Car aerodynamics can be easily overlooked when seeking better track performance, but these subtle characteristics can improve lap times and driver confidence. Unlike straightforward engine upgrades that add power or suspension enhancements that help handling, aerodynamic changes require a solid understanding of what happens when the air and the car interact. Keep reading as we explore practical track aerodynamics modifications that can deliver measurable results without affecting reliability or compliance. 

Importance of Aerodynamics

At track speeds, air affects your car as much as mechanical grip. Drag hurts the vehicle’s ability to accelerate, while downforce keeps the tires on the track, improves stability in corners, and supports stopping power. Speed only increases the effect of the forces. Finding the right balance for your car and the track is as much art as it is science. Faster tracks can handle more drag for grip, while tighter tracks may favor less drag for better speed. 

Airflow also plays a significant role in cooling. The engine, brakes, and transmission can overheat if the wrong aerodynamics are used. The challenge in determining the proper setup is that every car, driving style, and track differs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s worth the time and effort to tailor a configuration that meets your needs. 

Aero Components Explained

Separating aerodynamic modifications into three functional areas—front, rear, and underbody—can help you better plan for upgrades and understand vehicle behavior.

‍

Front Splitters & Air Dams

Front Splitters: Front splitters help with downforce along the lower bumper, producing a high-pressure zone above and a low-pressure area below. A 2-4 inch extension is all that’s needed for most track situations. This setup provides a good balance between effectiveness and durability. Opt for anything wider and you’ll risk damage. A narrower front splitter is more for show than function. Sturdy materials and proper installation are a must to withstand track forces. 

Air Dams: Air dams function similarly to front splitters but with a simpler approach. These vertical extensions drop below the bumper to block airflow, which reduces front lift and overall drag. It’s not unusual to see air dams paired with splitters, but the combination can be vulnerable to damage. If you’re into nitty-gritty details, consider an adjustable air dam design, which enables ground clearance fine-tuning. 

‍

Rear Wings and Spoilers

Wings: Rear wings do much more than add cool looks; they generate downforce by activating like an inverted airplane wing. The airfoil shape, attack angle, and height determine the amount of downforce. However, you can’t just install a rear wing and hope for the best. The correct angle avoids too much drag while providing proper grip support. The wing must also be mounted high enough to reach clean airflow above the car’s wake for maximum effect. An adjustable rear wing is ideal for finding that ideal compromise between drag and downforce. 

Spoilers: Spoilers employ a similar but simpler airflow disruption technique at the rear to minimize drag while modestly improving downforce. In most cases, factory spoilers are more about appearance than function. An aftermarket version can improve stability and complement a wing installation. 

‍

Underbody Diffusers

It’s easy to skip underbody diffusers because they’re out of sight, but they’re essential to successful body aerodynamics. They create a low-pressure zone under the car at the rear by increasing and then gradually expanding airflow. This effect helps pull the car down with minimal drag. The goal is a diffuser setup with smooth underbody panels to ensure uninterrupted airflow, a proper diffuser angle (usually 7-15 degrees), and good sealing to maximize effectiveness. 

Practical Aero Setups

Given the unique design of each automobile, it’s unsurprising that each favorite track car requires individual aerodynamic treatments:

• Corvette C5/C6/C7: Thanks to a long wheelbase and low profile, older Corvettes are stable platforms from the start. That said, track-specific aero tuning can refine handling and braking without sacrificing straight-line speed. A 3-4-inch front splitter and an adjustable rear spoiler should be all that’s needed. 
• Porsche 911: The 911’s rear-engine and rear-wheel-drive layout can be balanced by adding front lips and a ducktail spoiler. The factory aero options are an excellent base, but upgrading with track-ready components can improve high-speed stability and driver confidence. 
• BMW E36/E46 M3: These Bimmers are hampered by a higher drag, which requires lift reduction and drag management to compensate. Consider a front air dam and splitter to reduce front-end lift and increase brake cooling. A moderately sized wing or spoiler can enhance stability in the back without adding excessive drag.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Mazda Miata’s lightweight platform is ideal for aerodynamic upgrades. A modest front-end treatment, a simple rear spoiler, and well-matched underbody panels can deliver noticeable improvements on the track. The net results are better grip and straight-line performance that doesn’t sacrifice the car’s nimble handling.
• Honda S2000:   Like the Miata, the light S2000 can benefit from a modest splitter and spoiler pairing. The resulting upgrade to high-speed stability will support the S2000’s rev-happy nature. A phase two upgrade can include underbody diffusers to reduce lift and support aggressive corner handling. 
• Subaru WRX/STI: While the WRX’s standard all-wheel drive and rear wing help with handling, adding a front splitter and air dams can improve front-end bite and balance the existing aero package. Minor tuning can make the car more predictable and stable on track.

Installation and Tuning Considerations

You’ll want to focus as much on installing any aerodynamic upgrades as you did choosing them. Loads can reach hundreds of pounds at speed, so a poor-quality installation or inferior mounts can lead to failure and dangerous conditions. Don’t skimp in this area, and paying for professional installation may be the best approach for long-term durability and best results.

Adjustability is vital, especially if you frequent different tracks or switch up your driving styles. Tweaking wing angles, splitter extensions, or air dam height as needed can help you maximize grip and acceleration. 

Before purchasing any aero upgrades, make a plan. This helps integrate all the components while accommodating existing systems like cooling ducts, undertrays, and suspension. For instance, sealing specific gaps to improve airflow may interfere with suspension compression requirements. 

There are practical considerations if you drive your track car on the street. Adjustable splitters and air dams can be lowered at the track but raised to avoid damage on bumps and angled driveways. 

Testing and Validation

The final phase of any aerodynamic upgrade is confirming that the new setup delivers what it’s supposed to. Testing and professional assessment can validate these efforts. 

• Data Logging: Recording before and after performance data is the easiest way to confirm the effects of any aero changes. Data capture of track lap times, speeds, and cornering g-forces can show the net results.
• Video Analysis: Similarly, recording pre- and post-change laps can reveal how the car behaves through corners and on straightaways. You’ll want to rely on a stable camera mount, like the SUPERMOUNTS system. Clearer footage can uncover subtle handling issues or gains that might not be detectable behind the wheel. 
• Professional Review: An experienced track engineer or aerodynamicist can take your setup to the next level by identifying weaknesses and suggesting an optimization strategy based on track usage. This extra step can be worth the expense if you have a complex aero configuration targeting competitive improvements. 

By understanding the basics, choosing components suited to your platform, and testing thoroughly, you can take full advantage of what car aerodynamics and smart track aerodynamics bring.

Be Ready for Track Day and Beyond

SUPERMOUNTS can help you fine-tune your aerodynamics and capture all the excitement behind the wheel. Learn about these custom-engineered mounting systems at the RoadSpy store. The RoadSpy Blog offers more information about maximizing your track day experiences. Article topics include preparing for a track day event and recording your automotive adventures.

‍