This is my second response on this topic because I forgot to edit the damn
trailer *#*@_$*!
OK, if I can remember right, here's what I said, in my very humble opinion:
The newer cars are better not because inboard is better than outboard for
autocrossing but because GENERALLY the inboard suspensions were designed
later and thus have more knowledge behind them. Check for motion ratios
(the amount the shock/spring moves in relation to wheel movement). Bad
motion ratios usually mean the shock isn't going to be as effective unless
you do ALOT of damper work and have good ones to begin with.
Also, the chassis for older cars were designed qualitatively, i.e., the
designers placed the tubes where they felt they would make for a stiff
chassis. Most newer cars had their chassis designed with the aid of
computer software, enabling the chassis to be designed quantitativly and
thus stiffer.
As for fit, maybe there is some modification that can be done without
hurting the rigidity of the chassis. Some research will be required.
As for motors, in Solo II the handling is much more important than the
motor. If you're motor is soft, you will certainly be giving up some
time. But if you ever want to be competitive at big events, the handling
must be good. If you get a good chassis/soft engine combo, maybe in the
time it will take to sort the handling out you'll have been able to save
some monty toward a rebuild.
Maybe you could do some leakdown tests on the used motors and if it is
good, that's great news. If it is bad, then use it for a bargaining
point.
Generally speaking, an older outboard car fits into Club Ford and is
usually more expensive than a newer inboard car that is outdated for doing
well in the Formula Ford class.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Jim Garry
> I am looking for opinion/facts as to if an outboard suspension
> Formula Ford built in 1979 (Dulon MP21) or 1980 (Lola 5?0) can be as
> competitive in CM as an inboard suspension car built in 1982 (Reynard)
> or 1986 (Van Dieman). I have found several cars for sale in
> my price range that can fit my rather large frame, which is a good
> trick. Thing is, the outboard suspension cars both have fresh Andresen
> motors with no races and more room. Both inboard suspension cars have
> several road races on the motors, both Williams motors I believe and
> would be pretty tight fitting in the shoulders. Everything else in the
> cars is pretty equal and all cars are in very "fresh" condition.
> Question is, can the outboard suspension cars be competitive in CM? The
> Dulon seems to have a very "correct" suspension geometry to handle
> really well.
>
> Also is a more powerful and fresher motor more important than the
> inboard vs. outboard suspension design? I would like to be able to go
> at least 3 years without having to do a motor rebuild and wonder if a
> motor with a few road races is going to break my budget? If so, I would
> have to get a cheaper car putting the newer cars out of my price range.
>
> Also, how important is it to have a car that fits "right". With
> shoulders over 22" wide, most newer cars push my shoulders forward to
> fit, where the older ones I can sit back with my shoulders touching
> the frame, but flat against the seat.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Thank You,
>
> John Moore
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