I modified a GT6 rear spring to remove the shortest leaf and added a
parallel main leaf that is thicker than the original main leaf and adds
about 40 percent stiffness to the stack. (Don't ask me for the final
spring rate, because I have not measured it). But it is very stiff and
keeps up with the 450 pound front springs very nicely. I added a 5/8"
rear sway bar made from a front bar and it handles with pretty neutral
response (no noticeable understeer or oversteer) I do use a 5/8" front
bar with the heavy springs.
The rear spring is clamped firmly to the diff and since I did the
current setup, I have not noticed the wheel lift that I once had.
Right now I am working on replacing the diff with a Dana 36 from a late
model Vette. I will be using 3.54 gears but because the cost of this
transformation, I won't be able to do coil-over shocks right away. So I
will need to figure out how to secure the spring since the Vette pumpkin
doesn't have a saddle for the spring. I am toying with the idea of
adding a perch onto my Shock mount bracket and reinforcing it.
Regards,
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: TR250Driver@aol.com [mailto:TR250Driver@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 12:56 PM
To: spitlist@COX.NET; wrgingerich@msn.com
Cc: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Rotoflex vs. Camber Compensator
Joe,
To tell you the truth I am not sure how I came up with that combination
since I did it about a couple of years ago and my memory fades. It
seems to work very well now and I did have trouble lifting a leg with an
Addco roll bar and the early spring. I have never tried the camber
compensator shown in the competition manual that hooks up to the diff if
that is the other option being discussed. I have heard that it works
well from others.
I think I may have used the swing spring when I switched to a later 455
diff and Rotoflex as an experiment to see how it would run after talking
it over with a few guys. Not sure if I ever tried the early spring with
the Rotoflex. I have Koni's front and rear with Triumph Tune front
springs so the suspension is real stiff. This set up for sure keeps the
rear wheels on the pavement which was my primary concern and in
autocross you really never get out of 2nd gear.
As a disclaimer I do not claim to be an expert on suspension, just a
part time autocrosser trying to get an edge. I am using a similar set up
on a GT6 I am building (also a 70) so if I am doing something real wrong
it would be a good time to rethink that one before the tub goes on in a
month or so. The GT6 will have a few more horses than the Spitfire and I
may try to get this one on the track.
Cheers,
Darrell
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