Suspension Question

[Morris]

This is a "just curious" type question... but does anyone know why BMC abandoned the .25 eliptical rear spring set up used in the BE and MK1 Midgets? The "First Sprite" video (which is amazing by the way!) advertised the BE rear suspension as "revolutionary." Makes me wonder why they went with the traditional spring in later cars.

 

[bugimike]

Probably cost-cutting...ie getting existing parts from other BMC cars already in production! I do not know of other LBCs with the 1/4 elliptic springs! Does anyone else?

 

[fmichaels]

in Horler's book he said they were discarded in favor a more conventional spring that improved ride quality and lateral location ... i'd go with cost reasons as well

 

[jlaird]

Cause it worked too well?

Prob cause it was more expensive than something on the shelf.

 

[bugimike]

It's that old compromise between comfort and performance!!

 

[jlaird]

And just how may I ask could it be more comfortable than a Bugeye.

Heh, my neighbor, a Dr. just got a new Mersades 5000. Talk about comfortable. Nice guy that he is he let me drive it.

 

[weewillie]

careful Jack the next thing you know is he will want to fleece the c**p out of missy

 

[Sarastro]

One of my coffee-table books on Austin Healeys had this story. You can take it for what it's worth, considering the source.

The quarter-elliptic springs and lack of a trunk lid had more of a reason than just saving money on those components. It allowed the rear of the car to be adequately stiff without much structure. Obviously, with a half-elliptic spring, you would need something strong to attach it to, and also the hole in the back created by a trunk lid would require extra stiffening. And, as you state, the quater-elliptic spring had some disadvantages, such as lateral support.

But the lack of a trunk lid was a real turn-off for a lot of potential customers, more so than originally surmised. So, the Sprite got a real trunk, which required more structure, and from there it was a relatively small step to add the full springs and necessary structure to support them.

I think this makes sense mechanically, but whether it is true historically is a separate question.

 

[regularman]

I imagine that the 1/4 elips handled better yet rode rougher. It was probably one of the arguing points with Don Healey the racer and the street car people in the organization. I remember reading about how bad the arguement was between Healey wanting bronze bushings in the front suspension and others wanting the rubber(which won out). Can you imagine what the spridget ride would be like with bronze bushings? I redid all mine with urethane and am nervous about that, I can't imagine bronze :lol:

 

[GB1]

I personally love the 1/4" the fun factor is imense. The dial in is even more fun.

Patrick