Enhancement of a Vintage Muscle Car’s SuspensionJonathan Hoffman

Advisor: Professor Bucinell http://www.globalwest.net/

Background ‘Muscle’ car era- 1960’s to early 1970’s

Produced heavy cars with significant power Other car characteristics were overlooked

http://www.matchboxcars.com/

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Legendary champion in SCCA Trans-Am Series Won 10 of 12 1968 races and championship Won 6 of 12 1969 races and championship

http://www.penske.com/

http://www.superchevy.com/

Project Objective Bring the suspension system up to

modern standards 35 years of technology

Enhanced Suspension Improved handling capabilities Without sacrificing ride quality

http://www.chrysler.com/

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

http://www.globalwest.net/

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

http://www.autozine.com/

Excessive Positive Camber Gain Outside tire loses contact with ground

during cornering

Caused by poor A-arm geometry

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/

Decision MatrixOption 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Option 6 Option 7

Design Criteria 

Redesigned UpperA-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

                 

10Performance Enhancement 7 7.5 8 9 8.5 9.5 5

  weighted score 70 75 80 90 85 95 50

                 

9Required Modification 9 5 8 7 4 2 10

  weighted score 81 45 72 63 36 18 90

                 

8 Ride Quality 7 7 8 7.5 8 7.5 8

  weighted score 56 56 64 60 64 60 64

                 

7 Cost 10 8 7 6 5.5 5 7

  weighted score 70 56 49 42 38.5 35 49

Totals: 277 232 265 255 223.5 208 253

Suspension Modeling Software

WinGeo3

Effects of changes in camber, toe, scrub, roll center, etc.

http://www.mitchellsoftware.com/

Remaining Tasks

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

http://www.hotrod.com

Questions / Acknowledgements

? Professor Bucinell William C. Mitchell