No more leaning in turns. - Page 3 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

randyzimmer · 06-19-2008, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnysan

Looks like it might be a tough drilling job in-situ. Nice, simple clever idea, though, to reduce the lean a little bit...

Removal is very easy (after disconnecting the rod ends, which is the hardest part) just pull down the plastic (10mm) and remove the two nuts (15mm?) that hold the brackets.

The lean is reduced a Ton!
From picking up rears to lifting the fronts.

Smartcarracer · 07-06-2008, 09:04 PM

Hi all,

This post is not directed at anyone. I'm just added my 2 cents into this topic as a former F1 engineer with Jordan.

The issue of a delta of "Roll" from the baseline of the Smart is of great concern.

A key element is being excluded from this dicussion.

TC /ESP.

The effect of the TC / ESP (what ever MB is calling traction / yaw control) on the slip angle of the tyres in conjuction of the roll angle while conering.

I have yet to read that anyone has turned off the TC. Increasing the sway / lateral spring bar rates will just make TC / ESP cut in sooner due to the traction loss.

If I was racing in AutoX I would look for ways to soften the tyres with a tyre softner before messing around with the geo of the front suspension. MB built the car in a certain way for a reason.

Until you can turn TC off I would save your money and buy a quailty tyre pressure guage, find some softer compound tyres (see DOT slicks) and buy some tyre softener.

Good Luck Gents.

randyzimmer · 07-07-2008, 06:53 AM

Ha, ha...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartcarracer

...The effect of the TC / ESP (what ever MB is calling traction / yaw control) on the slip angle of the tyres in conjuction of the roll angle while conering...

It isn't the traction control that's the problem, its the yaw control.
With the yaw on, the car lunges at the cones at the last second with a big, upsetting brake lockup. Very disturbing.

There's another thread about autocrossing the smart with all the sordid details including real experience with "the fuse".

DavidV · 07-07-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartcarracer

Hi all,

I have yet to read that anyone has turned off the TC. Increasing the sway / lateral spring bar rates will just make TC / ESP cut in sooner due to the traction loss.

Why would a flatter cornering car lose traction sooner?

-- DavidV

donnyonee · 07-07-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidV

Sorry - but I have to plug the WORKS suspension upgrade package here for those that want an off-the-shelf solution. As far as I know, it is the only adjustable swaybar/matched spring set-up for our cars. It goes on on sale June 28th at the Infineon Meet.

-- DavidV

and where is this infinion meet at?
and where the heck do i find this "WORKS" place at? or a link?
thanks, don

pcvinsel · 07-07-2008, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartcarracer

Hi all,

...

I have yet to read that anyone has turned off the TC. Increasing the sway / lateral spring bar rates will just make TC / ESP cut in sooner due to the traction loss.

...

I was thinking the very same thing when I tried DavidV's smart last week on a short Auto-X course. I was quite surprised that with his setup of non-staggered tires (195's on 6" rims I think) and stiffer bars the TC was much much much less intrusive. I'm sure the added tire grip helped but the bars also seemed to do a really good job of keeping the tires on the ground. His car still understeered, but it was managable with the throttle.

I suspect that slight tire pressure adjustments could have made it more neutral.

Peter

GiantKiller · 07-21-2008, 09:03 PM

I just got done with your swaybar mod. It feels alot better. Have to go find some curves tomarrow after work. I also have Eibach springs and 195/40 front and 225/35 rear s-drives.
Thanks Randy