Weight a minute

[QSHIPQ <QSHIPQ@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-04-08 03:52:30 EDT, you write:

<< 
 >Does 50/50 always equal better performance?  NO.  Just flat out NO.  
 >Yeah, it is a big factor, but come on, weight distribution is only one 
> part of handling.  You still argue that tires dont make a difference 
> except subjectively, is that correct?  How can you POSSIBLY make that 
> argument?  I put AVS Intermediates on my old coupe, an upgrade from BF 
> Goodrich HR4's and yeah, there was a huge objective handling increase.  
 >It would corner harder, respond quicker, brake better.  Those arent 
> subjective measurements.  That is the difference a tire can make.
  >>
Basic stuff, your "experiences" aside.
How 'bout some good old reference material.  Hey this is handy:

Advanced Race Car Suspension Development, by Steve Smith  rev1988

"A car is able to accelerate faster coming off a corner with weight bias at
the rear.  For a given amount of acceleration, the cornering force available
on the inside tire increases when there is a heavier rear weight bias (rwd
specifically to the 740 advantage, "linear and vernier").  Braking ability is
also enhanced with a rear weight bias The more weight moved to the rear
wheels, the more weight that remains there under heavy braking.  And the best
braking is achieved when the cars weight distribution, under maximum braking
forces is as close to 50/50 as possible."  

Let's stop there, Mike.  You see any conclusions here that might indicate why
a 60/40 f/r car is having "tire" problems?  And "braking was the worst of the
group".  And a 49.8/50.2 might not have "tire" problems?  We could go to
weight transfer of the car while cornering and see another problem with the
60/40 f/r car in terms of tires and "discombobulated feel".  This is pretty
basic stuff here.

And NOT anything new.  This is really basic chassis dynamics.  I give BMW a
lot more credit than audi for taking this seriously.  ON a 4300lb car.  Awd
advantage?  With what compromises?

Scott Justusson