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Indy - De Dion Conversion
mookaloid - 9/8/07 at 02:41 PM

As above - anyone done this?

Cheers

Mark

[Edited on 9/8/07 by mookaloid]

NS Dev - 9/8/07 at 03:16 PM

No, but I would say that it is a good idea, take it you are thinking about it for yours?

Go for it!

mookaloid - 9/8/07 at 03:42 PM

Speaking to some drivers at the hill climbs - they reckon a live axle is worth the best part of half a second in the first 60 ft - which is a lot!

A De Dion as I understand it has the same characteristics as a live axle but is rather lighter and would involve less chassis work to change from the independent rear on the indy.

Whether it is worth it or not, I don't know - the Indy chassis still needs a bit of stiffening up here and there (ducks for cover) to get the best out of it IMHO.

Cheers

Mark

TimC - 9/8/07 at 03:54 PM

I think it sounds like a worthwhile modification. I've had the same conversations with hillclimbers. Obviously I didn't listen too hard because I then bought an IRS MNR - but that has lots of other things going for it.

Peteff - 9/8/07 at 03:55 PM

It's not lighter, just less unsprung weight.There are the end plates, separate driveshafts, 2 solid steel CV joints either side and the diff in it's own casing so how is it lighter?

mookaloid - 9/8/07 at 04:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Peteff
It's not lighter, just less unsprung weight.There are the end plates, separate driveshafts, 2 solid steel CV joints either side and the diff in it's own casing so how is it lighter?


Very fair point Pete I fully accept your argument there. I chose my words poorly



Cheers

Mark

procomp - 9/8/07 at 06:58 PM

Hi it's the anti squat that dose the 0-64 feet time.

I keep saying it But with a live axle it can be done in 1.9 sec. A good kit with irs will struggle to do 2.3sec. And dont forget a dedion is heavier overall than a live axle.

cheers matt

mookaloid - 9/8/07 at 08:51 PM

quote:
Originally posted by procomp
Hi it's the anti squat that dose the 0-64 feet time.

I keep saying it But with a live axle it can be done in 1.9 sec. A good kit with irs will struggle to do 2.3sec. And dont forget a dedion is heavier overall than a live axle.

cheers matt


Hi Matt,

So which is better?

Live axle for overall lighter weight or De Dion with lighter unsprung weight?

Cheers

Mark

procomp - 9/8/07 at 09:31 PM

Hi i am biased to live axle. As it's lighter and easier to install.

The unsprung weight is not a problem if using dampers valved correctly for the application with the right poundage springs.

The english axle will take upto 250 bhp with out problems despite what some say. And can have camber and toe set into it when building it when carfully done with patience.

Only other consideration is location either panhard rod or the watts linkage.

cheers matt

britishtrident - 10/8/07 at 12:11 PM

Unsprung weight should always take priority.

Remember all live axles are not equal an English "Timken Banjo" is lot lighter than a Cortina Mk3 axle.