http://www.artmorrison.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=GT55testing
Here is a link to the testing videos and pictures of the GT55 being tested. The suspension was a triangulated 4-bar with our own design of IFS. The Tri 4-bar was chosen because of its compact design, low profile frame rail and the fact that since it doesn't need a track locator there is extra room for the exhaust system. On the GT55 we averaged 0.94G (0.92 one way, 0.96 the other) with a 245 F/ 275R BFG G-Force TA KD combo. The GT55 is still the fastest car that Primedia has tested on the slalom course......
I was talking with Katz yesterday about 3-link designs, and the frame rail kick up and supports for the upper link would more than likely require the builder to scrap the back seat and utilize a roll cage to tie into that upper mount for extra support. The fact that we are asking people to re-work the floor narrows the market down a bit, but to tell people that they need to run a roll bar/ cage and eliminate the rear seat narrows that down even further.
I guess it boils down to what the car is actually going to be used for. If you are looking to build a trans-am car that is occasionally driven on the street then the full cage, full frame, custom rear suspension is for you. If you are looking for your car to perform to the equivalent of a C5 Z06, Porche 911, Ferrari 575 then our setup might be what you want.
I will extend the invitation that once we get the GT55 back (its out on the show circuit now but will be back in April) to come up to Fife, WA for a shop tour and a test ride in the car so you can see how a tri 4-bar car rides and handles.
With the question of weight, the next chassis that comes off of the table, I will make sure that we scale it!
The chassis is similar to what we build for JP, but we have changed the front-end rail design around as well as the exhaust holes. They (exhaust holes) were designed for 3" exhaust, and the rear tube is .250" to increase chassis ridgity.
Thanks guys
I hope this helps out!
Watch the videos!