[DML] Re: Lowering (and speeding in Toronto)

["Lynn Metz" <metzlynn@xxxx>]

Joe:
I have wondered about this for a while, but do not remember anyone 
addressing it specifically. When the original Lotus specs were changed who 
changed them? Lotus? And when changed, were there any other changes made to 
compensate for this change? Essentially, I want to know if I lower the 
front end 2 inches, will it be an original spec car? Has the rear been 
changed? The spindle or strut height? It seems that if Lotus, one of the 
best engineering companies in the world, created the original spec, they 
would not just add 2 inches to the front height of the car without 
re-designing the whole steering and suspension system.
Brian 16584
> I am all for lowering the front of the DeLorean to bring it down to where
> the designers intended to be but I am against cutting the springs to
> accomplish the change.
>
> The front of the car is very light compared to the rear (35/65 ratio).
> In-order to maintain solid steering control the tires need to be pushed 
> down
> to keep them in contact with the pavement as much as possible. When you cut
> the springs you change the spring rebound characteristics. This causes the
> tires to rebound over bumps in the road at a higher rate, the increased
> rebound (bounce) reduces front end control. This not only effects the
> handling but also effects comfort. When the springs are cut, the ride
> becomes more "giggly"; or is it "Giggy"!
>
> The front re-calibrated springs are not expensive, especially when you
> factor in the labor time to cut the old spring and the confidence knowing
> your DeLorean will not sit lop-sided. The updated springs are not just
> shorter they also have a modified spring rate that allows the front end to
> behave the way the Lotus engineers intended.
>
>
> DMC Joe / De Lorean Services / <dmcjoe@xxxx>


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