[Steve Chryssos]

I don't get to post much any more, but this topic always tightens my nuts. The concept of testing multiple chassis/suspension systems on ONE vehicle is absurd. How would you like to be the manufacturer who must weld his rear suspension into a car that has already had two or four preceding installs? What would be left of the rear frame rails and unibody/floorpan structure after welding in and then cutting out multiple designs? Talk about sloppy seconds. Toss the scientific method right out the window.
A front subframe comparison is slightly more realistic, but even that ignores the real world challenges associated with the installation process. Steering linkage, brake/fuel lines, exhaust, driveshaft length, pinion angle, track width etc., etc. etc. all vary from one subframe to another. And since most enthusiasts use permanent subframe connectors, there is cutting and welding involved. It seems unreasonable at best to expect manufacturers to accept such a challenge--especially if the scientific method is susceptible to scrutiny anyway.
No. If you guys want a suspension challenge, it's time to stop demanding that the test occur inside of a vacuum. You want a challenge? Here's your challenge:
Invite the following vehicles for a head to head challenge. The CARS will make it interesting and informative--not just the data.
-Bad Penny: Lateral Dynamics 3 link/21st Century C5 front subframe
-Detroit Speed Test Car: DSE Subframe/Quadralink
-XV Motorsports Challenger
-Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge First Gen: There 68 got stolen, but there are plently of customer cars to choose from
-Air Ride Technologies A Body
-American Touring Specialtes' new development car: That car should be called" "The car that Tyler bought at an annoyingly affordable price and then drove home from Cali so we all hate him. A lot." project car. Chicane LM front sub upgrade/LD 3 link rear??
-Art Morrison: Matt Jones' Camaro. Bring the 3g Vette too, please. Should spank everyone.
-Hotchkis Chevelle: With all bolt on parts
-Martz: 2nd Gen Camaro
-Hotchkis 2nd Gen Camaro

Now wouldn't you really love to see all of these cars run head to head? I'm sure I forgot many brands, but you get the idea. Invite 20-plus sources and you will get sufficient response to generate a valid challenge. And se all of those non-1st gen Camaros? Bring em. Enthusiasts are smart enough to extrapolate the 1st gen Camaro results. Better yet, run a challenge within a challenge. Make all of the first gens comply with certain guildelines to minimize variables. Like this:
-Same engine: (Speed in the straights can be used to compensate for deficiencies in turns, so engine output and power to weight are critical. Get GM to lend or donate some crate engines.
-Gearing: Limit gearing to a useable range i.e 3.55 to 4.11
-Same wheels/tires. All "sticker" tires.
-Roll cage: Set parameters for roll cages. Safety would be an important part of the competition and the added stiffening will reduce chassis flex as a variable.
-All coupes: Again, convertibles would greatly skew the results.
-Full street equipment: Wipers, radio, minimum two seats, headliner, carpet, windows, bumpers, lights, etc. I guarantee that all of the camaros will show up with the minimum requirements.
-Weight factor: Handicap cars based on weight to prevent cheating.
-One "so-so" driver. A great driver can make crap handle well. Plug in an amateur driver with "some" experience and NO ties to any of the companies.

Now doesn't that sound like a challenge that could actually happen? The test could occur during ONE day--not weeks. How many suspension systems could anyone swap and test in one day? Same weather, same track, same driver or the scientific method is trashed.

Let go of the antiseptic, hermetically sealed, "scientifically correct" test methodology. It will NEVER happen because it is unreasonable, cost prohibitive, and rife with problems. It's the perfect example of how message board threads and benchracing can be out of sync with reality.
Instead, pit some killer, well known cars against each other and compare the results just as Car and Driver might do when comparing a Ferrari to a Porsche. Those tests are valid aren't they? Give people a chance to root for their favorite car or brand. Add some color to the test. Straight data can be mind numbing.

To get started, all it would take is a few phone calls and some invitation letters. Let the readers know the names of all who were invited. And let the manufacturers know that you will let the readers know that they were invited.