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Philostang -> RE: Watts Link (2/22/2006 9:11:54 AM)
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Hi David,
I'm not affiliated w/Evolution Motorsport, so this is not exactly the reply you're probably after and I'm sure a complete tech reply is soon to follow. The superiority of the Watt's Link has never been disputed from a (handling) performance perspective--there's an unavoidable disadvantage in the panhard that comes from the basic geometry of the design, a design geometry that the Watt's doesn't share. (You don't have to take my word for it, just start researching rear suspension set-ups--Popular Hot Rodding has an excellent story in this month's edition that will get you started.) The only downside to the Watt's are cost of production (this is the main reason most major manufacturers don't put them on all their solid axle cars) and, in some cases, packaging constraints. This isn't a plug for Evolution Motorsport, I'm just saying that any well thought out and well constructed Watt's link is inherently (i.e. in virtue of the basic design geometry) superior to a panhard.
Having said that, the downsides of a panhard can be minimized--make them parallel to the axle, make them long as can be--to the point that one will now be asking a different question: not "Can you show me the Watt's is better?" but "How much better?" And now you have different concerns--ironically, the same ones the major manufacturers have: is it such an improvement as to warrant the extra cost? If you have a crappy panhard design and move to a well executed Watt's, then the answer is a resounding YES! If your panhard has been well executed and you're considering a well done Watt's, well now we have to ask where are your priorities. Are you willing to spend $400+ on an improvement you will likely not notice in most average driving conditions, but will notice when split-seconds count? From the sound of it, you appreciate the value of split seconds.
Best,
-john
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