Re: Suspension Analysis

[mike tipton <mtipton@netten.net>]

Jeffrey wrote:

 "but I soon figured out that big bars on the back of FWD cars are kind 
of pointless if the inside rear wheel is already lifting off the ground 
under hard cornering ... and if you drive these cars the way they're 
meant to be driven, this happens all the time!

The "purpose" of the rear bar is in the area of "oversteer" and 
"understeer" Audi's Coupe GT(non turbo non quattro) are notorious for 
the "PUSH" under hard cornering. Due to the weigth of front end, and 
"saftey minded" suspension engineering.   

The rear anti-sway bar actually helps out the front suspension, by 
keeping the "outside nose" from diving too hard in a corner, and 
therefore, reducing the inherant oversteer, or "push".  SO, if you leave 
the bar off, it makes matters worse. Especially for a street driven car, 
and an "average" driver. 

I have driven my 86 Coupe(n/a) with fullly tweeked suspension, on many a 
SCCA track events. Some where three laps WORE OUT the front tire's! 
It has been video taped many times, none of which show the rear tire's
departing from the ground. I'm not saying its not possable, mine's been 
on two wheels before, but very difficult for mine with its suspension 
setup the way it is. A stocker, yes, cause all the body roll lends a 
hand in it. The Coupe with its large over steer effect usually will 
slide out the front end before the rear pitches high enough to lift! Its 
wheel base is just a bit too long fer this.(my opinion) 

Now, VW GTI's, there at home with the inside rear airborne. A friend of 
mine would try to stop this wheel from turning, while in corners, just 
to amaze the audiance!  

I have reads book to this case that tell you how to increase/decrease 
oversteer/understeer with different sized anti sway bars, tire widths, 
etc... so I feel one cant just omit the rear anti-sway bar, unless your 
"setting up" for an event and a "seasoned driver" in this arena.


                                       M