[Shotimes] Energy Suspension Bushings

[Ron Porter]

Actually, what works on a Gen 3 DOES work on Gen 1/2s. The only real
difference is in the stiffness of the body structure, which SFCs on a Gen
1/2 can help alleviate (well, until you put SFCs on a Gen 3!).

Ian, maybe we need to understand your definition of "understeer". If a 24/26
bar combo gives you a lot of understeer at "spirited" speeds, then I guess
you are claiming that all Gen 1 cars (which had 24/26 from the factory) had
objectionable understeer. Plus, if you noticed "that" much of a difference
in 2mm front bar changes, there are some other factors at work here that are
not related to the bars (unless you were an F1 test driver in another life).

As you add performance suspension components (solid SFBs, SFCs,
Koni/Eibach/Intrax/Tokico, harder bushings, etc, etc) the general tendency
will be to make the car more tail-happy. And too much tail-happiness is NOT
a good thing for track or "spirited" road driving....ask the Gen 3 guys with
26mm (or larger) rear bars who have spun out.

Kirk was politely asking about your tires, but if your tires and car setup
are fine, you need to revisit your driving technique if you feel that you
are understeering too much (and no, I'm not talking about autocross wit a
need to pivot sooner). Keep in mind that heavy FWD cars like the SHO are
going to always have a level of understeer anyway, just due to the weight
and having the tires trying to steer and accelerate at the same time.

Awhile back, this was one of the "discussions" we had on the V8 list, with
folks who felt that bigger rear bars were the answer. I again direct people
to the picture (first pic) of my '99 at Hallett with stock bars through the
Carousel. Observe the equal 1/2 tire patch of the left-side tires: 
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=329494&uid=168194

Ron Porter 

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net [mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Ian Fisher

First time? It's been discussed before.

I just sat here and said that I've tried different combinations and your
response was that maybe I need better tires? ???

What may work well on the Gen3 (if that is what you are referring to)
doesn't necessarily apply to a gen2 mtx.

Ian
PS. My tires are just fine. 

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Kirk Doucette

Understeer?

First time I ever heard that one! Maybe you need better tires on the
car.

Kirk J Doucette
NESHOC President
Stormtrooper-97 White

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Ian Fisher

Well, I disagree. :)

I've tried more sway bar combos than one can shake a stick at. I've used
a 24mm, 20.6 and now a 22 bar and the 22/26 wins hands down. It's
amazing with the Quaife too. The 24/26 made the car understeer at pretty
much any "spirited" speed.

One thing that I'll say is that the ES poly bushings suck. TPR is much
better.

Ian