Suspension questions
Discussion
I have an Ultima bought from a chap who only used it a handful of times in 12 months, and didnt know much of the history of the car prior to buying it.
Now after a day at Oulton, I find that theres a big problem with the suspension.
The intrax suspension was set to approx mid way & I ran the tyre pressures approx 19 /22 F/R when cold (tyres are F1 Eagles front/Michelin Sport pilots rear).
To say the car was nervous is an understatement. I had little confidence in the car and with up to temp tyres , it felt very skittish indeed, needing correcting it at every turn in point, during which the back end would swing like a pendulum.
Much slower cars were better under braking (new front discs & pads around 3 weeks ago which are fine) , and two other drivers who tried the car spun off after clearing a corner when applying power.
I realise that this may require some sort of geometry assesment as I cannot believe that its related to tyre/ damper settings alone. As I said, I dont know the history , but I know this is pretty dangerous as it is.
We have another track day booked and to be honest Im thinking of cancelling it untill this can be sorted
Hope you guys can help me .
Now after a day at Oulton, I find that theres a big problem with the suspension.
The intrax suspension was set to approx mid way & I ran the tyre pressures approx 19 /22 F/R when cold (tyres are F1 Eagles front/Michelin Sport pilots rear).
To say the car was nervous is an understatement. I had little confidence in the car and with up to temp tyres , it felt very skittish indeed, needing correcting it at every turn in point, during which the back end would swing like a pendulum.
Much slower cars were better under braking (new front discs & pads around 3 weeks ago which are fine) , and two other drivers who tried the car spun off after clearing a corner when applying power.
I realise that this may require some sort of geometry assesment as I cannot believe that its related to tyre/ damper settings alone. As I said, I dont know the history , but I know this is pretty dangerous as it is.
We have another track day booked and to be honest Im thinking of cancelling it untill this can be sorted
Hope you guys can help me .
I don't want to preach to you because you obviously know your stuff judging by your previous cars.........BUT..........do you not think it may be down to the tyres? On a mid or rear-engined car it's essential to have matching tyres front and rear, or the handling will be very poor. It may be as simple as that.
The tyres were ordered like that from the factory because (apparantly) its a good trackday combination. Whether this is true or not I dont know, but they are virtually new.
The way it handles leads me to suspect its a lot more than just a tyre issue -which if so,is more of a concern. Ive raced single seaters & saloons and nothing comes close to being as scary or as twitchy as this.
Ill speak to the factory hopefully over the next couple of days re the tyres, but as far as suspension issues go , do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone?
The way it handles leads me to suspect its a lot more than just a tyre issue -which if so,is more of a concern. Ive raced single seaters & saloons and nothing comes close to being as scary or as twitchy as this.
Ill speak to the factory hopefully over the next couple of days re the tyres, but as far as suspension issues go , do these symptoms sound familiar to anyone?
Get Chris Franklin at www.centergravity.co.uk to bring his optical alignment kit to the trackday and work his magic. Well worth the money! or at least give him a call to see what he says!
Let us know how you get on and what you find out.
Oh and by the way please tell Chris that you were recommended to him as a direct result of the excellent technical demonstration he did at the Wedge Fest last year! We hope to see him again next year.
Leo
Oh and by the way please tell Chris that you were recommended to him as a direct result of the excellent technical demonstration he did at the Wedge Fest last year! We hope to see him again next year.
Leo
Edited by leorest on Sunday 4th November 20:52
Gassing Station | Suspension, Brakes & Tyres | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff