I have been reading -with great interest-both this thread and the responses to my post regarding rear suspension; agreed that there is a great deal of "art" involved in all aspects of these cars, I think that's why we as a group are so attracted to them. I also think there is a "science" involved- that's what I'm searching for in the rear suspension. Softer springs/stiffer shocks/light sway bar/so many degrees of (-) camber/toe-in, etc. or vice-versa. The posts on this thread are not confusing in themselves but certainly cover allot of variables and differences of opinion and correspondingly different results. My goal is to come up with a set of guidelines or a starting formula much like we tune our carbs (if so equipped)- start with the mixture screws seated and back out... and all the variables such as properly seated bases, throttle plate position, etc....
So, assuming our cars have not been crunched or distorted our variables effecting ride and handling under "normal" conditions would be;
Spring Perches
Bushings
Springs
Shocks
Sway bar (if installed)
Camber/toe plates (if installed)
Wheel size
Tire size/type/pressure
I guess I could add shock tower brace and coil-overs but I think that would be a track set up as opposed to an all-around maybe aggressive driving machine.
Would anyone care to postulate a formula using the variables above? Maybe we could come to a consensus that would be of use. Again, the set up would be different for track days, but I would love to know what people who drive "creatively" feel is optimum. Also, if I missed any variables please feel free to add them.
Indebted-in-advance (as always)