Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the placement and design of a single spring in the rear suspension of a 1963-era Indy car, focusing on the challenges of integrating this component within a double wishbone suspension system. Participants explore various design considerations, historical context, and practical implications of their proposed setups.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Experimental/applied
Main Points Raised
- One participant inquires about the optimal location for the spring between the upright and the main space frame, referencing the difficulty in visualizing the rear suspension layout.
- Another participant suggests that the coilover should be mounted on the inner upper suspension pivot and the lower pivot on the upright, discussing the implications of motion ratios based on the spring's placement.
- A participant expresses a desire to adopt a mono-shock design, questioning the feasibility and safety of such a setup compared to traditional designs.
- Concerns are raised about the suitability of modern pushrod and bell crank designs for street use, with one participant arguing that these setups can be too twitchy and unforgiving.
- Another participant counters that pushrods and bell cranks can work for street applications, though they note the higher costs and packaging challenges associated with these designs.
- One participant describes their mechanical engineering approach, indicating that the spring will be positioned at a 45-degree angle and expressing concerns about uneven loading on the upright.
- A suggestion is made to reference a specific car design as a potential model for the spring setup.
- Participants discuss the goal of building a car that is accessible for home builders, emphasizing the use of mild steel and simple construction techniques.
- There is mention of the Apexspeed forum as a resource for further information and community support regarding open wheel car design.
- One participant reflects on the challenges of using pushrod suspensions, noting their wear characteristics and the engineering considerations involved.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the design and practicality of the suspension systems discussed. There is no clear consensus on the best approach, with multiple competing perspectives on the use of mono-shock designs versus traditional setups, as well as the viability of pushrod mechanisms for street applications.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the historical evolution of Indy car suspensions and the implications of design choices on performance and safety. The discussion includes references to specific engineering challenges and the need for careful consideration of load distribution and material strength.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to automotive engineers, hobbyists building race cars, and those studying the evolution of suspension design in motorsports.
