Test and tune results - Pfadt SS front bar and inverted shocks
08-23-2009, 11:40 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Test and tune results - Pfadt SS front bar and inverted shocks
Just wanted to send out a quick 
to the guys over at Pfadt. Yesterday I installed a slightly used C6Z SS Front bar and a brand new set of inverted shocks. I went out to a test and tune autocross today, starting with everything set as close to the stock setup as possible. I put in roughly 35 runs today, playing with alignment, pressures, shocks and bar.
Going into today, I had issues with corner entry understeer and mid-corner wash-out. Corner exit was ok and power down was decent, though snap oversteer was a constant concern.
Using pyrometer and tire wear data, I settled on an alignment that was essentially the same as I had been previously running. We then attacked the bar and shocks. After several different setting changes, I found the right setup for me (VERY different from the stock stuff), and all I can say is WOW! Turn-in response is almost instantaneous, while the rear end stays planted. Mid-corner wash-out is gone, and power-down on corner exit is more confident and break-away is more progressive with throttle-on oversteer more controllable.
For just shocks and front bar tuning, it transformed the car! As you can imagine, with 35 runs, I got pretty consistent with the course, and I was consistently running 1.5-2 seconds faster on a 55 second course, and more importantly it was EASIER to drive the car fast and consistent. A big to those guys with the shocks and that bar. Excellent craftsmanship, adjustability and matched well to the other stock suspension pieces required by SCCA SS class rules!
to the guys over at Pfadt. Yesterday I installed a slightly used C6Z SS Front bar and a brand new set of inverted shocks. I went out to a test and tune autocross today, starting with everything set as close to the stock setup as possible. I put in roughly 35 runs today, playing with alignment, pressures, shocks and bar.Going into today, I had issues with corner entry understeer and mid-corner wash-out. Corner exit was ok and power down was decent, though snap oversteer was a constant concern.
Using pyrometer and tire wear data, I settled on an alignment that was essentially the same as I had been previously running. We then attacked the bar and shocks. After several different setting changes, I found the right setup for me (VERY different from the stock stuff), and all I can say is WOW! Turn-in response is almost instantaneous, while the rear end stays planted. Mid-corner wash-out is gone, and power-down on corner exit is more confident and break-away is more progressive with throttle-on oversteer more controllable.
For just shocks and front bar tuning, it transformed the car! As you can imagine, with 35 runs, I got pretty consistent with the course, and I was consistently running 1.5-2 seconds faster on a 55 second course, and more importantly it was EASIER to drive the car fast and consistent. A big
to those guys with the shocks and that bar. Excellent craftsmanship, adjustability and matched well to the other stock suspension pieces required by SCCA SS class rules!
08-24-2009, 06:57 PM
#5
Drifting
Thread Starter
For my driving style, I liked the rears at 6 and the fronts at 12 (for consistency) and 16 for max turn in (unforgiving though...if I over drove or over-braked in a corner, the run was wasted). For my driving style, I had to stiffen the front of the car a LOT. Softening the rear up gave me more progressive and more controllable break-away on corner exit.
Your results may vary
Your results may vary
08-25-2009, 11:26 AM
#7
For my driving style, I liked the rears at 6 and the fronts at 12 (for consistency) and 16 for max turn in (unforgiving though...if I over drove or over-braked in a corner, the run was wasted). For my driving style, I had to stiffen the front of the car a LOT. Softening the rear up gave me more progressive and more controllable break-away on corner exit.
Your results may vary
Your results may vary
stiffer front bar is a must on the Z51 for autox, imo...I tried stock, 32mm hollow, 35mm hollow, and 35mm solid
08-25-2009, 10:41 PM
#8
Drifting
Thread Starter
for your help! Just let me know when you want some motor/powertrain work
