Question about ride height

[ScarySquirrel]

Hi all,

I've done a bit of Googling, but couldn't find what I was after.

I wondered what the general effect on handling is with different ride heights. Such as, what are the handling characteristics for a car which is lowered, with the front low and the rear high (nose done), or the front high and the rear low, or completely level?

I'm just interested

Thanks

 

[Rob]

Nose down makes you go faster.

Always rolling down hill you see.

 

[Adamm.]

Nose down makes you go faster.

Always rolling down hill you see.

is that a sereous answer? lol
im pretty sure going nose down is always best on fwd cars as it help with understeer wouldnt want to be much lower at the front though tbh.

 

[ScarySquirrel]

So a subtle nose down stance is generally best?

I did find something on a BMW forum which said something about weight distribution, nose down meaning that more weight is on the front, resulting in better grip and less understeer. However go too far and you could potentially have 'nose diving' when braking hard. Not sure what is good/bad about this.

Just interested, as I think my current ride height is a bit off, and I need to sort it out before I get the wheel alignment down when pay day comes around.

 

[Adamm.]

yeah mate it is what i have seen on most cars on here it also gives a nice stance for the car.

yeah you dont what to much nose dive when breaking hard it transfers to much weight from the rear so could make the backend step out etc. and it also effects the breaking distance in a bad way.
best thing to do mate have a look around on here and try to find some people who have lowered there cars on here with the nose down slightly and see what difference they have between the front and rear height

 

[ScarySquirrel]

Good idea, the Clio on Coilovers Appreciation thread is probably a good place to start

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Do some homework :rasp:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_dynamics

Having the rake set up so the back is higher than the front, will help turn in and be positive for weight transfer when braking, but if it's too much, the back end will end up skittish or worst case, becoming the front end.

Best idea I've had since midday: Take the car to Mark Fish in Harlow. You will NOT be disappointed.

 

[ScarySquirrel]

I started to read that but my head felt like it was going to explode. I'm a simple being

I've emailed Mark Fish

 

[Adamm.]

good link that think i might have a good read maybe understand things more.