Re: Handling -- a story

[Aaron <zpeed@earthlink.net>]

My car does exactly the same thing.  This is on an '87 16v w/ NS Race
springs and Bilstein Sports.  I have a big front bar on it and a stock bar
on the back.  The tail comes out really nicely.  
My theory on this is that the chassis on these cars are pretty weak as we
all know and they lose so much camber going through a turn, that a bigger
front bar helps keep the camber which in turn helps w/ traction.  That's
why the front doesn't push.  This also applies w/ weight transfer, your car
doesn't lean as much and so instead of your outside wheel getting 90% of
the work, it's more evenly distributed.  That's my guess..
As for whether or not you should put on the rear bar, No you shouldn't, you
should give it to me so I can put it on my car and so that I can win ST
this upcoming season.  =)  Put it on and try it.  The rear of the car will
probably snap out a little faster (which might be good depending on your
driving style) and your car will definately transition faster(good for
slaloms).

Aaron..
'87 16v

>I finally got to wring out my (wife's ;) Scirocco over the holiday weekend
>on a nice four-hour two-lane trip to my grandparent's farm.
>
>Yes this is the car I bought last September, shame on me for having a life
>besides this car. Nevermind the fact that I haven't started my scooter in
>over a year :(
>
>What I wanted most to share for commentary was a rather surprising
>observation, as follows:
>
>I have an all new suspension under this thing; Boge Progas struts, OEM
>springs and bearings, and urethane bushings. I also have a pair of huge (25
>mm front, 28 mm rear) anti-roll bars BUT I have only gotten around to
>installing the front bar, the rear is still the stock (19 mm on a 16V?)
>piece.
>
>All my previous experience with Rabbits and Jettas (several of which were
>pretty thoroughly done), my experience with other brands and all the
>literature I have read (Raven, Schroeder, Hamilton, et al) suggest that with
>my car set up as it is, it should push (understeer) worse than my old Alfa -
>not an easy feat mind you.
>
>What I discovered instead was a wonderfully neutral car that trailed nicely
>on-throttle, slipped the rear just a bit at steady thrust, and purposefully
>(but very controllably) steps the tail loose off-throttle. The thing flat
>drives perfectly. I found myself taking corners faster and with more
>confidence than I had in either of my dedicated track GTi's.
>
>At this point I'm hesitant to put the bigger rear bar on for fear I'll lose
>this wonderful feel and control the car now exhibits. But I'm very confused
>why this setup is working so well.
>
>Thoughts?
>
>My wife is slowly but surely losing this car to me...heh. She wants a
>toaster er, Honda anyway, I'll have to find her one ;)
>
>tiAn
>87 16V
>stuff.
>


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