body roll...

[5lab]

ok, so everyone knows stiffer suspension generally = better handleing - but why is this? logically you might think that softer suspension would =more wheels in contact with ground more of the time = better handling. the only reason i can think of is that stiffer suspension means the weight of the car will be more over the inside wheels rather than being pushed onto the outside wheels - but i wouldnt think this makes too much difference??

[3Dfx]

it doesnt ALWAYS mean better handling, it can make a ride choppy and bobbly (yep thats my description)

... u need it inbetween... usually manufacturers Sports Suspension is just right...

Focus RS for example

[5lab]

but.. why?

[Event Horizon]

The lack of mass transfer stops a pendulum effect, that is where most of the gained stability comes from.

[Rave]

If the suspension is too soft then instead of turning the car will roll at first. Then too much weight is on the outside wheels, which limits the turning force the tyres can generate; also the inside wheel is more likely to spin when power is applied. In addition, if the car hits the bump stops, or the suspension unloads as you come out of a corner, that could unsettle it and cause the tyres to lose traction unpredictably; a slide like that is harder to control. Basically if the suspension is too soft, it's hard to get the car going exactly where you want it, and hard to feel what it's doing.

If the suspension is too hard the car will skip over bumps and will lose traction more quickly as a result. However, because you can feel what it's doing, and it doesn't buck and weave all over, it's a lot more controllable. Still, unless you specifically like sliding, it's faster AND more comfortable to have well adjusted, firm but supple suspension.

Rich :¬)

edit: bugger. I write a whole essay and Event Horizon explains it better in one sentence

[ScarFinger]

please ignore

[5lab]

^^ who's this guy?

[Event Horizon]

Sorry m8 i lecture in automotive systems, while mass transfer is not the whole story, it is certainly a big chunk.

[Punky]

my m8 has got a Mk4 escort, and the body roll was awfull, but we chopped the springs down and now its non-existant. i recon its due to the fact its lower to the ground, thus meaning less mass up high to pivot the car over, iff that made sense. physics aint my strong point. but at least now we can get the car sideways round roundabouts and not worry bout climbin out upside down

[Event Horizon]

Yep, your m8's car is now lower to the ground so its roll centre and centre of mass are both lower, that coupled with the fact that when you chop springs down, you automatically raise the spring rate. So you have lowered and stiffened at the same time.. ohh err

[[GSV]Trig]

Gettin rid of body roll aint always good, my old cav now has so little body roll u cant feel when its about to snap away, anyone that lowers/stiffens a car should then take there time and relearn how to read the car when cornering on the edge as you dont get the same kinda warning as you do normally...

[Jiff Lemon]

Originally posted by not_your_punk
my m8 has got a Mk4 escort, and the body roll was awfull, but we chopped the springs down and now its non-existant. i recon its due to the fact its lower to the ground, thus meaning less mass up high to pivot the car over, iff that made sense. physics aint my strong point. but at least now we can get the car sideways round roundabouts and not worry bout climbin out upside down

However, the shockers have prolly got zero travel now, therefore you have zero suspension!

[DaBeeeenster]

I love the feeling you get when you sit inside a car for the first time and notice the ride is REALLY unforgiving. I noticed this most in my mates Delta Integrale, but people have commented on it when riding in my Corrado, so that's job done

Bizarrely, my old man bought a porker 996 and it doesn't feel that stiff. There's not a lot of role but the ride is quite smooth. What's the point in that eh?

[Lowe]

Trig - that's one of the down sides of such stiff suspension. It's an all or nothing situation, which means you've got very little warning of finding the limit of your adhesion! This is particularly noticable in the wet on islands.

On a side note, cutting springs is NOT recommended. If you take too much off, or cut the spring using the wrong sort of tool you'll weaken the spring which can lead to all sorts of problems. Springs aren't that much, so do it properly!

[Tumble]

Damn... I RAISED mine 2 inches last year.......

[[GSV]Trig]

Yeah but ur a freak tumble so u dont count