<VV> shocks

[Padgett]

>We're also picking nits here...one of our most successful Corvair racers 
>seems to think that shocks are one of the least important handling 
>considerations

I agree with that. Personally feel that the less suspension, the better.

That said, most American cars are not designed like a Lotus where every bit 
contributes to the handling and needs help, anti-sway bars to control roll 
(and can be used to transfer weight fore and aft if the chassis is stiff 
enough, is how you got a formula Vee to steer). Shocks are really there to 
dampen harmonics (why they are also called dampeners) however they can be 
used to stiffen up a soft suspension when there is no other option.

On a race track a stiff enough chassis and front shocks can allow you to 
carry the front tire over the obstacles on the inside of a corner (kerbs, 
tires, corner workers feet) and open up the corner to some extent but my 
feeling is that the shock is really a "last resort" if conventional methods 
fail.

One time a number of years ago I had an F-stock Sunbird with a SBC stuffed 
in its nose from the factory that used to run with the 911s. Had special 
custom made shocks all around stiff enough that you could tell if the 
cigarette butt just squashed was plain or filter tip. Front and rear sway 
bars (also "factory") , stuffed panda on the shifter.

After a successful set of runs, was restoring to street drivable 
(comfortable) condition which included replacing the race shocks with some 
Sears Heavy Duties when they announced that the coulse would be available 
for fun runs with passengers. Since air was still in tires and son 
expressed an interest in being a passenger, I said "why not".

At the starting line was advised that these were to be "for fun" and to 
take it easy so did. Started in second gear (to reduce shifting) and 
generally did not peak as far as usual since was trying to be more gentle 
than usual. Didn't even cross the finish line backwards 8*). Still time was 
good enough to take class by several seconds. Shocks really didn't matter 
if the rest of the car was right.

Padgett

ps yes Virginia, several seconds, not tenths. Some cars are really horrible 
street cars but exactly right for autocrossing. Colin Chapman school at 
least. Used to wear out two tires and break one wheel every weekend. Have 
punched shocks through the TOP of the shock tower. Finally retired when the 
lower A-Arm separated from the "chassis" and entire structure was riddled 
with cracks and welds