Ok, I'll ask the stupid question. What software are we talking about here,
and where can it be found? I messed a little with dyno software, but haven't
ventured into suspension.
Larry Young
Bill Babcock wrote:
> I did, spent about two days fiddling with software that didn't belong to
> me. I started out by doing all the measurements required--that takes a lot
> of work because you need to get it all very accurate. Then I ran the
> software and was so shocked at the results that I went back and measured
> everything again. Basically it told me that TR3's shouldn't be able to
> turn a corner at walking speed without flipping on their side. A slight
> exaggeration, but the numbers look really bad. The roll center for the
> front end is about 4 feet underground, bump steer input is huge, there's
> hardly any caster, camber varies greatly as the arm travels. I don't
> remember specifics, I think I wrote a long email to the list that detailed
> them, but I don't have a copy. I did find that many of the worst faults
> can be corrected, and I did so--my cheater TR3 handles wonderfully. But if
> you are planning to vintage race, you need to be very careful. I built an
> adjustable upper arm (heim joints on front and back so the overall length
> as well as the caster can be adjusted) and moved the upper arm pivot point
> about one inch inboard. Raised the steering box about a half inch. Short,
> stiff springs to lower the car and reduce front end travel (no way to
> completely eliminate the varying camber) and lots of rebound damping. and
> of course the usual sway bar, super-soft rear springs, etc, etc. Most of
> the standard stuff that people do to make TR3/4 handle is in the right
> direction.
>
> So now I have a TR3 that corners as flat as a formula ford, does lovely
> controlled drifts without understeer, and is not welcome at any vintage
> event except SCCA, where the only thing they require to be authentic is
> your entry fee.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David & Krystal Wingett [mailto:elkhorn@megsinet.net]
> Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 2:21 PM
> To: Dave Brackin
> Cc: Friend Of Triumph
> Subject: Re: Lower A arms & geometry
>
> Has anyone run any of the new computer suspension diagnostic
> soft wear, using our TR"x" as a model? I know most racers have lowered
> there cars. I'm just wondering if anyone has actually done the engineering
> design work to do it right. I have an older dos based program ... I
> just
> don't have a clue how to collect the data to fill in the prompts.
> DW
>
> Subject: RE: Lower A-Arm Studs
>
> >
> > Bill, I've got a new set of springs that should lower the car about 1
> 1/2".
> > All other components are tr6 (minus the lower wishbone to frame mounting
> > brackets of course).
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