Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnyozero3
Shankenstein - this is great. Thank you for starting it.
What products are you aiming to model first to work on your own personal suspension goals? Just curious.
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First order of business is to analyze the stock setup. Find its strengths and weaknesses from a geometry point of view.
Second order of business is to analyze the effects of lowering springs, coilovers, sway bars, spacers, wheel offsets, camber plates, etc. Each one changes the geometry and system dynamics. I want to know the effect.
Third order of business is to connect the model results with the track. Start with the model's optimal setup, see how it performs on track/autocross. We'll watch tire temperatures, wear rates, and lap times. If you tweak the camber, and tire temperatures are more evenly distributed, you should probably stick with it (unless lap time dropped significantly).
The tough part here is keeping things objective. Getting feedback about 0 vs 1/8" toe, with the same driver on the same track, on the same day... which one feels more stable and yields better lap times. That's subjective, but still has value.
Fourth order of business is to identify where the model was wrong. Identify where a computer can be helpful and where it leads you astray. I guarantee that some stuff will look great on a computer but will perform poorly.
Examples:
Currently, some people will say that front springs should be stiffer than rear springs. Some people will say 10k springs are a great idea. Some recommend wide tires + offset + camber (because grip!). Hopefully we can see what effect 255 vs 215 tires make.
The FT86 forums are hoppin'. Theory nerds, track Stigs, and some people with too much $$ to spend. Let's put all 3 types to work. I think we can develop a set of recommendations for new guys and old guys... for each budget and purpose.
*steps off the soapbox*
I'm still waiting on my FR-S to arrive. I did get one of those extendable magnets and some huge paper, for doing the coordinates in XYZ this time.