Race Duetto coming together, have questions... - Page 2

Alfapwr · #16 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:46 PM

A panhard rod is not a necessity. You can get similar gains by having the rear of the car lower than the front. What is important here is the RELATIONSHIP of the rear roll center to that of the front. So if you have the front of the car lower than the rear then you will use the panhard rod/watts linkage to lower the rear roll center accordingly. Basically the same effect, but with more expense. The only downside is some cars look funny in a "squatting" posture.

**msiert** · #17 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:03 PM

That the brit's way of doing it............Does make alot of sense............Look at their car gallery and you'll see alot of "squatting" postures.

Alfa Romeo Parts at ALFAHOLICS. Classic spares, parts & cars.

barbone105 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 01:12 PM

raising and lowering one end or another does alter the ratio of front and rear roll.
it also alters the weight distribution which can have bad effects on balance and handling.
the watts and panhard alter the rear roll stiffness and roll axis without doing that.
before you write off modifying the rear end, check w soveren... most sanctioning bodies do not view these as suspension modifications but rather more like sway bars. worth a review of the rule book or a phone call to a tech guy. they do work. don't know many guys running a watts or panhard who would willingly pull it off the car.
andy

**George Willet** · #19 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 02:13 PM

Nader, give me a call. and I'll fill you in on the Sovern can and can not do-s

fiametta · #20 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:23 AM

Aren't the stock wheels for a Duetto 15"? SOVREN allows a slightly wider wheel than stock, but you have to maintain the same diameter. You'd be better off in the long run getting 15" wheels anyway because of the tire selection. (In my opinion.)
If you end up with 14", I have a set of stock 14 X 5.5" steelies that I just had powdercoated that you could use for rains or spares. I'd sell them to you for the cost of the powdercoating.
I also think you are also supposed to have the stock suspension set up except for springs and shocks and sway bars.
I removed the sway bar that was on the rear of my car when I got it. A good resource is David Rugh here in Portland. He sells a "package" of springs and bars and shocks. It's already been sorted out and works together. If you mix and match you don't know what the outcome will be. I have a Giulietta but I think he sells stuff for later cars too.
David