erbieb02
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| posted on 4/8/05 at 12:48 AM |
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Anyone Using MX-5/miata uprights?
Hello
I am planning to use the uprights, axels, and brakes from a mazda MX-5 in my build. I will be using its uprights all the way around.
Is anybody able to take some pictures or measurements for me so I may design my suspension?
If you can help out please let me know, or if you know of a better American donor car I'm all ears.
Thanks
Eric B
Eric B
So many choices, way to much time (until I can afford to build).
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Bob C
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| posted on 4/8/05 at 11:13 AM |
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Hi Eric,
I did this - checkout my webste & photo archive, also chrisf on this forum has done a version of my design, so check out his website too. My
website includes some measurement data which may be useful.
My car doesn't go yet so I can't make any claims for its handling, but Chris is about to start his ! ! !
Cheers
Bob
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chrisf
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| posted on 4/8/05 at 05:11 PM |
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Hi Eric:
Like Bob said, I'm using his design. Why reinvent the wheel and have a go at designing this yourself? Bob's a top guy and has the
dimensions on his website. Run his numbers through your suspension analysis program and perhaps you'll like what you see.
In the rear of mine, I used a variation of Bob's design and did an inboard suspension. You'll have more fun if you skip this step!
--Chris
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erbieb02
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| posted on 4/8/05 at 08:38 PM |
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Hello
Beautiful work to both of you. I really like Bob's method for bump steer elimination.
I will also give Bob's figures a run in a suspension design program. I found a free trial of one on the internet, any suggestions for an
affordable permanent version?
Bob's website already has some great images of the uprights and I've gotten some dimensions on the front ones, so if either of you could
measure the distance between the pivot points on the rear I think I can get everything I need.
Thanks
Eric B
Eric B
So many choices, way to much time (until I can afford to build).
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chrisf
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| posted on 4/8/05 at 08:52 PM |
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Why not download Bob's models and just use those. Also, you saw that he gave the dimensions, right?
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Bob C
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| posted on 5/8/05 at 09:22 AM |
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stoppit - you're making me blush....
Re front uprights, 2 problems with stock mx5 items:
1) they put the rack too low for a lowcost - it ends up IN the chassis tubes
2) TREs at ridiculous angle
hence all the engineering to move the TREs to the top of the steering arm. Also you have to guess a bit to estimate the centre of the upper &
lower ball joints compared to wheel flange & hence contact patch, in order to simulate the suspension.
But the rear uprights are just the job!
You might find it hard to get hold of a sierra (merkur) diff in the states. If you find a suitable local alternative, make sure it fits in the chassis
& can be got in and out when the car's together!
cheers
Bob
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chrisf
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| posted on 5/8/05 at 01:05 PM |
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The RX-7 he's talking about using has an IRS, so it comes with the needed diff. But like Bob says, if you use his plans, make sure the diff can
come in and out. Mine can't and must be removed from the bottom. This means I will have to do some creative engineering to brace the rear. To be
fair, I was warned well in advance!
Also, if you use the rear model, have a chat with Bob or I before cutting/welding the rear. There are some slight adjustments to be made.
Overall, I think the Miata offers the best uprights for the job. They are small and light. If you're brave (like I) you can use 5/8" rod
ends from above to replace the tie rods. But like Bob says, there is no way to mount the tie rods from below the steering arms
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erbieb02
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| posted on 6/8/05 at 02:08 PM |
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I had noticed that funny angle on the bottom of the front uprights and thought it may be a problem. Since it is, I may consider alternatives in order
to get an easier build. The rears do sound and look good so I will plan on using them unless something better comes along.
Any front upright you guys wish you had used? Know of any that will have the same bolt pattern as the miata rears?
I will download Bob's models, I think that Solidedge will open them.
Thanks
Eric B
So many choices, way to much time (until I can afford to build).
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chrisf
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| posted on 6/8/05 at 02:31 PM |
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No, I would use the Miata upright again.
SolidEdge will open the files.
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