Tuning a Lotus Link

[MannyCP3]

My car has a Lotus Link and I am wondering if anyone has any links or advice on how tuning works on this setup. I only began driving the car last August so I'm not ready to begin changing things on it but I would like to educate myself as much as possible.

thanks

[David Pozzi]

Like on a lotus super 7?
Do you have a heim joint under the housing center?

[deuce_454]

lotus link?? i know what a satchel link is... but lotus??

[MannyCP3]

It is similar to a 4 link, bars from rear end (left and right sides) to the cage (this appears to the be only adjustable portion bars either adjust UP or DOWN - just dont know what to expect when they are moved) backseat area and 2 bars running from the bottom of the rear end cage (reinforcements made around the rear end) in a V shape towards the front of the car and attached at the frame. I found one description that called it a triangulated 4 link and yes they were found on the Lotus super 7.

I can find lots of info about the other types but nearly nothing about what I have.
I added a pic of the V portion. The other parts inside the car I will get pics of this weekend when at Marina.

[terryr]

Neat. What I notice is the front pivots are lower than the rear. Usually it's the other way around.

[Jr]

It is similar to a 4 link, bars from rear end (left and right sides) to the cage (this appears to the be only adjustable portion bars either adjust UP or DOWN - just dont know what to expect when they are moved) backseat area and 2 bars running from the bottom of the rear end cage (reinforcements made around the rear end) in a V shape towards the front of the car and attached at the frame. I found one description that called it a triangulated 4 link and yes they were found on the Lotus super 7.

I can find lots of info about the other types but nearly nothing about what I have.
I added a pic of the V portion. The other parts inside the car I will get pics of this weekend when at Marina.

Where did you get the car? Is this the car that is in your avatar?

[MannyCP3]

I purchased the car from my uncle, he was more of a checkbook mechanic. Previously the car belonged to Gene Hanchett, though honestly very little of that car still exists.

My goal is to take the car to SCCA nationals this year and I figure I might as well get some good info on the car and learn some theory on tuning. The car in the pic is mine. I have one other 2nd gen Camaro a '65 Mustang and a 2009 Corvette.

[g-roadster]

The "Lotus" link and the Satchell are quite similar. The difference is the roll center height on the Lotus link is fixed relative to the axle or the ground. The roll center on the Satchell link is fixed relative to the chassis. As the chassis goes through bounce and rebound the distance of the center of gravity to the roll center is constant, with the Lotus link this distance varies by the amount of suspension travel. You will get more consistent handling with the Satchell link. Both provide a relatively low roll center.

Whether you use two joints as in the Satchell link or one as in the Lotus link it will not affect the geometry much. Either could be done with one or two joints. Two joints are twice as strong as one, my choice.

This choice is similar on a "3 link design" with a watts linkage providing lateral location. If the center link of the watts is located on the chassis as in the "Lateral Dynamics" design the roll center is fixed relative to the chassis. If it is attached to the rear end, the roll center is fixed relative to the ground. If you use a panhard bar you half way in between the two.

I haven't heard much about Lateral Dynamics, I hope all is well with him. He is a smart guy and a skilled fabricator.

I haven't been to lateral-g in along time, a lot of fun stuff going on. From the project updates; Bad Penny and Stielow are making great cars.

I miss the SEMA party at Steve's lumber yard, a great event.

See you again.

[BMR Tech]

The car looks mean in your avatar, any larger images we could check out?

[David Pozzi]

Congratulations on owning the winningest CP car in the history of autocross! :bow:
What day/time are you running at Marina? I live close by. :thumbsup:

That setup makes the roll center very low, would require more rear bar stiffness than "normal" do you have understeer?

Hanchett used to run a torque arm back when I used to see him run.
David

[MannyCP3]

Thanks! I'm going to take some new pics this weekend, hopefully some good action shots.

I should be on site around 10am, we run 4th run group(2:30pm?). I plan to do a lil tailgate during 2nd run group if interested. I think my dad, Manny Ruiz JR, called Mary to find out about storing the trailer Saturday night.

Here is a pic of my other Camaro, ran the car for the end of the 2008 season.
(previously owned by my dad Manny Ruiz Jr. which was auto-x'd for about 8 years, setup by Guldstrand)

[David Pozzi]

I've got room for trailers any time. :thumbsup:
I've seen the red car and maybe the new one, but didn't realize it was Hanchetts old ride. I'll try and come by and watch you run it.
David

[Jr]

That red car looks LOW and mean.

Very cool picture.:thumbsup:

[Rod P]

Nice rides Manny :thumbsup: I am very interested in that rear suspension! cant wait to see more and how its tuned!!