RideTech 33 Ford

[bret]

Well, we have resolved the spark scatter problem. It was just a rotor phasing problem...no big deal, but took a few hours to identify.

The steering problem was a little tougher. The OEM FFR steering system was apparantly intended to turn a narrow tire. We are using a 295mm tire. When I turned the wheel you could watch the rack visibly flex. It would encounter a significant bind at around a half turn of input. The size of the rack components was compounded by the rear steer configuration, very short steering arms, and the incorrect placement of the rack itself. Totally unacceptable.
After more research and conversation we have decided to cut bait on that system and redo it completely as a front steer Woodward power rack. This will allow exact placement to optimize bumpsteer and Ackerman, as well as providing tuning capabilities for feel. The Woodward components are true racing components that are completely capable of withstanding the forces imposed on them by this car.

I had assumed that FFR had designed this steering system anticipating this kind of use and had not paid a lot of attention to it. After encountering problems I called my friend Chris Alston who was a seriously good source of valuable information. He then referred me to Tony Woodward who spent a couple hours filling me in on the finer points of rack and pinion steering systems. Tony is a classic example of "paying for a degree in steering and getting his parts for free". Knowledgeable, articulate, friendly, experienced, realistic, and able to relate to whatever level of driving you are attempting.

Now we get to spend a few DAYS sawing the frontend off the car and installing a proper steering system. I still hope to make it to Nashville next weekend.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not blaming FFR completely for any of this. Their system would likely work fine with their recommended tire sizes in a "civilian" environment. Obviously we are working with neither. My aggravation is only with myself. I should have not assumed that this part of the car would be any less customized than the rest of it. I should had examined, evaluated, and fixed it months ago.
We will fix it now. It will be cool and fast. Its what we does.

[wiedemab]

I can't remember what the issue was, but several years ago when I was at OUSCI, didn't a FFR '33 have some sort of an issue that caused it to go off track. I want to say it was steering related (tie-rod breakage maybe?), but I may be wrong. Have you had any contact with the folks at FFR? I wonder if they would want to offer some sort of a different optional steering package for wide tire/harsh use situations?

Good luck getting it together for Nashville.

[bret]

I have not talked to anyone at FFR...and I probably should have...my bad. At this point the timeframe to get this thing on the road/track is so short that I didn't feel I had time to go back and forth for several days to find a solution. I had to fix the problem NOW. I have complete confidence this new system will work because I have worked successfully with Chris and Tony before. Also...after I was able to remove my head from my ass, I could see clearly what the problem was and how to truly fix it. It just took some "reminding" to make that happen!

This is a good example of how even an experienced car builder can become the victim of assumptions and oversight [on my part, not FFR].

For someone with a bit more time and a different set of resources, I would absolutely recommend contacting FFR [or whatever appropriate manufacturer] to resolve a serious problem.

I have been told by several [in my own household] that I have a habit of ignoring my own advice

[bret]

I can't remember what the issue was, but several years ago when I was at OUSCI, didn't a FFR '33 have some sort of an issue that caused it to go off track. I want to say it was steering related (tie-rod breakage maybe?), but I may be wrong. Have you had any contact with the folks at FFR? I wonder if they would want to offer some sort of a different optional steering package for wide tire/harsh use situations?

Good luck getting it together for Nashville.

I watched Rob Kinnan crash that car at OUSCI. He went in WAY too fast. I figured he just ran out of track, but it could have been a steering breakage/flex problem, I guess. I never got a chance to discuss it with him after the fact. I have talked to other FFR owners who have raced their cars with no problems, but I do not know at what level they are running.

[wiedemab]

I watched Rob Kinnan crash that car at OUSCI. He went in WAY too fast. I figured he just ran out of track, but it could have been a steering breakage/flex problem, I guess. I never got a chance to discuss it with him after the fact. I have talked to other FFR owners who have raced their cars with no problems, but I do not know at what level they are running.

It very likely could have been that he went off track and that is what broke stuff.

I completely understand the timing and needing a solution put in place quickly. - -Tru-Turn for the FFR '33 ;) I hope you make Nashville. That is a great GG show. My daughter's B-day is always the same weekend so until she is old enough and has the desire to go to a car show for her b-day, I'm probably out of luck!