Biggerer and Betterer

[Jay]

Ok, uprights, check.
Now to figure out what actual wheels to get, tires seem straightforward.
Also need to need to noodle suspension bits.

I suppose I am falling into the suspension upgrade this season, then probably add power next season. Can't be too in control after all.

[Karl]

WOW Karl that is a huge change from stock. Stock is 30/40, I am 40/60 and thinking of more. Did you go that stiff for a specific issue or more overall balance / better suspension

I knew I had to go stiffer, as the Atom's roll control depends on the springs (also to not need any preload). The values, as I mentioned before, are entirely borrowed from MadMax. It handled nicely at Laguna, I'm hoping even better with the new bellcranks.

EDIT: Evidence also included inside front wheel lift during cornering.

[silver]

EDIT: Evidence also included inside front wheel lift during cornering.

I take it that's good.......what would the car do with lower rate springs in that situation? would it let the back step out?

[Karl]

I take it that's good.......what would the car do with lower rate springs in that situation? would it let the back step out?

Sorry, I was unclear with that addendum. Wheels lifting off of the ground generally indicates some kind of imbalance. To combat front inside wheel lift, you stiffen the rear spring at the diagonally opposite corner.

The lower rate springs generally bottom out too often and, because they require preload to maintain ride height, do funny things over bumps (the least of which is a clunking noise when the wheels come off the ground). Also, from the factory, the springs were not specified to the car's weight balance (which is much more skewed than the factory spring rates would suggest).

[silver]

Sorry, I was unclear with that addendum. Wheels lifting off of the ground generally indicates some kind of imbalance. To combat front inside wheel lift, you stiffen the rear spring at the diagonally opposite corner.

The lower rate springs generally bottom out too often and, because they require preload to maintain ride height, do funny things over bumps (the least of which is a clunking noise when the wheels come off the ground). Also, from the factory, the springs were not specified to the car's weight balance (which is much more skewed than the factory spring rates would suggest).

ok that makes more sense.....I understand better now

[bolus]

thrust bearings fix the clunking

[Karl]

thrust bearings fix the clunking

As do removing the helper springs and reducing preload. I've done it all.

[DarthChicken]

Two questions Karl

#1 - do you drive with those spring rates on the street, and how is it over bumpy surfaces? Does it hop and skip or is it well planted?

#2 - what/where did you get those springs? Its an easy change, thinking (depending upon your first answer) I might give that a shot as well.

I just remember Shinoo having all sorts of issues at Reno/Fernley with his stiffer setup, and then Feisty having the same complaint on the road when we did our trip from Laguna Seca up through the redwoods (I was riding his ass and he was none too happy about it).

[Karl]

Two questions Karl

#1 - do you drive with those spring rates on the street, and how is it over bumpy surfaces? Does it hop and skip or is it well planted?

#2 - what/where did you get those springs? Its an easy change, thinking (depending upon your first answer) I might give that a shot as well.

I just remember Shinoo having all sorts of issues at Reno/Fernley with his stiffer setup, and then Feisty having the same complaint on the road when we did our trip from Laguna Seca up through the redwoods (I was riding his ass and he was none too happy about it).

1. Yep, the whole setup is driven on the street. I have not noticed any excessive hopping or skipping (this is a lightweight car, after all). I definitely do not push the car to the limit on a less than perfect surface, due to the risk of surprise oversteer. If that is your goal, then maybe the stiffer springs are not ideal.

2. Turner Motorsport carries the entire H&R spring lineup: http://www.allsprings.com/

I have not yet driven on the Palatov bellcranks, so I cannot say for sure what they might do in combination with stiffer springs.

[silver]

1. Yep, the whole setup is driven on the street. I have not noticed any excessive hopping or skipping (this is a lightweight car, after all). I definitely do not push the car to the limit on a less than perfect surface, due to the risk of surprise oversteer. If that is your goal, then maybe the stiffer springs are not ideal.

2. Turner Motorsport carries the entire H&R spring lineup: http://www.allsprings.com/

I have not yet driven on the Palatov bellcranks, so I cannot say for sure what they might do in combination with stiffer springs.

I know this is not part of the significant performance increase however, removing the helper springs and adding the bearing significantly increased my enjoyment.....rattles on bumps / start / stop are now 99% eliminated.

Would it be safe to put some sound deadening material on those coin sounding washers that are in the brake bias bar? do they serve a purpose...the ching ching ching like an ash tray full of coins.