copied this from a post made by Cesare Magistrali on LinkedIn showing the suspension changes.
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Yes basically corrected the poor scrub radius of the wide body cars by moving centerline of the wheel out ~1.5" and lengthening the a-arms.
Julian,
I think the difference in A-Arm length between the Si and earlier Panteras is about 4" and the front wheels have close to 60 mm offset, or more. The number 72 mm sticks in my mind! Simon can clarify; he knows exactly what the specs are!
What I found interesting was, the shock and anti-roll bar mounts appeared to be in the same place as they were on earlier Panteras. The extra length was all outboard of these mounting locations. Also, I'm not sure whether the Si has a different steering rack or DeTomaso used the earlier GT5-S rack with extensions for the tie rod ends.
Other than increased length of the A-Arms, the major change at the rear is elimination of the upper ball joint. The Si uses a shaft on the top of the rear upright, just like the one on the bottom.
I thought the rear up-rights were the same and don't remember an upper shaft on the rear control arm but do remember the coil-overs and sway bar location change. Only saw one for a bit at the factory in 92--I think. Prints show a ball joint but prints from the factory were not that correct on occasion. pics would be great.
davidnunn posted:Julian,
I think the difference in A-Arm length between the Si and earlier Panteras is about 4" and the front wheels have close to 60 mm offset, or more. The number 72 mm sticks in my mind! Simon can clarify; he knows exactly what the specs are!
David, you are indeed correct I found an old reference from Simon 4" in front and 4 3/4" in rear longer
Drawing is not correct
Different anti roll bar and shock/coilover location , other place as the earlier Pantera's
Also different rear uprights , same steering rack , longer tie rod ends.
Si's are total different , chassis , body's , doors , electric wiring harness are different .
An Si is not just a upgrade from an earlier Pantera, it's a total different build car.
much better to handle , like a go kart .
Simon
Thank you Simon. It was many years ago since I looked at an SI. The front footwell area inside the cabin was the biggest creature comfort I remember. Do you know what the upright is originally from? Nice casting.
Hi Kirk,
the rear upright is a special Si part from what I know .
the front looks different too
Simon
Hi Kirk,
Are you saying that the change in front suspension allowed expanding the footwell or ? Did the firewall move forward?
Also, does anyone have pictures or drawings of the SI showing the rear tube-frame chassis?
John
Firewall did not moved forward or backwards the fire wall was on the same place
The foot well on both sides are almost the same as on the early Pantera's
Only the fuse panel and relais panel are moved to the front trunk and firewall behind the driver seat.
Simon