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Nova handling - re: LET or XE

456 views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Ste_nova 
#1 ·
ok everyone knows that a nova, without proper modifications, just wont handle very good with the weight of the XE or LET lump hangin over its front wheels. i know its down to the weight that the car wont turn in but what i want to know is exaclty what is it that the extra weight affects to cause the loss in tightness?

i would have thought the extra weight over the wheels would have pushed them harder onto the tarmac and giver better grip but obviously im wrong.

cheers

rodgerq
 
#2 ·
The turbo engine is more powerful and more tunable (obviously) but a lot more heavy, the XE is a good engine to use, my mate built one and it went well and handle superb, but didnt stop that well.

Although if you want to go to the extreme, put the petrol tank and rad and huge coolers in the front and put the LET in the back, best of everything Handling and power!! Probably a bit much though??

To answer your question, the more weight at the front equals more understeer, its all about balance. (I think) lol

Good luck anyway
Tont
 
#3 ·
i didnt think any of the 2 handled that great, obviously the LET being the worse of the 2 because of the extra weight. i have a LET in my nova and in the dry its ok, but not great and i have no confidence at all in the wet goin into a tight corner at any speed.

i know the more weight means more understeer but the info i am after is, i suppose, the physics of why it happens. what actuall areas of the car are affected and what is the effects on these areas.

cheers

rodgerq
 
#5 ·
its actually surprisingly good in the snow. probably due to the amount of torque it has!! i live on quite a steep hill and i see folks spinin all the way up it, sometimes failing, whereas i can reverse out the drive put the car in first and pull away without even using the throttle = no wheel spin at all.

cheers

rodgerq
 
#7 ·
its harder to move a heavy weight than a lite one. if you drive in a straight line then suddenly changing direction the weight still wants to go forward....even though the wheels are trying to turn....err i dont know how to explain it properly. Ask some Physics buff
 
#8 ·
i kinda get ya, your sayin that the weight is just pushin the car in a straight line. its like a stored energy.

is it just the whole front of the car that needs attention then to combat this. like polly bushes, bigger a/r bars some thicker tie rods maybe?

i would like as much info as possible cause i would like to get my handling back as much as possible.

cheers

rodgerq
 
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