The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

The Number One Club for owners of Triumph's range of small saloons from the 1960s and 1970s.
It is currently Tue Mar 19, 2024 7:15 am

All times are UTC




Post new topic  Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Tue Nov 19, 2019 11:29 am 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:04 pm
Posts: 2
Hi all,

I’m new on here but currently have a sprint doing a bit of circuit racing. I thought it about time I popped into say hello and, well, no time like the present given the current problem I have.

The problem - The suspension is woeful. I’ve no idea what it is as it was on the car when I bought it. It is, however, well past it’s sell buy date - basically, it’s uneven at the back.... it’s good going left... :lol:

Anyhow, I’m looking for any ideas as to where to go next with a wholesale replacement.

The car had been, err, “troublesome” so I’d love something proven to work.

I’ve had a couple of ideas sent my way - as with everything, there is a budget which may end up dictating what to buy but any ideas would be very gratefully received. TIA. :bluewave:


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Sat Nov 23, 2019 10:58 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
Posts: 669
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Based on what I was using over the 17 years I raced the maple sprint in the avatar:

Springs: 200/225lb variable rate on the rear, I started with 350lb on the front but changed to 500lb when I only trailered it to events.

Shocks: I used professionally re-valved Bilseins that lasted over 400 races.

Anti-roll bars: Remove the rear and have a thicker one (approx. double cross sectional area) on the front. I used the mounting position on the subframe and then adjustable links to the outer part of the upper suspension link.

Lowered only 25-28mm all round.

LSD is a must, otherwise the inside rear spins exiting corners and you lose time (and places). 4.11:1 diff head (ex 2000 manual saloon) so you can use max revs in 4th on the fastest straight.

Front suspension set up: Toe as straight as possible, no toe in. Caster 4-4.5ᵒ, camber – 3.2ᵒ (helps turn into corners but loses the self straightening on the road making the car feel twitchy). Adjustable front tie bars essential to achieve this.

Better front brakes of course as well as pads. I did use race linings on rears too. Dual circuit brakes of course plus use something like Motul 660 brake fluid, highest boiling point you can find.

In a lot of places rubber bushes will be okay, but where you change to poly, such as tie rod ends, go for a harder compound.

Anything else, just ask.

Geoff


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Mon Nov 25, 2019 6:11 pm 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Oct 07, 2006 8:23 pm
Posts: 1173
Location: East Staffordshire
When you get a chance Geoff. Could you post some pictures of the front ARB
Thanks

_________________
Mike

1980 Vermillion Sprint - 174bhp


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Mon Nov 25, 2019 8:33 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:04 pm
Posts: 2
Geoff, thank you so much. That’s great and really helpful. I love your car collection too! :wave:


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Nov 28, 2019 6:18 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
Posts: 669
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
First shot shows the overall installation - same both sides. Note the modified plate for the top mount and adjustable tie bar. Adjustment to the ARB is made using 3 holes in the end of the ARB and by adjusting the length of the adjustable connector. Must admit when I got it handing right, I just left alone. The final shot explains the construction and installation of the ARB to the subframe.
First shot also gives you an idea of the brakes, Willwood calipers, vented rotors (BMW E21 323) and Ferodo DS3000 pads (Nissan Skyline MC).
Important note - these are old photos - make sure brake hoses are braided, not standard as in these shots
Geoff


Attachments:
103.jpg
103.jpg [ 139.67 KiB | Viewed 2433 times ]
102.jpg
102.jpg [ 143.92 KiB | Viewed 2433 times ]
101.JPG
101.JPG [ 69.06 KiB | Viewed 2433 times ]
Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Thu Nov 28, 2019 3:05 pm 
Offline
TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1696
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Geoff

Looks like you have a lot off adjustment on that set up,whats the brakes like with the wilwood calipers ?

Dave


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 12:02 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
Posts: 669
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Very good indeed, but don't forget this setup is on a racecar that was difficult to drive on the road. Tyres were 195/60R14 Dunlop DZ03G Tarmac race tyres and even these would lock under heavy braking until after a warm up lap. Then the combination of brake and tyre was astonishing, a world away from standard Sprint tyre size, brakes and pads. See YouTube, search for Dolomite Sprint No 20.
Geoff


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 8:38 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 8:03 am
Posts: 296
Location: High Wycombe
Hi Geoff,
What car did your ARB come off or is it a custom job ?
Thanks, Richard


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Racing suspension
PostPosted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 8:57 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:57 am
Posts: 669
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Custom, but secondhand. I bought the remains of a crashed race car back in 2002.


Top
   
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic  Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited