First a quick thanks for all the help off this forum, without it I wouldn't have my insane little "baked bean" (the name has stuck due to the orange colour... oh well!). It is awesome fun, and I love it.

Right, this weekend I had the joy of charging like a hooligan down deserted back lanes, interspersed with boring straight A roads driven at sensible speed. I had a great time, and took a few different mates out, or people I had promised a "go" to when the weather improved.

One of them was an 18 stone neighbour, well he claimed 18 stone, but he might be nearer 20, he is a BIG fella.

I thought it would be terrible, but oddly enough the car seemed to soak up the bumps and potholes far better than normal.

Is this due to incorrect valving or incorrect spring weight?

Would like to get it so the car doesn;t need 35 stone over the back axle to get the ride compliant.

Mine rides better 2 up Andy.

Getting it corner weighted and set up professionally soon.

Have you changed the shocks and springs from the Zetec ones that were on it? Well the three of them and the one that's different to the other four...

I think any car will feel softer when loaded than when light.
Picture a van empty and one with cargo.
If you liked the feel of the car loaded, you may be lounging (sp?) for softer springs.

quote:

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Originally posted by Steve Hignett
Have you changed the shocks and springs from the Zetec ones that were on it? Well the three of them and the one that's different to the other four...

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It's hard to know which it is. What kind of wheel rates are you running, have you tried different springs, what were the dampers valved for, was the damping ok when over the bumps and how does it differ from the lighter car, are the damper adjustable?

I'd propably call the springs being too stiff, but the dampers need to be matched. The cheapest thing to do would be springs first, then go from there.

remember the ride high will change when loaded... This will effect the geometry a little..

On my Indy there is not that much suspension travel, found I needed to tweak that a bit by getting the ride high "correct" when loaded normally. Other wise the end stops where having an effect over big bumps/pot holes (not a good thing!)...

Dan

Hi

What Lb springs are fitted to the rear. ?

There is very very little chance of the dampers being valved to suit a live axle setup from any of the damper manufacturers. They would have to be valved as specials rather than just off the shelf ones.

Cheers Matt

Thanks folks, I'm afraid I dont know the lbs on the rear. I remember Reading about the valving on a live axle rarely being right, which is why I asked.

So, if there is no easy answer, what is the best solution?

Pro set up, with potentially new or revalved shocks?
Diy hit and hope?

Ok, well I'm skint so it'll wait till winter, I'll just enjoy the sun this summer and save up.

I would try softer springs as it is a simple job, if it doesn´t please you, then start saving.
AA