[DML] Re: DeLorean Handling

["therealdmcvegas" <dmcvegas@xxxxxxx>]

I'd have to disagree there. With proper suspension, tire pressure, and
tires, the DeLorean is pretty damn easy to get back on the road. In
fact, I've had the same experience that Rich did, where my car will
snap back into place, and continue straight.

>From my experience, 26psi is too dangerously low of a pressure to run
in your tires. You can easily break the rear tires loose at that
pressure. I run 36, and it's like I'm on rails. I sacrifice a slightly
more bumpy ride, for allot more safety.

Tires are the most important factor of all, next to driver skill. If
you don't have good quality tires, you will fail to properly re-grip
the road when you need. And you loose grip allot more easily durring
turning, and braking. I like the Cooper Cobras, because of my
experience with them. My second choice given all tires on the market
would be the Pirellis (I chose not to go with these for asthetic
purposes, not because of performance). Yeah, there are the XGT's, but
since no one has ever really reported an experience with sliding out
of control on these, I won't consider them. But in any case, the
proper tire will increase your braking performance, handling, and
safety factor.

The weight bias of the DeLorean not only makes it a more unique car,
but IMO, it makes it a helluva lot more safer, if you know how to
handle it. I've had pickup trucks, and driven full size vans that
would lose grip in the back, and were impossible to regrip the
surface, until the vehicle came to a complete stop. The DeLorean is a
different story, and a much happier one.

With the understeer, you can easily counter the rear sway. And with
the lock to lock of the steering rack, you can spin the steering wheel
very quickly, to correct that rear sway. If it's wet, or oily out, a
quick tap on the gas will sling the water off, and you'll quickly regrip.

The absolute WORST thing you can do is panic, and step on the brakes.
Did that once, and spun a 180° in traffic.

Would the DeLorean be a more dangerous car if it came with a more
powerful engine? I doubt it. Of all the people that have had engine
swaps performed, engines upgraded, or turbo kits strapped on, I've not
once heard anyone complain that their cars are any more squirly.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"



--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> I have to agree with Mike. A rear weight bias is the worst case. Think
> of it as a pendulum. Once it starts swinging there is no way to stop
> it and the chance to correct is very small. Factor in the limited
> steering radius of the front wheels and you are very quickly past the
> point where you can catch and correct a spin. On top of that the rear
> will probably break loose without much warning so you don't know just
> where that edge of performance is without going over it. Now you might
> start to understand some of the inherent benefits of a front wheel
> drive car with a front engine over a rear wheel drive car with a rear
> engine. It will allow you to "power steer" through a spin. Changing
> the motor and increasing the weight in the rear will only cause things
> to get worse, not better. In fact the easier it is to spin the tires,
> the easier it will be to spin the car. Maybe a slightly underpowered
> Delorean was a safer Delorean! Of course there are many other
> variables, for instance the amount of fuel (weight) in the tank, the
> condition of the tires and road surface, temperature, etc.
> David Teitelbaum
> vin 10757
> 
> 
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, mike.griese@xxxx wrote:
> > 
> > I'm not sure I agree that a rear weight bias is easier to catch than
> > a mid or front weight bias, particularly with the DeLorean because
> > it is almost impossible to steer with the throttle.  Coupled with a
> > light front end, once it goes, it's gone.
> > 
> > --
> > Mike
> > 
> > 
> > -------------- Original message from "LJScarlet2" : -------------- 
> > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Handling? Who had time to think about the handling? I was fearing 
> > > for my life--and screaming! Plus, that burning rubber smell really 
> > > demands your attention. 
> > > 
> > > In all fairness to Marc, and to his lovely vehicle, it was nothing 
> > > but pure driving skill coupled with a slow-to-fishtail car that 
> > > stopped us from plowing backwards into an SUV. 
> > > 
> > > In normal driving conditions, I have found the cornering to be
quite 
> > > good. Then again, I drive like a grandma ;) 
> > > 
> > > And, if my car has to spin, I'd rather the weight be in the back 
> > > because it is easier for you to regain control since it is less 
> > > disorienting than if the front was pushing the spin. 
> > > 
> > > 
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]








To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/