Five Star’s new MD3 nose (Maximum...
Five Star’s new MD3 nose (Maximum Downforce, third generation) is designed to provide more aerodynamic downforce over the nose and be easier to install. Here’s the finished product ready for decals on Matt Long’s Crate Late Model.
They may look like slab-sided wedges that are all about brute power with no grace. But that really couldn't be further from the truth.
The modern Dirt Late Model race car is, by practically anyone's standards, an impressive piece of machinery. Lightweight with lots of tuning options, precise handling, and the ability to handle tons of horsepower, the Dirt Late Model design has been refined for the big-money touring Super teams over the decades.
That refinement includes the "Maximum Downforce" line of dirt noses. The second generation MD2 nose has been around for a few years. However, two leading body manufacturers (Performance Bodies and Five Star Race Car bodies) have released the MD3 with further refinements designed to both improve aerodynamic downforce over the nose and be easier to install.
The good news is that while the MD3 design has been engineered to help the big-money Super DLM teams win at the big races, the MD3 nose works just as well in the crate and spec motor classes. This month we show you how to properly mount up the nose, lower valance, and fenders (also known as "elephant ears") on an '07 Rocket chassis owned by Crate Late Model racer Matt Long. And next month we'll follow up by showing you the tricks to mounting up the MD3 hood and roof—along with fabricating new A and C pillars.
The first step is to mount...
The first step is to mount the lower support underneath the bottom bumper tube. You can use plastic sheet, but Long prefers a spring steel support like this because it helps the nose bounce back into shape if it scrubs the track or bumps another car.
The lower support is “one...
The lower support is “one size fits all” which means it fits nothing perfectly. Long chips away the lip on the center of the nose (which comes in two pieces) so that it will lay flat against the bumper tubing and he can begin fitting the lower support to fit the nose.
Spring steel is incredibly...
Spring steel is incredibly strong—and incredibly difficult to cut. Long uses a sheetmetal punch instead of a drill to punch holes in the lower support so that it can be bolted to the bumper tubes. And a grinder is used to slowly cut away the steel until it perfectly matches the shape of the nose. Be prepared to take your time here; this task requires patience.
The two-piece nose has a lip...
The two-piece nose has a lip on the left side so that the two halves can be easily and securely riveted together.
The underside of the nose...
The underside of the nose is curled under for strength and must be cut off if you are going to use the lower aerodynamic valance.
The lower valance also comes...
The lower valance also comes in left and right halves. The upper portion is a support that is hidden behind the nose, so Long notches it to help make fitting everything together easier.