Old school handling - how to achieve
Discussion
I've seen the Morgans almost roll after a spin if they are traveling backwards with some steering lock (very unstable going backwards, like a robin going forwards). The big plus is the skinny tyres meaning everything happens at relatively low speed, undoubtedly more compromised than a caterham or similar. I think of them as somewhere between a very old car and an old motorcycle.
One other thing that I thought of, my XI was fitted with wire wheels. Having seen some pictures of my car on the track these wheels seem to flex a surprising amount, presumably this will also have had an effect. What difference would I notice with alloy wheels, is this something anyone else has had experience of?
It has the same effect as a little more compliance in the sidewall of the tyre, so very similar to fitting a taller profile tyre. Compared to the amount of deflection on a tyre carcase, the effect is quite small, though. You're be hard pressed to discern it unless you were running identical cars, with identical tyres, back to back, one on wires and the other on alloys.
The greater unsprung weight and rotational inertia of the wire wheels will have had a bigger effect.
The greater unsprung weight and rotational inertia of the wire wheels will have had a bigger effect.
I'd guess a combination of light weight, soft/long travel suspension and most importantly high profile tyres will get you closer...
I run a cobra replica with 15" wheels on it - having to feed it into corners and using the weight shift & throttle to balance it all out - does it for me more than lap times.
That lovely long smooth transition into 4 wheel drifts (as opposed to drifting if that makes any sense?). I've never managed to get quite the same buzz with a modern set up...The only other cars I had that did a similar thing - were a Citroen AX GT and a surprisingly a citroen 2cv... not recommending you go into one of those out of an ultima though
I run a cobra replica with 15" wheels on it - having to feed it into corners and using the weight shift & throttle to balance it all out - does it for me more than lap times.
That lovely long smooth transition into 4 wheel drifts (as opposed to drifting if that makes any sense?). I've never managed to get quite the same buzz with a modern set up...The only other cars I had that did a similar thing - were a Citroen AX GT and a surprisingly a citroen 2cv... not recommending you go into one of those out of an ultima though
MKnight702 said:
Have you ever driven an old school car? There is much more to driving pleasure than going fast.
I have. And I've enjoyed it thoroughly. MGA & MGB (including MGB GT V8...hilarious), Healey 3000. 1975 Morgan Plus 8. Early 70s 911s (including a 2.7 Carrera RS that I could only dream of owning now), Jensen Interceptor. Gilbern Genie, Reliant Scmitar. Alfa 105 Stepnose. I'd love any one of them now. 
Edited by RBH58 on Saturday 11th March 13:37
Edited by RBH58 on Saturday 11th March 13:37
Thread resurrection time.
I have been doing more reading and it appears that the modern Caterham handling is nothing like the old Lotus Seven handling (which apparently handles like a Westfield XI), would an old Elan handle like an old Lotus Seven, I know everyone raves about the Elan handling?
I have been doing more reading and it appears that the modern Caterham handling is nothing like the old Lotus Seven handling (which apparently handles like a Westfield XI), would an old Elan handle like an old Lotus Seven, I know everyone raves about the Elan handling?
MKnight702 said:
Thread resurrection time.
I have been doing more reading and it appears that the modern Caterham handling is nothing like the old Lotus Seven handling (which apparently handles like a Westfield XI), would an old Elan handle like an old Lotus Seven, I know everyone raves about the Elan handling?
Early Lotus 7s had a live rear axle later graduating to a De-Dion tube as per the XI but the Elan has far more advanced independent rear suspension. I have been doing more reading and it appears that the modern Caterham handling is nothing like the old Lotus Seven handling (which apparently handles like a Westfield XI), would an old Elan handle like an old Lotus Seven, I know everyone raves about the Elan handling?
Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 26th April 15:46
Hence you want a space frame car with double wishbones front and de-Dion rear, a revvy little engine and as little weight as possible- which is why...
HustleRussell said:
In my opinion, Caterham 1400k w/ Avon CR322s.
I will add the tyres should be 185/70r13 and the spring rates should be 130lb or less rear and about 180lb front give or take If you were to buy a seven, would it have to be a caterham?
I own an MK Indy. Just last week I did a members day at shelsley Walsh in it. I had an absolute ball. It's fitted with a 140bhp Ford xflow(so you get the period old school oil leaks too) and Toyo T1R's. Loads and loads of grip with a touch of understeer when really pushing on but hugely adjustable(I hate that word in this context) on the throttle. Understeer, oversteer and 4 wheel drifts are all there depending on what you do with your right foot.
I'm not saying you should buy an Indy but maybe something a little less refined than a caterham would fit the bill. MK sportscars are about to release a chassis based on the mx5 running gear so similar power to mine but with better reliability and more willingness to keep oil on the inside of the engine!
Just food for thought.
I own an MK Indy. Just last week I did a members day at shelsley Walsh in it. I had an absolute ball. It's fitted with a 140bhp Ford xflow(so you get the period old school oil leaks too) and Toyo T1R's. Loads and loads of grip with a touch of understeer when really pushing on but hugely adjustable(I hate that word in this context) on the throttle. Understeer, oversteer and 4 wheel drifts are all there depending on what you do with your right foot.
I'm not saying you should buy an Indy but maybe something a little less refined than a caterham would fit the bill. MK sportscars are about to release a chassis based on the mx5 running gear so similar power to mine but with better reliability and more willingness to keep oil on the inside of the engine!
Just food for thought.
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