Enhancement of a Vintage Muscle Car’s Suspension Jonathan Hoffman Advisor: Professor Bucinell

Background  ‘Muscle’ car era- 1960’s to early 1970’s Produced heavy cars with significant power Other car characteristics were overlooked

1969 Chevrolet Camaro  Legendary champion in SCCA Trans-Am Series Won 10 of races and championship Won 6 of races and championship

Project Objective  Bring the suspension system up to modern standards 35 years of technology  Enhanced Suspension Improved handling capabilities Without sacrificing ride quality

Sources of improvement  Poor A-arm geometry Excessive positive camber gain  Small front sway bar Minimal roll resistance  Tall springs High center of gravity  Antiquated shocks Poor ride quality

Suspension Alternatives  MacPherson strut Pros: Inexpensive, compact Cons: High mounting height required, moderate handling  Double A-arm (Wishbone) Pros: Rigid, greatest handling performance Cons: Costly, space engaging

Excessive Positive Camber Gain  Outside tire loses contact with ground during cornering  Caused by poor A-arm geometry

Decision Matrix Option 1Option 2Option 3Option 4Option 5Option 6Option 7 Design Criteria Redesigned Upper A-arm Redesigned Upper A-arm w/ remounting Option 1 with Shocks, sway Option 3 with lowered springs Option 2 with Shocks, sway Option 5 with lowered springs New shocks, springs, sway 10 Performance Enhancement weighted score Required Modification weighted score Ride Quality weighted score Cost weighted score Totals:

Suspension Modeling Software  WinGeo3  Effects of changes in camber, toe, scrub, roll center, etc.

Remaining Tasks  Analyze alternatives with software  Define final design  Manufacture final design  Before / after performance testing

Questions / Acknowledgements ?  Professor Bucinell  William C. Mitchell