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improving handling
ClockworkMonkey - September 18th, 2012 at 12:36 AM

Just wondering what you guys suggest in the way of handling improvements? The only thing I've had done to the car is have it lowered a little. The front just had an adjuster welded into it I think and I had the front shocks replaced.

It's bumpy but bearable and turns better than it used to but it seems a little twitchy. I know I need a thicker torsion bar on it, just wondering what else would help.

Does narrowing the beam help?


HappyDaze - September 18th, 2012 at 07:02 AM

You haven't given much away about your car. What is it? A set of good tyres can do wonders.....what are yours? More info. needed.


vwo60 - September 18th, 2012 at 07:13 AM

The last thing a narrowed beam does is improve the handling, any reduction it track is detremental to the handling of your car. the best thing you can do to start is have a four wheel alignment, this can be the starting point for any other improvments that you make. as happydaze said you need to provide more imformation about your car.


sander288 - September 18th, 2012 at 12:53 PM

If you need a wheel alignment in Brisbane look for Accurate Suspension on the southside


Joel - September 18th, 2012 at 01:00 PM

How low is a little?
the twitchyness may just be a bit of bump steer depending how low you went.


hellbugged - September 18th, 2012 at 01:47 PM

Did you install castor shimms under the newly lowered beam?


psimitar - September 19th, 2012 at 06:40 PM

Read this

Aircooled suspension tuning


ClockworkMonkey - September 20th, 2012 at 02:23 AM

Castor shims? Haha got no idea so I don't think so. I have a 69 type1 1500sp. It's got empi 5 spokes wrapped in nangkang rubber. I couldn't tell you how much it's lowered by sorry guys (it does has have some rake but it's barely noticeable). The back wheels have a slightly lager profile than the front ( I think 65 rear and 55 front) it's had a wheel alignment and balance when it was fitted maybe 6 months ago .

Would drop spindles help maybe?


psimitar - September 20th, 2012 at 12:44 PM

how mechanically minded are you? if good with mechanical stuff then reading that aircooled thread will fill you in on how to make a beetle handle well.

If not mechanically minded then be careful with what you do as making an incorrect change can make the car less controllable.

As the aircooled thread states 'a nose stance is bad for handling. The front needs to be slightly higher than the front. This helps with weight transfer under braking. As the weight is in the back of a Beetle you want to keep the weight there for better braking effect.


modulus - September 20th, 2012 at 04:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by psimitar
The front needs to be slightly higher than the front. .


Also note left side of car needs to be longer than itself. Install a z-bar on steering wheel. Car should be castorated. Hope this clarifies.


HappyDaze - September 20th, 2012 at 07:29 PM

Using castor oil, instead of grease, in the front end always helps. Also negative camber.......Matt Berry keeps some in stock.


psimitar - September 21st, 2012 at 11:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by modulus
Quote:
Originally posted by psimitar
The front needs to be slightly higher than the front. .


Also note left side of car needs to be longer than itself. Install a z-bar on steering wheel. Car should be castorated. Hope this clarifies.


:lol::lol::lol: oh dear are my anti-depressants affecting my brain.
to correct myself, front needs to be slightly higher than the rear :)


ClockworkMonkey - September 23rd, 2012 at 04:44 PM

Yeah I'm not that mechanical :-) i read the thread and it all makes sense but I'm sure it's harder than it sounds. Might have to pay a little visit to the workshop me thinks. Thanks for all the info peoples!