Duratec in detail

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alicrozier
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by alicrozier » Tue Apr 30, 2019 12:40 pm

Have you tried flow-vis paint? Might not be suitable for the wings and body config of the Caterham...

Inadvertently had a look at this on the Spa trip although used borders cow sh*t rather than the traditional paint.
Quite interesting some of the flow patterns on the 3-11...

Out of interest a 'homemade' flow-vis recipie:
Tempura paint powder (fluorescent if possible as it shows more detail under UV light), mineral spirits and a drop or two of oleic acid to keep the powder from coagulating.
All characters appearing in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Any references to laptimes, speed or driving on the public highway are purely for dramatic effect.

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David
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by David » Tue Apr 30, 2019 2:54 pm

We did use some wool tufts in the tunnel and Simon suggested some copper grease with a little paraffin works well. But i think with such a poor aerodynamic shape as the Caterham, it is what happens 'off' the surface is the hardest thing to see.
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David
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by David » Sun Nov 08, 2020 9:53 pm

Another 18 months has pasted and time for a final update . . .

The car ran faultlessly all season (well almost, more below) and it scored maximum points in all the SLS rounds. That gave me joint 'King of the Hill' trophy for 2019.

Image

But what pleased me most was breaking into the 51 second lap times, and on road legal tyres too.

Watch on YouTube


. . . and I lost my fear of reverse, although not quite as quick!

Watch on YouTube



The only significant development to the aero was a drag reduction mod to the front wheel arches.


Image


The engine started to run rough and lose power mid season. That prompted a precautionary rebuild, but the issue turned out to be the Cat breaking up and sliding down the exhaust, restricting the exit somewhat. I am pleased to say the engine itself proved to be in very good condition.


Image


So I'm signing off here, and retiring (quite literally from my full time job). The car only did one round of the SLS in 2020 championship, and it will still be seen at KH in 2021, but it might just be my son, Gordon, driving it :)


Image
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campbell
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by campbell » Mon Nov 09, 2020 2:41 am

End of an era, David. Hats off to you

Seems like you had a lot of fun.
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Sanjøy
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by Sanjøy » Mon Nov 09, 2020 6:02 am

Chapeau!
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Mikie711
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by Mikie711 » Mon Nov 09, 2020 8:59 am

Incredible journey David, enjoy your retirement.
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BigD
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by BigD » Mon Nov 09, 2020 10:01 am

Cracking project and a lot of time and energy devoted to it. Enjoyed following the progress.

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Andy G
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Re: Duratec in detail

Post by Andy G » Wed Nov 11, 2020 1:17 pm

Congrats on the retirement, and what a great journey you've had with SLS and your Caterham.
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