effect, bottom line...if your gonna race, put the top up, especially if youre going to get out of 2nd gear.

 

*VIDEO* Top Up vs. Top Down Compairison

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1D84D8E...3A6FE4CE4A4.htm

 

does it matter on the track as well?

 

From the top up AP1

 

It makes a big difference, especially as the speeds get higher.

 

I don't think they will allow you to race the 1/4 mile with your top down, on other tracks beside the straight away ones they'll require a roll cage. Here's how it is, if you're gonna race then top up but if you're gonna cruise then top down.

 

i meant on a road course.... i remember watching a vid wherein they tracked a group of convertibles, top up and top down... iirc, they tracked just as fine with the top down than with it up...

 

assuming my recollection of physics is accurate Drag doesn't become a factor until triple digits....

Putting the top up increases torque at the wheels:

@60 1%
@80 1%
@100 5%
@120 15%
@130 26%
@140 56%