IRS suspension

[mrhawk]

I wasn't sure where to post this... but I was talking to someone about the 03 Cobra's wheel hop problem and people snapping their axles... they commented that vettes as well have the same problem just not as much... why does the vette not have that problem as much but the cobra does?

[JOHNNY P.]

that's why they are ending the "Cobra" name and going to the solid axle and panhard rod like the F-bodies (camaro and firebirds) had.

[mrhawk]

that doesn't answer my question, I asked "why does the cobra have so much of that problem and the vettes dont?"

[mySStery_machine]

Wow, they are ending the Cobra name, that is a bold step for Ford.

I would think the hop issue is due to difference in a higher/lower center of gravity and the fact that the weight distribution is different.

Found a quote from MotorTrend:
Since both cars wear nearly identical rubber and ride on four-wheel independent suspensions, we anticipated a fair fight through the slalom cones. Again, the Corvette prevailed at 2.3 mph faster. The Chevrolet's lower level of chassis flex, lower coefficient of drag, and 51/49-percent weight distribution allowed it to rotate more on its center axis, whereas the Cobra's twisty frame and 57/43 distribution got the rear swinging halfway through the run.

[JOHNNY P.]

well, until some metal fatigue analysist start to dive into such a problem, I propose this hypothsis. The vette has had an IRS for many many years and the Mustang just added it in 1999. Although Ford did re-design their IRS specifically for the mustang (only borrowing 2 parts from the Lincoln Mark series), most stang owners that go to the track on a regular basis "upgrade" to a solid rear axle. Maybe the IRS was just poorly designed with more weak points than the vette.

[mrhawk]

Thanks guys!

[maximumrebel1]

The cobras are terrible for breaking axles because of wheel hop. My brothers broke under stock power, really easily. It just amazes me at how poorly designed that was. I've never heard of a vette breaking the axle. This seems like how things go:

Clutch is first to go, or not hold. Upgrade the clutch and the tires will smoke. Put slicks on it, bye bye output shaft in rear. Put hardened output shaft in, rear end grenades. Built rear end, then possibly transmission will grenade if you have the power behind it. Did I leave anything out? Btw, this is only if you have high horsepower.

[mrhawk]

I heard that the C5 had some of the same problems... :?

[mySStery_machine]

I've seen a few C4 rear carriers grenaded...nice big cracks. All that aluminum gone to waste. :cry:

[c6z06]

that's why they are ending the "Cobra" name and going to the solid axle and panhard rod like the F-bodies (camaro and firebirds) had.


In correct-new cobra 2007 465hp/495 tq 5.4 L supercharged
i have some info on the car and a pic if youd like just say so

[mySStery_machine]

Post up the pics if you can, I'd like to see them. If you don't have a host, send them over to me and I'll host them. Thanks.

[obseSSed]

Lets see some pics!

[c6z06]

Sorry lol forgot i posted,

The reason the Corvette doesnt have the wheel hop like the Cobra does is because of the positioning of the suspension. The cobra is very high up and its connections are at some bad angles. Kind of like lets say many people say get LCA Relocation brackets on a lowered F-body to increase traction, while some say even at stock height the car needs it. Its all the angle everything is set at.

Will post pics of the Mustang

[c6z06]

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/465000-465999/465221_36.jpg

There she is

[marianne125]

Yayay!!!! :grin2: