Chassis Stiffening - which kit? Cage?, Stiffening before paint, need help. Options

[Aaron Cox]

can you still fit a passenger?

[Trekkor]

I'll say this about chasis stiffening coupled with a stout suspension package; when I hit it hard out in the woods coming down a VERY sharp turn under hard braking, it sounds like a 747 landing as the tires lock and land several times due to massive wheel lift. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mueba.gif)

yeah buddy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[EdwardBlume]

Passengers fit OK, but its at least 3 inches forward. I've toyed with the idea of fitting the crossbar better, but I don't want to give up its function.

Trekkor. Wheel lift and lock is fun but if you're after fast keep all four on the ground. What's your setup?

[Trekkor]

Koni yellows- full soft front, full firm rear
31mm Smart Racing front bar set 75% soft
150# Eibach rear springs
Falken Azenis 39psi front, 41psi rear

I have a stock rear bar to install this week.
Also carrying 200# springs to Alameda...just in case (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I expect to look like a different driver next Saturday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool_shades.gif)

KT

remember this?

[EdwardBlume]

Why soften the front? What torsion bars? Who told you to put on a rear sway? (most people dont- but I agree with it BTW)

[EdwardBlume]

This is what it should look like.....

[Trekkor]

I am the experimental child.

I believe the soft help eliminate understeer along with the stiff rear end.
Stock torsion bars.

Brad is the designer- I just pay and play! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol2.gif)

FYI- Bill, Randal and the Jagermiester six car all lift.

I saw a car in Reno carry the front wheel 200 ft around a sweeper. They placed high up.

KT

[Trekkor]

Here's the car with the long lift.
Don't have it lifting on "film" though.

All these fast cars that lift, why? To stiff front bar?
Is it understeer forcing the inboard wheel up?

I'm scared (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[Trekkor]

point of reference:

here's what it looks like with worn out stock suspension.
Same venue, similar turn, speed.

[EdwardBlume]

I shouldn't drive and tell... but the rear bar keeps the front down. The front suspension keeps the rear down. I personally like the stiffer torsion bars.

Bill and Randal drive fast for multiple reasons. Bill's car plain and simple is a friggen rocket. Randal is sorting out his suspension now and is making big strides this year with times with virtually less effort.

For us street / AX drivers, the key is to get as much as you can out of what you can put into it. Keeping all 4 wheels on the ground isn't sexy or exciting, but from what I've seen its faster.

Brad is the prophet on these matters.

[EdwardBlume]

Oh, the Jagermeister car is N/A IMO

[EdwardBlume]

I dig the last picture and how you are leaning your body inside to try and help!!!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[EdwardBlume]

I know this sounds crazy too, but I think the roll bar tied into the foward long helps too.

THis is why I am intrigued by the interior stiffening kit. I'm just not willing to be a "tester". If it can further reduce flex and aggressively stiffen the car further, it could be a "must have" item. I hope so... we'll see I guess.

[Trekkor]

Come to Alameda, Rob.
I have not run the stiff kit yet in a/x.
I like being the " tester ".

You should sit down into my car and feel the obvious difference. Even stand in the door opening and jump up and down if you want!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

Run it up and down the paddock if you like.

KT

[EdwardBlume]

Thanks for the offer.

I've got kid duty but I'll be springed for the LPR AX on July 25, and for the Zone events in August at Alameda.

With the stiff kit. I understand the theory and its effectiveness with a higher HP car. For an AX application, I want to feel the flex or lack of, and relative stiffness you like to have in concert with your suspension. 914s flex in multiple areas. A welded in cage takes a great deal of flex out of the car. I'm hoping this kit does the same thing, and ideally complements the roll bar as well.

[Trekkor]

Rob, I was putting new wheels on today and when I lifted the rear of the car from the motor mount bolt the front of the car came way off the jack stand.

I believe this kit with the cage will put you in happy land.

The weight ( 18# ) is worth the test. Do do still have sound deadening behind the back pad?

KT

[EdwardBlume]

The latteral stiffness is there with my forward bar. When I jack the front wheel, its about 2-3 inches above the rear (but suspension travel is a part of this too).

Happy land with the roll bar is where I want to be. Hopefully you can take me for a ride at the next AX event we both attend.

I've stripped the car of the engine sound proofing, but the floor tar is still on. I'm also thinking about taking the center console and radio out.... I also need to scrape the black coating off the wheel wells.

[Trekkor]

The first thing Brad noticed about my car when it was on the rack was the fact that it has no undercoating ( 40#'s ).

It you want the tar out, I found an air chisel is magic.

KT

[914momo]

I've been using a propane torch and a wood chisel it works great (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[ChrisFoley]

IMO the Engman kit is ony good because of the easy install.
The clam shells are a better stiffener if you are prepared to do the work. I don't think both are necessary.
I also think the 10 pc kit is a waste for the most part.