LocostUSA.com

I have had to make some tweaks to my rear control arms (shortened slightly) and now my track width has changed (duh). My question is what are the handling effects of having a wider front track than rear assuming that i am using the same size tires at all corners (205/50/16). I have some room for adjustment in the rear so I am trying to find the best balance. Currently i have 58.5" front track width at -1.5* and 55" rear at 2.1* but i can adjust to 56". I might be able to go to 56.75" but the amount of plunge of the half shaft will be the limiting factor. All figures are at full droop in case that matters.

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Gavin

My build: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16005

Typically you want a narrower track in the rear. I accomplished this with wider rear tires with the same outside width. Most performance cars such as Porsche now come wider at the front track than the rear. My track width is rather wide at 62" Front and 58" rear which is 72" outside width on both the front and rear. Wheels are 10" Front and 14" rears.

I would not worry about it, if you want to even it up you could buy big fat wheels for the rear to get the same overall width, if you get custom ones you can match the outside size exactly by changing the offset.

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2015 & 2016 EMod Florida State Autocross Champion
2013 & 2014 DSP Florida State Autocross Champion

Scrap Metal Build Log viewtopic.php?f=35&t=14558

My front track is wider than the rear and I haven't had any issues in 5 years.

Al

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Super Seven 3.4

Al, how much wider is your front track compared to the rear? Mine will be 2" wider in front

I don't plan to buy new wheels and tires, it is easier and cheaper to build new lower control arms to change the track width of the front. i checked and the MR would be about the same so I won't be creating any negative affects if i change them.

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Gavin

My build: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16005

You could always add a bolt on style spacer if you're that worried about it.

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Tucker

Gavin,
some cars are designed with a wider front track. It provides a wider stance on corner entry; think of the opposite, like a kid's tricycle tipping on corner entry. Although many other design considerations will factor in, but in your case, I would be surprised if you would notice anything. Mine has about 1.75" more track width at the front, not because I'm a brilliant designer, but the wheel didn't clear the upper BJ, so I needed spacers.

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Martin


My build log:
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=14520&start=0
My build video:
https://vimeo.com/143524140 password "matovid"

Mnot, my front track is just under 2 inches wider than my rear track.

Al

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Super Seven 3.4

Watch what happens when your front track is a whole bunch wider than your rear track as it is in the Morgan 3 wheeler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8-4IKUntko

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Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I believe it's pretty common to have slightly larger track at front, and you're probably just fine with things as they'll be. However, you can also alter the track at front and rear by switching to wheels (rims) that have different back spacing. Of course, that assumes you have enough clearance to do so. And, you'll have to buy new wheels, but it may be an option for you if you decide there's an issue.

Cheers,

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Dang, you've been on the road for 5 years now. Pretty sure I started before you.

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Trochu Motor League

My June 2007 start date to your Aug 2009 indicates I maybe had a slight head start


Al

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Super Seven 3.4

If you were to measure track at the centerline of the tread back and front of any formula car there is a huge difference in track width. I read somewhere years ago that it was an easy way to eliminated understeer.

Bob

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Build Log viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16640&p=187700#p187700

Mancave http://s1116.photobucket.com/user/mypic ... ow/mancave

I adjusted the rear to the widest point that I am comfortable with the half-shaft not coming apart from the tulip. That said, it is just shy of 56". The hard part of this whole project is looking at numbers and guessing how it will translate to performance and feel. I understand that wider front track will reduce/eliminate understeer but how much oversteer will it promote? I am not planning to build a drift car . I also read that lots of performance road cars have wider front track simply because the rear tires are wider and thus because the measurement is to the middle of the tires it is "narrower" than the front even though the outside is even with the fronts.

I am considering remaking the FLCA's and designing some adjustment into them (rod ends) as that is the one element in my whole suspension that is not adjustable and now i am kicking myself for it

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Gavin

My build: http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=16005

I passed a Smart ForTwo on the freeway yesterday and noticed the difference in track widths. Front = 50.5". Rear = 54.5". It's very noticeable.

Naming this car "smart" is the best example of an oxymoron, especially since its CG is 29" off the pavement and tips over unless it has stability control.