Will a 9" live axle Cobra w/ spool ever turn into corners?

[Richard Hudgins]

Hi folks,

First let me state that I really do not understand why everyone is so down on spools or no-differential final drives. I would like to hear from folks that have driven such cars, on a road course, why they feel that they are so bad.

David,

I quote "Lockers do not belong on short wheel base high HP cars when used for the curves."

Why? What cars have you driven on a road course with a spool? I have never had a problem with them. A proper diff is better, but in my day there were no diffs that could take the power and live for a 2 hour race.

Examples of cars that I have driven with spools.

1. Porsche 935 2250 lbs. 89.75 wheelbase, 500>750 hp. (depending on where you set the boost.) A pure joy to drive once you got onto the power delivery issues.

2. McLaren M8 . 1750 lbs. 92 wheelbase 700+ hp. Really a cool car to drive and the motor was excellent in power delivery.

3. Lola T300 1550 lbs. 94 Wheelbase, 550 hp. Ok to drive but the chassis was really flexible and you had to be careful not to have the bodywork and chassis pinch you under the arm due to flex.

I quote: "Dont mean to spout off or come down on you.. .. BUT there a number of folks giving advice I just dont think is sound for your situation. "


As I am the only one here who has said anything positive about a spool you must be talking about my advice. Well, I am sure that you are correct. I know nothing about the FFR car and you do. ( I did not know that Craig had one.)

Therefore, I bow to your experience with the FFR and its needs and I feel that Craig should listen to your advice instead of mine due to your greater experience with the design.

Congrats on your times. It is always fun to go faster. By the way, with 675 springs in the front, what are your wheel rates?