----- Original Message -----
From: Linnhoff, Eric <elinnhoff@smmc.saint-lukes.org>
> Sway bars: Their basic function is to control body lean by transferring
> some of the "lift" or "dive" action of one side of the car to the other.
> Right?
Pretty much. Think of sway bars as an extra set of springs to control body
roll.
> Suspension springs: Their major function is to support the weight of the
> vehicle and also control body lean while cornering. Right?
Their purpose is to isolate the sprung mass (most of the car) from the
motion of the unsprung mass (most of the suspension, which reacts to bumps
and steering inputs and such), plus controlling the motion of the two masses
relative to one another. Holding the car up and controlling body lean are
two of those functions, but not the only ones.
> Negative camber: Used to try to keep the tire's contact patch as flat as
> possible while cornering due to under-effective springs/sway bars. Right?
Sounds right.
> So, if I were to install stiffer rate springs on my car, a Neon, would I
> then not need as stiff of sway bars since the stiffer springs would help
> keep the car flatter in the corners?
So long as you maintained adequate suspension travel, I think you're
correct. I'm not sure that stiffer sway bars (correctly balanced front and
rear) would hurt you, though. Ideally, you'd like to enter a corner with no
weight transfer, so that the suspension springs aren't pre-loaded and could
react equally to the motion of the unsprung weight, which is much easier to
control.
> So, if I put these stiffer springs on (rates recommended by Pro-Parts)
might
> I be able to utilize my current sway bars (20mm F and 16mm R) which
> currently give the car a nice balanced feel rather then going out and
buying
> the fattest sway bars available?
Substitute "...might give the car a nice balanced feel...."
> Also, if the stiffer springs help keep the car flatter through the turns
and
> consequently not change the camber as much, would I be able to get away
with
> slightly less static camber than I'm currently running (about -1.7 degrees
> per side F and -0.5 degrees R)? Or should I use tire wear patterns or
> surface temps to determine the best camber settings?
Yes -- that *should* require less camber -- but yes, you should use wear
patterns and temps to figure out the new ones.
> Thanks in advance folks.
As always, worth what you paid for it. I've been doing lots of suspension
reading, lately, though.
Jamie
'92 Prelude Si
Speed Demon Racing
http://www.mindspring.com/~jsculerati/sdr
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