Shock Setup
 

I've noticed that many people run heavier shock oil in the front shocks than they do in the rear shocks. What are the handling benefits of this?

RE: Shock Setup
 

Is it just because the pros do it? If so, it's ok to admit that. We're in a safe place here.:D The reason I ask is because I don't see the benefits. Any guesses?

RE: Shock Setup
 

Looks like you found the answer. :D

RE: Shock Setup
 

After thinking about it for a while I think I may have answered my own question. The heavier weight oil in the front shocks probably reduces the front end roll in the corners which would plant the frond end better and thus improve high speed cornering.

RE: Shock Setup
 

You'd think so, wouldn't you, but it's not true. The only part that can affect body roll is the anti-roll bar. The reason that more damping and stiffer springs provides better turn in is simply due to the increased stiffness in the front end, which of course then provides it's own problems on bumpy tracks. As with all aspects of suspension setup, it's about finding a balance that works for your style. If you haven't seen this, it's a flippin amazing article. I thought I was pretty hot at setting up chassis and suspension (for on road anyway), but I learned a lot from these articles.

http://users.pandora.be/elvo/c1/index.htm

The first chapter is tyres as per the link, then it moves onto suspension settings, the 'next page' button is at the bottom. It has a clear explanation (as long as you have a good grasp of mathematics) of every aspect of suspension setup. The aerodynamics section is also particularly interesting...

RE: Shock Setup
 

I use slightly heavier oil in the front to slow down weight transfer in the front so as to smooth ou the the turn in and so the back dosen't hook. it also launches the car better and with more nose up over jumps

RE: Shock Setup
 

wow - great stuff foxy42 -- where did you find this info? It is very well written - almost like a thesis.

RE: Shock Setup
 

It was mentioned in another post on this forum some time ago, I forget by who...thanks, whoever it was!

RE: Shock Setup
 

foxy42

how can you forget it was me...

;)

http://users.pandora.be/elvo/ is the correct link with sidebar

;)

RE: Shock Setup
 

Thanks again mate....:D

RE: Shock Setup
 

and who did you get it from eh ... lol

RE: Shock Setup
 

Its called a search engine, something most people on this site aren't familiar with...

:)