| The
suspension lay out used on the Cosworth range of cars is basically to the same design on
each model. The front suspesion consists of MacPherson strut spring & damper units,
with lower track control arms, and an anti –roll bar that also controls longitudinal
movemment of the wheels. The
independent rear suspension consists of semi trailing arms, with inboard coil springs,
separate shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar . The complete rear suspension is fixed to
a tubular subframe beam that also holds the rear differential unit, and is fixed to the
body in only three places.
The suspension mountings and pivot
points use numerous rubber bushes to prevent the transmission of road noise into the car.
Detail improvements have been made throughout the production life of the Cosworths, but
the basic design remains the same.
Towards the end of Cosworth
Hatchback production, the front anti-roll bar was changed. It retained the diameter of the
unit used on the earlier cars, but it was altered to increase the castor angle of the
front suspension by moving the wheels forward slightly. This had the effect of improving
the response of the car on turn in to a corner.
When making alterations to the
suspension of a road car, many considerations have to be made, what suits a racing car
that travels on smooth circuits with only one person on board may not be applicable to
your road car. |
