Adj. Rear Sway Bar & Panhard

[George Willet]

One problem that I see is the use of stiff rear springs on a Spider that doesn't have a full roll cage. There is a lot of twist in the Spider chassis that the sedan doesn't have, and there will come a point that the Spider chassis will twist before the springs will compress. So what works on a sedan won't necessarilly work on a Spider.

[conedriver]

George,

You're correct. I hope there is some additional stiffness from the bolt-in roll bar, and I will have a "Petty Bar" next year which should provide a little more stiffness even though I won't have the benefits of a full roll cage . Interestingly, my '76 Spider with roll bar and stiff springs doesn't have anything near the chassis and cowl shake exhibited by my '91 Spider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Willet One problem that I see is the use of stiff rear springs on a Spider that doesn't have a full roll cage. There is a lot of twist in the Spider chassis that the sedan doesn't have, and there will come a point that the Spider chassis will twist before the springs will compress. So what works on a sedan won't necessarilly work on a Spider.

[turbolarespider]

Murray
Just get in it and drive!

We can debate on this all day, and what Max comes up with will drive a little different than what I come up with, vs. George, vs. Erik.

And all of us might have a solution that does not match your style or skill.

Start with what you have, and tell us how it feels.

That's actually the problem with making a "race" car without ever have driven the car before- you'll second guess yourself off the track.

Eric

[George Willet]

Eric is right!! I got some advice from Carroll Smith that I'll never forget:

"Shut up and Drive!"

[turbolarespider]

besides driving it yourself, find someone you trust to drive the car.

And while I know your car is primarily for the track, one of the best places you can sort a car is on the autocross course. And you'll be placed into some pretty lame classes, but the point is to get safe seat time.

If the car always snaps oversteer, or viciously understeers, it's probably not you.

The great thing about autocrosses is that you can really beat on the car to feel how it will drive. And, generally, how it feels on a parking lot will match the track.

Eric

[turbolarespider]

As much as people might tell you otherwise, a good autocross set up will work just fine on the track. *Maybe* a little loose, but that's easy to take care of.

If we can work out the autocross time, I'll be happy to take it for a spin at the convention, as will George (I'm sure).

You'd be surprised how hard George and I push our cars on an autocross course- especially bumpy ones. these cars can TAKE it. Amazingly tough.

Beat on it- she'll take it.

Eric

[genericwood]

Murray, once you hit the track with your improved car, you will be hooked. And of course you will be driving hard enough to be glad you have the roll bar! The following link has a picture of me getting in the way of Bernardo Martinez, Jr. in the first couple laps of the TransAm race at Mid Ohio last weekend. My new favorite pic of the car!

http://www.svra.com/SVRA/PhotoGal.ns...ks/PHOR-6SWNBX

Erik

[davbert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by msiert George,You know Carroll Smith! I have read all his "How to" books several times. He and Ross Bentley are my two favorite authors. I will drive it (If I ever get it back) as is and get back to you on what it's doing. Problem is it will most likely be my driving errors that is causing the problems not the suspension. How do you know when to make suspension changes? Murray

[Alleggerita]

Quote:

Originally Posted by msiert Don't worry it won't happen to me. The car just might need a minor adjustment or two then I'm done putting money in her. Murray