Hybrid Donor Question Suspension
 

For those of us that are not building from a single donor. Engine and gearbox choice is pretty much unlimited,diff can be sierra,subaru,bmw and i have managed to get a jag salisbury in my mule. Brakes are pretty much what ever you want from ap racing down to stock sierra. Then it comes to suspension and that is where things become unclear.There is the standard sierra set up, the mazda and cortina/granda that will fit. Now without starting a whats best war, what is the best combo of front and rear uprights, are there any gains to be had from mixing and matching from the above handling wise. For example if the mx stuff is better for handling does it fall short on braking options. Which set up has proven to be the better geometry.


Bob

here is how i see it you can use allmost any engine fitted to a rwd box and diff (must all be same direction rotation or you roadster will drive backwards) that will fit in the hole.
when it comes to hubs and bits there is std sierra or mx5 (voudou or ssc chassis/suspension plans) a few builders have used bmw bits but as far as i know there are no plans out there as yet so you will need to do all the hard work yourself

hybrids are going to be a Q plate and much more hard work to build and a whole doner will have all the parts you will need so most people will go one way or the other

One massive (IMO) advantage of using MX-5 hubs is that most of the OEM MX-5 alloys are very light and are obviously a straightforward fit. They're also very cheap compared to aftermarket lightweight alloys which are of a similar weight.

You would have to run at least 14" wheels if you go for 1.8 MX-5 front brakes, possibly 15".

I was not to worried about the q thing. I have my engine, gearbox,diff and quite a lot of hubs. there is a full set of sierra, one full set of granada hubs inc vented discs which are all brand new, some cortina front hubs off a mk3, also not far from here there is an mx5 that is dead that can be had for bits. Now before having the bones made I would like to know the best combo as far as geometry goes. I was happy to use granada all round but was wondering how the mx5 stuff performed.

Bob

Naturally I'm offering a biased opionion, but the MX5 upright is a far better choice than the Sierra one. The main problem with the Sierra item is that it has been adapted to fit, the offset mushrooms are there to try to give a bit more trail to the upright, this is what gives you self centering, where as the MX5 is designed for double A type suspension from the outset.

If I was to mix and match I'd use the MX5 running gear, with the later 6 speed box mated to a 2ltr Duratec. I'd also have a round tube chassis, but then I'm a tart.

TK

Ah that explains the bright red lip stick your where wearing at Exeter services on friday :D

You said that secret was safe with you......:p

TK

I agree with trick-kit, the MX5 hubs are real good the Sierra ones is ok but the hubs from Cortina has far to big "scrudradius".

The Cortina hubs are not even allowed for new builds in Sweden anymoore..

Janne

I like the look of them. Have found some on ebay for £70 the pair complete. Are there any year changes/models that would give a better brake/bearing combo or are they all the same?:confused:

Bob