Suspension tuning confusion.

[crazybiker]

Alright. I'm massively confused with suspension tuning.

From my understanding, the softer the car, the better the car grips (what I've heard) but the more body roll.

If that's the case, then what's the idea of suspension and sway bar upgrades? If all its doing is actually redoing your grip? I've got a stiffer rear sway bar for my car, but don't want to put it on if it's actually gonna make if have less grip.

Thanks. Sorry for what could be a silly question.

[naf33n]

wouldnt really say the softer the suspension the more grip.. softer suspension usually means higher centre of gravity, more body roll, which creates an unstable car, which has less grip.

low cars with stiffer and more rigid suspension componets usually handle better(and im not taking about been low enough that you hit your bump stops every twig you run over). you still need to dampen the effects of our shit roads

[crazybiker]

See, I understand that the lower suspension will lower the centre of gravity reducing body roll, and making the more car stable...

But, I'm confused with this. I'll use Supercars as an example. I know it's extreme, but it's what I can use to get my point across. Why would they soften the anti roll bars during the race to provide MORE grip as the tyres fade? Why do they soften a roll bar to provide more grip to the side of the car they want, or less grip to the opposite?

I've just never understood it. I've seen races where they've had too little front grip, so they've softened the front, and stiffened the rear. I understand the correlation between the front and rear, just not softer=more grip :\

[Dr HaxZaw]

See, I understand that the lower suspension will lower the centre of gravity reducing body roll, and making the more car stable...

But, I'm confused with this. I'll use Supercars as an example. I know it's extreme, but it's what I can use to get my point across. Why would they soften the anti roll bars during the race to provide MORE grip as the tyres fade? Why do they soften a roll bar to provide more grip to the side of the car they want, or less grip to the opposite?

I've just never understood it. I've seen races where they've had too little front grip, so they've softened the front, and stiffened the rear. I understand the correlation between the front and rear, just not softer=more grip :\

Using race cars as an example for road going cars doesnt work. One because by soften they arent softening them by a whole lot in most cases. Two because they are really stiff already and so they back them off a bit.

The best way to get more grip is to keep as much of the tire in contact with the surface for as long as possible. If its a bumpy surface you want it soft to absorb the bumps and not throw the car off the track. If its smooth you want it stiff so you keep all 4 wheels on the ground while cornering.

For street cars they have softer suspension to absorb the bumps so the ride is more comfortable which is what most people want. Lowered suspension not only lowers the centre of gravity but stiffens up the suspension so the wheel is forced back down to the road quicker if it hits a bump. I'm not 100% sure on exactly how roll bars work except that they reduce body roll and keep the car more stable so someone else might be able to do a better job explaining them

[Reaper]

wouldnt really say the softer the suspension the more grip.. softer suspension usually means higher centre of gravity, more body roll, which creates an unstable car, which has less grip.

low cars with stiffer and more rigid suspension componets usually handle better(and im not taking about been low enough that you hit your bump stops every twig you run over). you still need to dampen the effects of our shit roads

Not sure how a softer suspension equals higher centre of gravity.

Here are a few links of suspension theory which describe the basics:

http://www.g33.co.uk/suspension_theory.htm
http://www.rqriley.com/suspensn.htm

Reaper