Tuning a Lotus Link

[g-roadster]

The "Lotus" link and the Satchell are quite similar. The difference is the roll center height on the Lotus link is fixed relative to the axle or the ground. The roll center on the Satchell link is fixed relative to the chassis. As the chassis goes through bounce and rebound the distance of the center of gravity to the roll center is constant, with the Lotus link this distance varies by the amount of suspension travel. You will get more consistent handling with the Satchell link. Both provide a relatively low roll center.

Whether you use two joints as in the Satchell link or one as in the Lotus link it will not affect the geometry much. Either could be done with one or two joints. Two joints are twice as strong as one, my choice.

This choice is similar on a "3 link design" with a watts linkage providing lateral location. If the center link of the watts is located on the chassis as in the "Lateral Dynamics" design the roll center is fixed relative to the chassis. If it is attached to the rear end, the roll center is fixed relative to the ground. If you use a panhard bar you half way in between the two.

I haven't heard much about Lateral Dynamics, I hope all is well with him. He is a smart guy and a skilled fabricator.

I haven't been to lateral-g in along time, a lot of fun stuff going on. From the project updates; Bad Penny and Stielow are making great cars.

I miss the SEMA party at Steve's lumber yard, a great event.

See you again.

[BMR Tech]

The car looks mean in your avatar, any larger images we could check out?

[David Pozzi]

Congratulations on owning the winningest CP car in the history of autocross!
What day/time are you running at Marina? I live close by.

That setup makes the roll center very low, would require more rear bar stiffness than "normal" do you have understeer?

Hanchett used to run a torque arm back when I used to see him run.
David

[MannyCP3]

Thanks! I'm going to take some new pics this weekend, hopefully some good action shots.

I should be on site around 10am, we run 4th run group(2:30pm?). I plan to do a lil tailgate during 2nd run group if interested. I think my dad, Manny Ruiz JR, called Mary to find out about storing the trailer Saturday night.

Here is a pic of my other Camaro, ran the car for the end of the 2008 season.
(previously owned by my dad Manny Ruiz Jr. which was auto-x'd for about 8 years, setup by Guldstrand)

[David Pozzi]

I've got room for trailers any time.
I've seen the red car and maybe the new one, but didn't realize it was Hanchetts old ride. I'll try and come by and watch you run it.
David

[Jr]

That red car looks LOW and mean.

Very cool picture.

[Rod P]

Nice rides Manny I am very interested in that rear suspension! cant wait to see more and how its tuned!!