Suspension Alignment, Part 1 - Intro and Roll Center

This is the first video in a series where we address the overall complexity of a suspension system and how to align a cars suspension and wheels. There is an introduction to the alignment series, and a first topic called "Roll Center" or Roll Point".

[duncangrainge]

Very interesting Steve. Well explained. I bet most car enthusiasts have little or no true understanding of the various parameters and inputs that are critical to set up of your car. I certainly learned new things. Thanks.

[nils]

I am building a modernized replica of a 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial and this will be my perfect guide to my suspension design.

[dalamar]

Looking forward to this in depth series so that I can setup my TVR properly. Thanks!

[gshort]

Thank you for explaining everything so clearly. I love your in depth thinking.

[tiitsaul]

Thank you. You’ve explained RC differently from other explanations I’ve heard and it made sense to me.

[mrvanT]

Good morning Steve, this is very good, I’m going to do it on my VW golf mk1 that I’m restoring.
Greetings from the east of the 🇳🇱.

[johnscott]

Another great video Steve, looking forward to seeing you put this theory into practical work.

[davidyendoll]

I really enjoyed your video Steve as I have enjoyed all your previous work . The subject is so complex and interrelated that most of us cannot fathom it out without a lot of help from a guru . Well done ! Please tell me more .

[JPB]

Brilliant video. Makes you appreciate the setup that goes into high level race cars, downforce, average speed of the track, driving style, tyre type, weather conditions all factored into making changes to suspension setup for that extra bit of lap time.

[tomgraham]

Wish I had this back in 1969 when after 3 years of racing a fully race prepared Triumph TR4 I purchased a Sports Racing car called a Bobsy SR3, a made in USA car raced in SCCA Sports racing class. Being an Engineer I had read all I could find on the subject you are discussing and went so far as to modify the TR front suspension by changing the inboard upper A arm inboard pivot location. Lowered it about 1" Negligble effect.
I purchased and re-engined. rebuilt the Bobsy using a British, Holbay mofified Fromula III engine of the time except that the rules I raced under placed no restriction of Carburation so it was fitted with 2 downdraft Webers. I think it dynoed at about 130 HP. at 9500 RPM. Class rules set max displacement at 1150CC. Car weighed about 1100# The objective was to win races that included various types of cars but restricted to more or less equalize performance. My main competition was a 1967 Porsche 91`S, race prepared and a veteran, placing well at the Daytona 24 HR race. I needed about a5% lap time improvement over my best TR-4 time.
The car was mostly raced at Mt Tremblant/St. Jovite track just north of Montreal.
The reason I am writing is that during my first track time I crashed at a quite high speed LH bend as a result of some roll induced, rear suspension steering effect that while at slower speeds just slid a bit and self corrected but as I pushed for better lap times it became an accelerating uncontrollable slide.
The suspension was all fully adjustable and similar to Formula cars of that period.
After reparing the crash damage I more carefully adjusted the rear suspension according to my own analysis and information available at the time which was limited.
Hard way to learn about such things but the car was eventually a winner and probably still holds the Lap record for its class.
The track is now owned by Lawrence Stroll.

[marchutchings]

Your video's Steve are very informative, keep working on them, you will build up a strong following. I love your education. Thanks many times over. Marc.

[stevepearce]

Thank you Steve for explaining the dark art of suspension tuning.
I think of you as a Renaissance Man.

[paulwhiteman]

That was a really interesting and informative video! Thank you sir and I look forward to watching the rest in the series.

[DAVEXR]

Brilliantly explained. Thanks Steve 👍🏼

[haideralam]

Hats off You Sir, you are great in every aspect

[alans]

excellent video Steve, the best I have come across.

[turboeero]

THANK YOU for this video!!! Very good. Keep up this good work!

[neverendingwinkleface]

Been looking for something like this, thank you very much

[phildem]

Great tool, perfect to apply this course!

[oleran]

Fascinating! And very cool!! You are a great professor!