this is going down as the most significant thread on 6 speed in all the years ive been a member.

i always like to learn as much as i can about anything, from an engineering perspective, but this is something i NEVER knew .. at all ..

 

Very interesting comments / pictures on contact patch. I use R888 335/30/18 on BBS 12" racing wheels. Not sure if it's the extra width (which looks very cool ) or the compound, but this setup has HUGE grip for both straight line acceleration and cornering.

 

This thread should get great traction (Ha,Ha) with this crowd! I appreciate the explanation of the basics that can help make a great car perform even better in the real world. How is the wider tire accounted for in the roll-rate of the suspension properly? ie. keeping the tire parallel to the pavement. Assuming the basic mechanical geometry is correct, hinge points and arm lengths, What is the next greatest contributor to cornering traction (springs,bushings,alignment,sway bars,etc)? Thanks from Texas.