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 Topic  |
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pea
New Zealand
54 Posts |
 Posted - October 27 2003 : 6:33:13 PM
Hi,I have been searching for lots of info on lotus 7 type cars, which are commonly around 500-600kg in weight. It seems that the rear suspension is always live axle or some other very old fashioned type of suspension. Is there a reason why this is so, and why they don't use macpherson struts or other independent wishbone layouts? Cheers,
pea |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - October 27 2003 : 6:48:15 PM
quote:
pea wrote:
I have been searching for lots of info on lotus 7 type cars, which are commonly around 500-600kg in weight. It seems that the rear suspension is always live axle or some other very old fashioned type of suspension. Is there a reason why this is so, and why they don't use macpherson struts or other independent wishbone layouts?
I'm not an expert, although I have built a LoCost chassis and had an old Seven a long time ago. MacPherson struts take up alot of space, so can some of the other indepdent layouts. That may be a reason, but I have been watching a neighbor build up one of these cars with a Miata IRS, and it seems to fit okay. Remember that these cars tend to fit like gloves, and there's not a whole lot of 'wiggle room' in the rear suspension area. Your pal,
Meat. 
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pea
New Zealand
54 Posts |
Posted - October 28 2003 : 12:37:03 AM
So you dont think that the car being so light has anything to do with it? I was wondering if perhaps the car would be too 'bouncy' with independent suspension and not grip to the road well? Any ideas?I've decided to try a 7 type kit, which are widely available, and try to extensively modify the body to something more like this (Irmscher Inspiro concept):  www.mcarsweb.com/irmscher/inspirof.jpg" border=0>
Cheers,
Pea |
meat
USA
992 Posts |
Posted - October 28 2003 : 08:38:17 AM
quote:
pea wrote:
So you dont think that the car being so light has anything to do with it? I was wondering if perhaps the car would be too 'bouncy' with independent suspension and not grip to the road well? Any ideas?I've decided to try a 7 type kit, which are widely available, and try to extensively modify the body to something more like this (Irmscher Inspiro concept):
Naaah. Spring rates and shocks are what make a car too bouncy. In theory, IRS should make the car handle the road better. Your pal,
Meat.
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paulgregory
58 Posts |
Posted - October 28 2003 : 11:33:40 AM
Thats a good looking "7" style body, I really like the way the rear does NOT look like the back of a CJ5 jeep.
I think CMC makes a frame option for a "bolt in" Miata IRS now.
Mac struts can have a down side that at the extreams of the lower a arm swing the tire will go positive chamber.paul
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pea
New Zealand
54 Posts |
Posted - October 28 2003 : 5:40:42 PM
Thanks guys. I don't care too much about boot space (trunk space to you guys), so if the struts take up more room I don't mind :) Can always mount the springs horizontal and use linkages if they are too high.Is there a list somewhere, or could someone suggest which cars are best for use as donors? For example, for a lotus type construction, which car could I use the most parts of - suspension, engine, gearbox etc without having to get too many parts from different vehicles? Preferably japanese cars because they are wisely available and cheap here in NZ Cheers,
Peter
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Suspension options for lotus 7 replicas
