bump steer torsion bar Contemporary

[saltshaker]

has anyone had a bump steer issue with a Contemporary with Torsion bars?
How did you fix it?
Jon

[Tom Wells]

Jon,

I believe your front suspension is XKE. If not, oh, well...

Having said that, here's a quote from an ad:

Front:
Zero toe, 1-2 degrees negative camber. The car currently has a lot of positive castor because I prefer strong self centering of the steering wheel. The front suspension has upper pick up points that are lowered from stock. This was standard racing practice from the factory in the 1960's. (See Phillip Porter's book: "E Type The Definitive History") This change necessitates modified steering arms which are custom made to raise the point where the steering connects to it. (An alternative to this is to lower the steering rack and use stock arms)This is done to eliminate bump steer. The purpose of dropping the upper pick up points is to induce greater negative camber into the outside wheel in a turn, as the car rolls into it, and positive camber into the inside wheel at the same time. As a result: you do not need a lot of negative camber at static settings in the front, as the car gains negative camber in the turns. Static negative camber exceeding 2 degrees is noticeable as increasing understeer. Similarly stiffer sway bars defeat these camber gains as they restrict roll. If you stiffen the car you will need more static negative camber.
I've got extensive experience in modifying E Types. These changes to the front suspension, along with the camber settings recommended add 2 seconds on a two minute lap, with no detrimental side effects. An additional benefit is that the tire is more upright in braking, giving a larger contact patch.

The ad is here: XKE Data - 1E30908 - Jaguar E-Type (XKE) information, articles, photos and register

Hope this helps,

Tom

[1985 CCX]

Should be Jaguar front so the solution if Tom's doesnt work is follow Jaguar tech. The Jaguar 6 is a ton of weight. My CCX worked perfect however it now in AUS and I cannot measure anything for you.

I did remember there are two torsion bars maybe the S6 and V12 might be a diameter difference.

When it comes to CCX Cobra's, beware of the NH parts supplier.

[MD427]

Yes. And I hold on tight with both hands when I see a bump coming!

[saltshaker]

turns out that the issue is the wrong diameter torsion bars. Does anyone have a pair of stock XKE torsion bars .756
Jon

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by saltshaker

turns out that the issue is the wrong diameter torsion bars. Does anyone have a pair of stock XKE torsion bars .756
Jon

1971-1975 XKE, just for anyone elses information

[1985 CCX]

Sounds like John is converting to coilover, all set now for sure.
He has a shop in his area and guessing it will be awesome.