The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

The one item I haven't got for the Sprint conversion is a front spoiler. However before trying to track one down I wanted to make sure it wasn't just cosmetic. Was the Dolly front spoiler fitted for a reason? Do Dolomites lift at the frontend?

I ask because it seems strange to fit a front engined/rear wheel drive car with a spoiler to increase front end downforce. Surely must of the weight is over the frontend anyway, even with that big heavy axle at the back? I would have thought Triumph should have fitter a boot spoiler or am I missing something?

The weight of the front wont do much in terms of holding down an aerodynamic nightmare really. The air going over the panels and under the car massively affect lift/downforce. I have heard it's needed on the sprint due to the potentially higher speed. Looks cool too

Tony

tony g wrote: ↑Sat Feb 23, 2019 8:04 pm The weight of the front wont do much in terms of holding down an aerodynamic nightmare really. The air going over the panels and under the car massively affect lift/downforce. I have heard it's needed on the sprint due to the potentially higher speed. Looks cool too

Tony

So if you take it up to high speeds the body lifts and you lose front end grip?

Generally speaking, a Dolomite has all the aerodynamic qualities associated with your average brick wall.

However I can confirm, having driven the Carledo at thoroughly illegal speeds (on track of course) in both states, with AND without the spoiler, that the spoiler does impart a certain extra degree of straight line stability at speed. It seems to help a bit with motorway crosswinds too, nothing earth shaking, but every little helps!

And, as Tony says, it looks a lot better!

Steve

i agree! it looks cool

The spoiler does make a positive difference, particularly when a gusting wind is coming at an angle towards the front. Slant four engined Dolomites are pretty stable in cross winds in my experience (no experience of ohv models so cannot comment on these).
Obviously there are other factors that influence stability too....




Ian