Questionhello my name is jared an i run an imca modified with 4 link in the rear (dirt track) i was recently running in vegas a 1/2 mile fantasticaly slick track the more u ran on it the silcker it got the lights were reflecting off of it my car was pushing like a big dog i had 5 inches of stagger 1.5 inches of anti dive (imca doesnt allow 3 wheel braking) tire were sipped an grooved i had the most forword bite of anybody there but when i got in the corners i was pushing no matter wut i did i had my righ side adjusted all the way down an i think the fact that im running 62% rear aint helping either im runng an 302 amc makin about 675 ponies imca dont allow traction control or anything likethat but thats not my problem any ideas tires had even heat an also ive been toying with the idea of converting to leafs a buddy of mine has em on his prostock an it works terrific any ways if u could help me i would appreciate it ttyl bye.
AnswerHi Jared:
You said that your tires were even heat- - -that's a good sign, it means you were in the ballpark with the stagger and anti dive.
Most of my experienice is with independent rear road racers, but I also crew on a couple of GT Camaros. Tube frame racers with 700 HP or so.
This sounds like a lot of work but it might help if you're gonna run Vegas more often. I think if you will switch to a THREE link rear with a fairly stiff torque spring and shock, you'll gain some rear bite, but you will also stop lifting the nose so much in the middle off. That could help your push some . The thing I like most about a three link is that it softens the power down , and will cure a certain amout of squirreliness in lighter cars. Most three links are adjustable at the front end, up and down to help fine tune their effect. It will make the car easier and more fun to drive.
I agree, 62% rear is a bit too much, get a better balance, and maybe add some wedge to the RR. While you're at it, simply lower the LR a notch, to get some weight off the RF.
Now, are you running tow out ? I'd suggest about 1/16" OUT on each wheel, It should lturn in better, and it might just free it up a bit too. Depends on your Ackerman effect and there isn't enough paper in the world for me to try and explain that, especially since I don't understand it either.
Leaf springs are dinosaur stuff, I wouldn't try it unless you can find an OLD sprint car guy - - -from the 50's Coilovers rule, you just have to learn to understand them.
There's another thought !! Try running a softer spring on the RF, soften the bar if you have one, let it roll a little. Some guys get a car so stiff it can't do anything but slide all over.
Think about these things, tinker with it, and write again, maybe I'll dream up something else in a day or two.
Good luck !!
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
