Skip to main content

Reply to "PANTERA SUSPENSION MODIFICATION (etc)"

Hi Moby935

Sounds like an ambitious project!

For suspension design mechanical mock-ups can work in some cases, but I’d recommend modeling using readily available software tools. Testing a design in the digital domain offers much more flexibility and potential cost and time savings. Most of the suspension parameters are trade-offs. What works well for one dynamic state often works to the detriment of others. So defining your priorities and objectives are key parameters. Sounds like you're well on your way.

Programs such as Suspension Analyzer from Performance Trends have been used to optimize Pantera suspension set-ups. And SolidWorks is the tool of choice for one of my own projects. But there’s a bunch of choices that might work for your purposes. There are also a lot of good options for rendering and visualizing your design ... so you can work both the form *and* function sides of the coin.

With well-defined design objectives, the choices will be easier, but you might find you can accomplish what you want w/o a complete suspension re-design. Maybe leverage an existing design. Julian mentioned the Pantera Si geometry as one option. You could also ‘adapt’ your Dallara designed suspension for a lower ride height via relocated pick-up points.

Dan Gurney's All American Racers designed a modification to the rear Pantera suspension back in the 80's that utilized most of the stock parts, but had adjustable mounting points for various applications (e.g. autocross, drag racing, road racing).

The pro-touring crowd has adopted this kind of "re-use" approach as most of those cars (that I’ve seen) are based around the C6 Corvette suspension, or some variation thereof. I’d go for more modern uprights, but all those parts are readily available and probably much cheaper than original Pantera parts.

One last bit of advice: start with the tire selection. That will help drive your other design parameters.

Good luck and look forward to seeing your project progress!

Dave

×
×
×
×