HDR Cobras, what is the word on them?

[Highland Daytona Racing]

Hey Guys,

OK, if I weigh in here to answer the rear end question? I'll take that as a yes!

Solid rear alxes as we all know are stronger, especially these custom units as I get them from Speedway engineering in CA. However, as it pertains to handling, or the actual geometry involved, thats where they can either suck, or shine, basically the same as a production based IRS verses the way they should be, which would be an F-1 style rear IRS.

Its all in the linking system: Problem is with most designers, and I use that term very loosly, they go with the standard 3 or 4 link systems on their solid axle cars. These systems are ok for tooling around the street or on hot rods, but dont expect much more on a road course.

Most guys will argue ride; again, a function of the designed geometry more then that of the rear being independent. We use a little known link system called the "Satchel Link" system, which was designed some years back by my friend Mr. Terry Satchel for the Newman/Haus teams GT cars. Terry helped me tweak it into the small pachaging area of the Cobras and it excels far beyond that of any known production based IRS system. Add camber & Toe to that rear axle housing as I do and you come out with the best of both worlds, Camber in the turns, toe in for stability at speed and in hard breaking, low spring rates, and a rear end that can take up to 900hp. Add to that hollow gun drilled axles, aluminum hubs & drive plates and your unsprung weight is very close to that of the jag, or Ford production IRS with knock off adapters and the weight becomes imperceptable.

Why does this particular system work so much better? Well without giving away the farm, alot of it has to do with the actual link tubes being far longer then that of these IRS systems which enables us to both slow the geometry down much more, which makes for a far more pradictable charachter. It also allows us to place the links far lower on the frame which lowered the rear roll center so far that we were able to delete the rear anti-sway bar completely. Theres alot more to it then just that, but I couldnt explain it without enabling others who are now trying to use it.

Thanks for indulging me.

PS: Black Jack! Long time man, how you holding up? Ever get the house replaced? If you need help adding onto that garage for the Coupe, let me know, I'll bring the hammers & beer.

RE