I once owned a terrific book about suspension systems. I think I loaned it to a mate at Uni and never saw it again. But it explained in massive depth how various suspension systems all have - in theory - advantages and disadvantages, and the compromises which all have to make. From memory - the 'perfect' suspension is one which keeps the wheel in exactly the same plane, at right angles to the road, at all times. That's the Holy Grail, but cars also need to steer, ideally long service intervals, go in straight lines, also corner, be production feasible, cost etc... and that's where the compromises have to come in
As you'll be well aware, the Mini suspension (all the factory versions) is very very
basic simple, but is set up well, for excellent results. And of course a very good suspension (double wishbone on, say the Pug 407) can be set up to not create particularly special results. That was the nub of this books point - well-set up suspension of conventional, even boring design, will trump a top-end, complex suspension that's 'unfinished' That's the Omega in a nutshell, evolved sine the 70s, and basically bang on from the late 80s onwards. Nothing too special about it (the rear track rods were somewhat unusual for the day, even innovative) but it's a MacPherson front strut, 'triangular' control arm, and nice, simple back end with semi-trailing arms, angled to generate slight passive steering. Rear drive. It works very well, and you can chuck a very high amount of bhp before the chassis hits its limitation. Compare that with a torque-steering Vectra C VXR which was 'all new' and came in just as the Omega went out to grass.
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Topic: Need part numbers for a wishbone refurb (Read 8919 times)