Re: suspension

["R. Tonge" <rptonge@u.washington.edu>]

If you have to give up comfort for a "handlin' machine", how come the new
lotus elise rides and handles better than the new caterham 21 - you do not
have to sacrifice handling for comfort until you get to the very far
reaches of suspension technology - its all about understanding and design,
a setup that doesnot roll does not have to be stiff and uncomfortble !, a
spring only suspends a vehicle but it is the damper and suspension
geometry that keeps the wheel in contact with the ground.

Rob
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On Thu, 31 Oct 1996, mike tipton wrote:

> Chris wrote:
> 
> I was told that it is imperative to have a strut braces when running 
> stiffer suspension.  Otherwise, the strut bearing tend to wear out very 
> fast.  
> 
> Chris,
> Every auto has a "unique" suspension setup all its own! However several 
> basic functions are simular across the range. 
> 
> Each suspension is very "highly engineered" to operate within a 
> "certain" perameter, IE "stock" to "race" with each having their perks 
> as far as setup is concerned. Still with me! 
>  
> Any time you "modify" the suspension in any way(tires, bigger wheels, 
> etc..) it changes the overall "geometry" in which the suspension 
> operates. This "change" effects all the parts in a different way than 
> that which it was intended. Now the key too all this is "knowing" from
> experience, exactly which mods, effect which parts, and by how much!
> What works for one, might not on another!
> 
> You can "dial in" your particular suspension, to your particular driving 
> style, road conditions, etc... The possabilities are endless!!
> Not every setup will effect every car the same! There are so many 
> variables(tires, wheels, shocks, etc..) to consider in this field!
> Again "Experience" rules here! 
> 
> Audi's suspensions have their strong and weak points. Bushings and wheel 
> bearings being probably the top two! The rest of the suspension is 
> pretty sturdy! But the simplicity of such a system can be its undoing, 
> especially as performance mods go!
> 
> A rule to remember with suspension, if you want a more "comfort" ride, 
> you give up handling. If you want better handling, you give up comfort!
> 
> We will have to see if those electronic self leveling suspensions will
> change the rule!
> 
> But one rule that never changes: You have to pay, to play!
> 
> As for the strut bearings, well they usually last as long as the wheel 
> bearings, depending on your type of drivin! 
> 
>                                  M
> 
>