Desired Wheel Rates

[Mateospeed]

Bob,
While you've asked a rather simple question, it requires a very complicated answer. It wouldn't be smart to just hand you a set of wheel rates, because a full set of calculations is required to do so, involving making a few compromises that only you can decide on. I recommend starting on Ron Sutton's website (search his name here), and getting a few of the books he recommends on suspension design. Then, you can start to determine how do find your first crack at wheel rates.

I'll give you a set of numbers that I'm using on a '66 Mustang street/ track car. My street setup uses a front wheel FREQUENCY of 72 CPM, yielding a front wheel rate of 110 lb/in. Generally, the spring and bar rates are figured seperately, to give the desired roll angle. Mine uses a bar wheel rate of 627 lb/in. This would be quite heavy for a street car; I just don't feel like changing the roll bar between track events.

Please resist the urge to take these numbers and apply them to your setup. This works for me, but my setup in entirely different from yours. Use with caution!



Good luck!
-Matt