Size of the chute
 

Thinking of putting a parachute on my car over the winter. I have the mount for the chute on the rear, but don't have the chute, cable or release lever. Just wanting a small chute, and was hoping to get some insight from the people who already have the experience. My car right now goes 143 and weights 2350 with me in it. Expecting to get close to the 150 mph mark where a chute is required. Do all chutes have to be cable release or can it be done electrically? :rolleyes: Thanks in advance. How big in diameter should I go? Do I need a launcher? :o Steve Willie Williams

Re: Size of the chute
 

Go to stroud.com and look there. They have a formula to use to calculate which chute you need. No you don't need a launcher, a spring release will work just fine in most cases. Most are released either with cable or with air, don't know if anyone does electrical (but of course air is electrical, just uses air to power it).

BTW, Stroud is the best, IMHO. They pack easier, hit softer, and so on.

Re: Size of the chute
 

Maverick

I own a cross form but I also like the stroud chute it's folds a little different but they seem to work very well. I would perfer a pilot chute or the spring launcher (except for rewinding it) The air launcher being more complicated has a greater potential for failure.I remember Prostock Racer Steve Speese wrecking a race car because the air bottle was empty and the gauge was stuck.
As for the release mechanism I would stick to a lever and cable and if you want to add an air cylinder or solenoid to also activate it (push the lever) then if the electrical or air fails due to a blown fuse or empty air bottle you can always reach up and hit the lever.
McKinney race cars sells a nice 18' cable for ~$27 google McKinneycorp.com
My 2 cents worth.