I agree with Pat on the twist beam being fine for auto-x. IRS is good for ride comfort and helping the car not become unsettled while going around longer sweeping turns like found in road racing. Even in the road racing instance, unless you have a bumpy track, there still isn't a huge advantage. It is easier to set-up alignment with an IRS, depending on the hardware used.
The other reasoning, which is not insignificant at all, is budget. I'd need a Neon parts car likely to do a Neon IRS. The budget on this one is going to be very tight...it would have been cheaper to start with a Charger or an Omni, but I really wanted a Rampage. :-)
So what kind of shocks do you use with 800 lbs springs?Originally Posted by Pat
I'm just going to run 800 lb springs so the tires will never get near the wheel arches.
Any suspension will work if you don't let it.
I was just kidding about the 800 lb springs! :-)
The suspension will defintely work, but will have enough spring/bar to keep roll resistance where it needs to be to get just enough rear end dance to dance around the cones.
I always thought negative camber gain was a key advantage to IRS.
I know that for SRT-4's anyway, that they set them up with positive camber in the rear to help quick transitions and to help the back end rotate.
For street driving and road racing, I agree that the camber gain is a good thing to have.
Loving the rear coilovers. Can't wait to see the final setup.
Subscribed! Good Luck Pat
Carroll
SILVER, 85 GLH-R/T, TIII powered, Fueltech, ID1300's. PTE5857
RED, 91 Spirit R/T - Holset HE351 - 12.6 @ 107...R.I.P.
It's a great thing for a high power RWD when you want to be able to turn and apply power at the same time without dying. In a FWD most of the things you do to the rear suspension are to reduce traction. If you took a stock turbo mopar and added 3 degrees of POSITIVE camber to the rear end, it would probably go quicker through an autocross course. For me the only reason you need neg camber in the back of one of these things is if it's primarily a race car and you need either high speed stability, or are trying to manage uneven tire wear.I always thought negative camber gain was a key advantage to IRS.
Dont push the red button.You hear me?
^^^ this. I want the back to move around.
especially with it being so light in the rear, you may have to do some extra tricks to get it to slide around.
Brian
Couple of quick updates...converted the rear L body struts to coil overs using some craigslist sleeves, some exhaust pipe and leftover hand truck steel to make adapters both top and bottom. Need to do some trimming and paint, but I wanted to get it on the car and get final measurements. Springs are 8" long, 2.5" diameter, which matches the springs I'm using up front....which are also the ones I've been collecting off ebay and craigslist, so I have lots of rate options.
Also made rear strut tower/perches. I sectioned a piece of the bed, welded a plate to the bed floor and frame rail. Also plated the inner fender structure over the wheel well, then used square tubing and some plate to make the actual mount. I want to add some more support/gussets and possibly, a tie to the roll bar down bars (all of which is likely overkill). I'll figure all that out after the roll bar (or cage?) is in there. Also need to make some adjustments of strut angles/mounting, but that should be easy. Bottom line is that as of now, it's no longer sitting on jackstands!
Next step: panhard bar.
Pat Caulkin, to go where no man has gone before...
AJ (no More Alan) 84 Rampage RT TIII/568 Quaife 87 GLHS dealer optioned Red 16V Masi/568/Quaife
90 Masi 16V White/Ginger/Black
89 TC Masi 16V Red/Ginger/Black
86 GLHS #110 RoadRace Built 89 CSX-VNT Recaro Car
89 Turbo Mini 'Woody' 85 GLHT 'RedBox'
2014 Explorer DD'r 3.5Twin Turbo Ecoboost AWD and 500HP
My profile page has over 20,000 views, I'm somebody LOL
Pat, Just saw this and all I can saw is WOW! Really COOL project and something I can relate to!
I have a Shelby front end that I am not allowed to use and you are welcome to it. It would spice up your truck!!!
Let me know and I can run it up to you.
Gregg
Brilliant!
I really want to see how you do the panhard bar. I had a few idea when I was under my car sizing up some coil overs.
Thanks guys...I am really digging this car so far. If it comes out like the picture I have in my head, it will be a neat little truck.
Gregg: Long time! How is your Rampage coming along? Thanks for the offer on the nose. I will PM you later!
Sean: Other than a quick look, I have not done any real planning on the panhard. If you have any ideas/suggestions, let me know.
Yeah, been way to long! As for my Rampage.....It has been resting comfortably on a rotisserie in the garage...LOL!
Long story short, my wife and retired in 2012 and I thought I would have plenty of time then to get the truck finished. All I can say is that from then till the end of 2013 was a f'n blur! A ton of honey-do things coupled with some well deserved traveling did not leave much time.
With all that out of the way, I'm now back on it full time and hope (fingers crossed) to have it in Wilmington for the July meet. Engine is currently being built and hope to get the trans up to Steve Lockett in the next few weeks.
Really look forward to more post from you and also seeing your truck in person!
When is GRM 2014? In Gainesville, FL right? I might NEED to do a road trip.
Gregg
Oh man... this thing RULES. Can't wait until I can see it in person in October!
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