The 24 Hours of Lemons Forums → Lemons Tech → Helmet Air
For all those who have used forced air into the helmet....
Is there any consensus for the "best" setup? (Yeah, I know; 100 drivers and 100 different "bests.")
I would guess that the minimally acceptable system is cabin air through a filter. Above that would be fresh air through a filter. Has anyone tried cooled air? (I have a cool suit cooler just waiting for another heat source.) Assume the ambient air temp would be mid-80s, plus the heat from the car and/or track.
TIA,
Eric
I have the F.A.S.T. helmet cooler system, which works in conjunction with their suit cooler.
An external blower takes intake air through a 4" tube, exhausting it into a 1.5" tube. That
tube connects to one end of a heat exchanger inside the ice chest. Another tube then
takes the cooled air to a connector on my helmet.
F.A.S.T. will modify your existing helmet with the connector (for a fee).
In actual use at California tracks, I have not found it to be a significant enhancement.
On the other hand, the suit cooler is absolutely essential.
I will be happy to answer any questions about my installation or experiences.
Unless you have a blower fan do NOT use a NACA duct. I see these and laugh every time. NACA ducts are for bringing air into a lower pressure area with a minimum of drag, they are not ram scoops.
If the air is being SUCKED in use a NACA.
If the air is being SCOOPED in use a RAM SCOOP.
I know it looks all "RACE CAR" but Aero Drag is really low on the list of "How can we go faster" in a Lemons program.
Right Below "Should I loose 40 pounds?" and "did we ever change the wheel berings?
I use a water-to-air intercooler plumbed through my cool shirt system, with a 4" bilge fan blowing air through. It works phenomenally.
my head used to COOK inside my helmet. I could actually take my pulse by the throbbing of my head inside my helmet. not exaggerating. then I bought a hooded cool shirt. it is incredible. sure my teammates make fun of me, but my head is cool as a cucumber now. I like it because I didn't have to mod anything or buy a more expensive ducted helmet, just plug it in and go.
here's a link if interested. they're a little pricey. I got mine for ~175 but I cant find that deal now
http://www.jegs.com/p/CoolShirt/CoolShi … 0/10002/-1
John
http://www.jegs.com/p/CoolShirt/CoolShi … 0/10002/-1
John
:origin()/pre01/a912/th/pre/f/2013/061/2/8/holy_cornholio_by_eladministrador-d5wptsz.png)
I have this:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all13020
I stick the air filter out the back window. It works really well, changes my whole outlook on life.
These are capable of giving you an ice cream Headache. No joke.
my head used to COOK inside my helmet. I could actually take my pulse by the throbbing of my head inside my helmet. not exaggerating. then I bought a hooded cool shirt. it is incredible. sure my teammates make fun of me, but my head is cool as a cucumber now. I like it because I didn't have to mod anything or buy a more expensive ducted helmet, just plug it in and go.
here's a link if interested. they're a little pricey. I got mine for ~175 but I cant find that deal now
http://www.jegs.com/p/CoolShirt/CoolShi … 0/10002/-1John
Look up Marine inline fans if you want to try and do it on the super cheap.
my head used to COOK inside my helmet. I could actually take my pulse by the throbbing of my head inside my helmet. not exaggerating. then I bought a hooded cool shirt. it is incredible. sure my teammates make fun of me, but my head is cool as a cucumber now. I like it because I didn't have to mod anything or buy a more expensive ducted helmet, just plug it in and go.
here's a link if interested. they're a little pricey. I got mine for ~175 but I cant find that deal now
http://www.jegs.com/p/CoolShirt/CoolShi … 0/10002/-1John
I'd love to try one on as it seems it would be uncomfortable adding something else inside my helmet. I can't even stand a balacava in mine. I do love my Cool Shirt though!
I use a water-to-air intercooler plumbed through my cool shirt system, with a 4" bilge fan blowing air through. It works phenomenally.
Got any pics of your setup? The thing that sucks is I just bought a new helmet not long ago and the ducted ones are quite pricey.
That setup looks slick Ross! Any chance you'll be at Barber or CMP? I'd love to discuss the details with you.
Probably CMP fall but here's the details: ebay water to air intercooler tee'd off your cool shirt plumbing, 4" bilge fan mounted at the passenger window opening blowing the air, with various size hose and adapters to make it all work. Quite simple, really, but it'll blow out air at whatever the water temperature is...
YES this is EXACTLY what I look like!!!
also the helmet is a little snug but not too bad. I thought I'd hate it when I first put it on, but it was ok.
John
The 24 Hours of Lemons Forums → Lemons Tech → Helmet Air