Re: Adjustable rear swaybar prototype photos
Ok, here I go:
Based on my theoretical calculations using geometry, I had the SVT rear bar (21mm) at 365 lb/in. I see below that your manufacturer measured it at 323. Excellent - real numbers are great to have. So this hopefully gives me a correction factor on my calculations, which I will use for the following numbers:
25mm Eibach bar = 649 lb/in
24mm = 551
23mm = 464
22mm = 389
SVT = S2 = 21mm = 323 measured by you.
20mm = ZX3 = 266
Ideally, I'd like to see your fabricator measure a stock 20mm bar and a 25mm Eibach bar to really box in this data. Do you have these available?
So, comparing to your measured numbers for your new bar, it looks like you have a range from 22 to 24mm.
Erik, if you can get those dimensions in my previous post, I could do more math. Actually, if you don't mind (I don't know if you are looking to sell these and thus keep the dimensions secret (until one of us buys one and then measures the hell out of it, hee hee), etc.), all the dimensions listed below would be great:
Diam = 15/16" - known. Cool.
Length of bar at centerline - in other words, how long is the bar from one inner hole to the other inner hole, moving around the U shape? This should be measured at the centerline, not along one of the edges. I tend to use non-stretchy string for something like this measurement.
Distance from the center of one short arm to the other - straight across the bar, not along the length.
With these numbers, I can fine-tune my math abilities even more.
Another thing to note: This bar design will be slightly more effecient than the "one position" types, due to the lack of bushings between the endlinks and the bar. Don't underestimate this - it will be a noticeable effect, kinda like the grippy bushings. While it doesn't give you truly more bar stiffness, it means you get to use the stiffness you have more efficiently. Thus, this bar on stiff might act more like a 25mm Eibach than you think, with the added benefit of imparting lower loads into the LCA.
The only downsides I see are:
1) Possible shearing of the "swiss cheese" portion of the bar after a while. I only say this because I had such a bar fail this year on a Miata that was being used for track use. It cracked right at the adjustment hole, which makes total sense if you have studied Strength of Materials.
2) Not sure how happy the LCA will be at the more severe angles of the end link. Hopefully you'll post pics of the bar installed and set on each setting. That would be stupendous!
How much do you want for one of these?
