Hmmm, not sure if you could say it changes the geometry of the suspension
(all pivot points remain the same), just its response characteristics.
Which puts it into the same category as other minor tweaks such as nylon
bushings, thicker sway bar, etc.
And consider, if you're racing, the only "fact" would be lap times. So I
guess what you really want is before and after lap time data from some
racer.
Frankly, I think it would be perfectly reasonable to assume that a modern
racing tube shock absorber would have superior "specs" (whatever they are
for shocks, I don't know) to a 1950s vintage lever shock design. So if
you were going racing, I think that would be the obvious choice.
For street use, well, you just have to please yourself. So either choice
would be correct.
I think my B handles quite well with cheap-o tube shocks. I imagine it
could be improved with premium tube shocks. But I have no way to evaluate
if it would be better with lever shocks. Anyway, the shock absorbers are
pretty far down the list as far as affecting handling (after spring rates
and sway bars), so I wouldn't even be too concerned about it until I had
tweaked those to my satisfaction. I think ride would be more noticeably
affected (by a conversion). And ride is completely (and literally) a
"seat of the pants" experience.
Tim Economu had this to say:
>Seat of the pants is OK for some
> things but if I were actually racing my machine and I were about to change
> geometry of my suspension system, I would want the real facts.
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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