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Thread: Magnetic Fluid Shocks
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02-10-2011 #1
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"Complicated Computers" is a term that could also be applied to "Engine Control Modules" but I don't see ECMs slowing down the aftermarket. IMO, it is just a matter of time before these show up in the aftermarket as full on active suspension systems.
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02-11-2011 #2
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You mean this stuff? (there is a magnet under the plate, causing the metal particles in the fluid to group around the magnetic field lines)
You will likely not see this in the Aftermarket any time soon, though there are people working on it.
At this moment the cost is too prohibitive. Not only is the fluid expensive, but any part the fluid touches has to be specially treated so the minuscule iron particles in the fluid don't eat the shock from the inside out.
As far as computer controls, look at EFI. Not long ago you couldn't do much to the stock ECU. Now the Aftermarket has self learning systems. Hardware is no problem, it's the software that makes all the cool stuff happen, but is also what takes the longest to develop at the greatest cost.
Our Select Series shocks (http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspen...ing-shock.html) were the predecessor to the MR beasts you find on high-end cars today. They change shock stiffness by routing oil through a soft valve stack or a firm valve stack, instead of changing the fluid viscosity. These have been offered by the OE manufactures in "soft/firm" push button style as well as full computer controlled units that adjusted on the fly.
12-10-2011 #3
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Big deal... I can get this stuff out of my oil pan anytime I want... Wait, IS THAT A BAD THING????
Originally Posted by marolf101x
You mean this stuff? (there is a magnet under the plate, causing the metal particles in the fluid to group around the magnetic field lines)
Ray Kaufman - Wyotech Chassis Fab and High Performance Instructor. Words of Wisdom from an old master... at Asylum Custom Interiors website
12-10-2011 #4
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Probably the most cost effective thing to do right now is use the GM control unit and adapt Corvette or CTS-V shocks. They have been around long enough to find on Ebay or salvage yard for a reasonable cost. I am hoping to snag the brain and shocks off an Escalade platinum for the AWD S-10 blazer project. There has got to be a way to manipulate the algorithms. It might get interesting using the ABS to help with turn-in etc..... Just to throw in a new level of complication, would it be possible to use small cylinders for sway bar links that would more or less free float until activated by yaw sensor/ steering input? Digressive rate swaybars? That would be a smooth ride. Sick!
12-10-2011 #5
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Also already out there, Kenny. There are circle track and road racing suppliers that build those hyd. bar links. I'll see if I can find the info. As far as I know, they use a simple needle valve to regulate flow. Originally Posted by Kenny
Ray Kaufman - Wyotech Chassis Fab and High Performance Instructor. Words of Wisdom from an old master... at Asylum Custom Interiors website
12-10-2011 #6
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The only way these would be advantageous over a high end shock like JRi is for compromise. There is an optimal force per velocity for any given situation, and with a shock dyno and some math you can figure out exactly what to set your shocks at for any given surface. Don't over think it, if you want the best just get JRi.
-James
1974 Z28 SCCA C Prepared
1990 Firebird NASA CMC
2005 Mustang GT SCCA F-Street (new for 2015)
1989 Civic Si SCCA STC
12-10-2011 #7
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I was just getting ready to ask if anyone considered using Penske dampers or equivalent. Then I took a look at JRi's site. Benny Gordon is the ProCup champ from a few years back and he's still bad-fast. It would be pretty cool to see how a set of those felt on our semi-Pro-Tour LeMans... Originally Posted by SLO_Z28
12-10-2011 #8
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It worked well for Detroit Speed and Engineering, they use them on Stacey and Kyle Tuckers' camaros, also guys like Brian Hobaugh and Mike Maier are wicked fast on those shocks. Originally Posted by UMI Tech
Odd fact Jeff Ryan the man behind JRi was one of the first 10 employees for Bob Fox back in 1980. The JRi team is comprised of a lot of ex Penske guys.-James
1974 Z28 SCCA C Prepared
1990 Firebird NASA CMC
2005 Mustang GT SCCA F-Street (new for 2015)
1989 Civic Si SCCA STC
12-10-2011 #9
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While it is true that there is "optimal force per velocity for any given situation", there is no optimal force per velocity that covers every situation. If that were the case there would be no need for quad adjustable shocks etc. There would just be a spreadsheet that clicked out the proper number once all the parameters were put in. More to the point: JRi seems plenty content to do engineering on active systems. The only reason they aren't readily available is the rulebooks of different sanctioning bodies. Originally Posted by SLO_Z28
I think of pro-touring as building a street legal race car with creature comforts that will perform as a daily driver as well as performing well on track days, but will spend most of it's time on public roads. Setting up a race shock for a single track and purpose is different than driving cross country on back roads with comfort and performing well at the track with the same components.
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