Suspension design

[boarder_punk]

I am currently designing an open wheel street car, completely original. I am drawing the frame and engineering the suspension myself. I am wondering if anyone can help me with some ideal angles, measurements, and formulas for figuring out what will work best with my design. Specifically SAI, scrub radius, roll center, how to figure control arm lengths, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[curtis73]

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics by Milliken. Excellent read and will answer ALL of your questions and then some.

[astroracer]

There are tons of books out there that will answer questions and define terminology but I haven't read one yet that will DESIGN a suspension for you.
Look here:
http://www.ssapubl.com/

There are a few GOOD suspension design programs out there also. I use this one:
http://www.performancetrends.com/SuspAnzr.htm
The problem here, even with a good design program, is you need to know what you want/need for performance numbers. The programs and books don't specify the numbers. They can't because every design is unique.
The demo of the above program can get you numbers (C4 Corvette) to emulate but just concider this a start point. You could take those numbers and build your own suspension around them using the Corvette steering rack.
Just remember this. The suspension design is directly linked to the steering gear you choose to use. Get that part nailed down early whether it be a MI-II, Corvette, Vega or whatever. Design the suspension to work with a specific rack or box. DO NOT design a suspension and then try to make a steering system work. You will be chasing your tail from day one...
Mark

[curtis73]

those are GREAT links. I find that they are very helpful. Millikens book will tell you the math, those resources from Astroracer will take you the rest of the way. The milliken book gives you the theory on how the settings affect things like ride, handling, and steering effort, so its up to you to know how to set it up for your vehicle's intended use.

[boarder_punk]

Thanks, I appreciate the help.