Re: [DML] Re: Upgraded Front Suspension

[Michael Griese <mike.griese@xxxxxxx>]

Sorta.  The reason Lotus made the changes was the increase in HP available in 
the drivetrain, the improved braking performance that was added to the Esprit 
and the improvements in tire technologies that improved grip.  Basically the 
cars got faster, could brake harder and could corner quicker which drove up 
demands on the front suspension components.  They went to the lower A arm 
because the bushings could no longer cope with the increased loads on the front 
suspension.  Lotus had to make frame changes along with the LCA changes to deal 
with the loads.  That isn't all that practical for DeLorean owners, nor is is 
necessary unless you start playing around with engine power and brakes.  Most 
owners would be far better served to replace their 30 year old suspension 
bushings than to start redesigning the front suspension.

 --
Mike




________________________________
From: content22207 <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, October 26, 2011 4:35:44 PM
Subject: [DML] Re: Upgraded Front Suspension

  
Doesn't matter what Lotus was doing then -- if they decided later that a lower 
wishbone was better, is it not reasonable for DeLorean owners to do the same?

Lotus Elise suspension (one Helluva spread eagle lower wishbone): 
http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/technical/aeoct04/suspension.jpg


Another view: http://www.panix.com/clay/elise/frsuspen.jpg

Before Marc's brain explodes Re: Elise sway bar: notice how it is shaped versus 
ours -- a very sharp right angle bend versus our approximately 45 degree angle.

Bill Robertson
#5939

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "jtrealtywebspannet" <jtrealty@...> wrote:
>
> I am not familiar with every model Lotus ever built. I do know that what was 
>done for the Delorean is what Lotus was doing on their own cars late '70's and 
>early '80's. The whole frame and suspension is just a scaled up version of what 
>Lotus had for themselves although they were not happy about the rear engine 
>design. They used a mid engine set-up where the bulk of the weight of the motor 
>and transaxle was ahead of the rear wheels. Some of the biggest problems 
>revolved around the weight bias and polar moments caused by all that weight 
>hanging off the rear of the car. It is a testament to the expertise at Lotus 
>Engineering that they got the car to behave as well as it does. And without any 
>active systems like ABS or Traction control, not even a proportioning valve in 
>the brake system!
> David Teitelbaum
> 
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Marc Levy <malevy_nj@> wrote:
> >
> > Actually David, I was hoping you would address this question because you are 
>exposed to both the Lotus and DeLorean..  But, I don't think you addressed what 
>I asked;
> > 
> > On the Lotus vehicles with the added "wishbone" LCA, was anything don
>


 

[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/dmcnewsYahoo! Groups Links

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

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> 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/