FWD traction

[zee]

Hi, i drive a 2004 Corolla Sportivo with the 141kw 2ZZ-GE engine. I am getting a lot of torque steer and having a problem getting traction when driving hard out of corners at Wakefield Park. As you know Wakefield has a lot of tight 2nd gear corners and bumps everywhere so it is especially hard for the Corolla with peak torque of 180nm at 6800rpm and peak power at 7800rpm. There is just excessive wheel spin losing a lot of precious rubber, speed and lap times. I have ordered the rear swaybar, and control springs (plus bump stops and camber bolt) to try and improve in that department. Will get the Konis or other shock absorbers at a later stage as the factory shocks are still new with 12,000kms. They are also 40 opercent stiffer than other Corolla variants.

I have been told the best bet is to get better tyres and an LSD, but what about suspension components? Is there anything to help?

Thanks,
Zee

[jgevers]

Hi Zee,

1st thing I would do is create more roll control from the back of the car by fitting bigger rear bar and reduce rear suspension droop.

2nd thing would be fitting of decent shocks.

3rd thing would be to increase front castor as much as you can. This will increase the inside front wheel loading when the steering wheel is turned, thereby reducing traction.

regards,

Job

[zee]

Originally posted by jgevers
Hi Zee,

1st thing I would do is create more roll control from the back of the car by fitting bigger rear bar and reduce rear suspension droop.

2nd thing would be fitting of decent shocks.

3rd thing would be to increase front castor as much as you can. This will increase the inside front wheel loading when the steering wheel is turned, thereby reducing traction.

regards,

Job

Thanks for the input Job, i will get the shocks and caster kit soon. Apparently the caster kit is still under development so i would have to wait but there are shocks available for the car. I am confident the car will handle much better.

Cheers,
Zee

[jgevers]

Did I write increased loading on inside wheel reduces traction? Sorry meant to say 'thereby increasing traction'

regards,

Job

[Peter]

G'day Zee and Job,

The points raised by Job are valid for this chassis. The adjustable shocks are a marked improvement over the OEM units, especially when given the task of controlling higher spring rates as a consequence of fitting lowered springs.

A marked improvement in chassis balance is also achieved by adding an upgraded front swaybar (BTF72 series) to go with the rear 22mm fixed rate bar BTR77. The Preferred option here would be the Blade adjustable 24mm front bar BTF72Z. Adding this bar will enable you to fine tune the front to rear bias of your chassis.

Cheers

Peter
peter@whiteline.com.au