|
 |
| Tech Articles |
|
Here are some assorted technical articles relating to BMW suspension, Vorshlag products, comparisons to competitors' designs, a table showing the various BMW swaybars, and other suspension related articles we have written. At the bottom of this page is a listing of other "non-product related" Tech Articles we've written, with things such as chassis weights we've measured, a data logging article we put together, an OEM spring table we've accumulated from in-house testing, and more.
|
Vorshlag Product Related Articles
|
|
AST Shock Tuning Guide
| |
|
Here are the Tricks and Tips guide to setting up a car with a new set of AST shocks, as written by Vorshlag/AST-USA's Brian Hanchey, avilable in PDF format. This guide applies to single, double and triple adjustable shocks made by AST.
|
BMW Strut & Spring Guide
| |
|
If you are thinking about buying Vorshlag Motorsports camber-caster plates for your car please check out this Strut and Spring Guide. There are a lot of different strut and spring styles that we cover for BMWs, and several other makes/models we cover, so check out the guide for help determining what you need. There are several variables (including strut diameter, strut shoulder style, strut brand, spring diameter and style) and this page will hopefully better educate our customers. Added Aug 24, 2006.
|
E36 BMW Camber Plate Stack up Heights
| |
|
So what is stack up height? We have a tech article that explains this measurement, with pictures, linked here. Some people measure this from random and meaningless points - we just want you to be better informed.
|
Vorshlag Motorsports Camber Plate FAQ
| |
|
Customers ask common questions about Vorshlag Motorsports camber plates, such as maintenance, adjustment, range and more. We put together this list of the common Frequently Asked Questions regarding camber plates and will update it as necessary.
|
Suspension Bump Travel and Stack up Height
| |
|
This tech article can help readers understand the challenges surrounding a lowered E36 BMW. We explain bump travel, in the context of a lowered car. We show you what to avoid, what can happen when the suspension bottoms, and most importantly: how to improve the situation.
|
Spherical Bearing Comparison
| |
|
The largest problem area on our competitors' camber plate designs involves the spherical bearing. The spherical bearing in Vorshlag Motorsports E36 Camber Plates is substantially larger and costlier than our competitor's plates. This tech article compares our bearing with our competitor's choices. An informed buyer makes for a better racer.
|
SwayBar Table
| |
|
This table shows the various anti-sway bars offered for the E30, E36 and E46 BMW 3 series models. Included are the factory standard and optional bars, plus aftermarket offerings as well. We will update this table as new factory or aftermarket bars are offered.
We measured the various bars and compiled them in this table to help people know what they have and what is offered. Know of a bar not listed here? Drop us a note to our info address.
|
|
Non-Product Related Tech Articles
|
|
Here are some other assorted technical articles we've written relating to car weighing, maintenance, repair, modifications, shop tools, racing set-up - pretty much everything not relating directly to one of our product lines or suspension components (which are listed above).
|
Spring Rate Testing - This article explains how and why we test OEM and coilover springs here at Vorshlag, and has a huge spreadsheet database within it that we update regularly. Where do we get springs to test? From people like you! Send us your OEM springs and we'll add them to the database, and ship them back to you. Tech this!.
|
|
Intro to NASA Time Trial - This is an article we wrote after starting to do TT events with NASA. This relatively new form of motorsport is often confused with D.E. or Autocrossing, and we thought we'd post a small explanation of this series and some tips on how to start out. This has already been read by a lot of folks was well received. Check it out.
|
| |
Car Weight Database - This tech article shows the corner weights of various sports cars we have measured on our digital corner weight scales. This data is invaluable when comparing different cars - because weight is everything! Reducing weight, setting cross weights, judging front weight bias, and corner balancing a car is all based on corner weights. We will add to this as we weigh more cars. Read and learn.
|
| |
EVO Model Weights - This tech article details a day where we weighed 4 cars at a dealership and another at our shop which covered the range of 2006 Mitsubishi EVO models. This data was used by a friend to pick the EVO model he would use for racing the following season. We hope you read it and see something new.
|
|
"To Shift or Not to Shift" - This article explores the oft faced autocrossing situation, "Should I up shift for a brief period, or ride the rev limiter?". We explore the effect on lap times and have the data to back it up.
|
|
Hanchey wrote a review of the Race Technology DL-1 Data Acquisition system we purchased in early 2006. Vorshlag uses a DL-1 at our Test-N-Tune events as well most solo2 competitions we compete in, and the data it produces is invaluable. Check it out.
|
|
BMW Electric Fan Re-Do - Here's an overview of the auxiliary electric fan replacement on a 1998 BMW 540i. So easy to do, yet a shop quoted $550 to fix it!?
|
|
The Weight Page - Lots of automotive related weights taken by Fair from 1996 to present, including several blocks, cranks, heads, entire cars, etc.
|
| |
Cop Car Tech - This page has the warehouse of knowledge gathered by Vorshlag co-owner Fair after owning close to a dozen different police cars in years past. Some were commuters, some became race cars (Mustangs/Camaros), more still became Impala SS clones. This page is now the dumping ground for some of the knowledge gathered from buying and selling these things. Best piece of knowledge gained: "Don't buy old cop cars". If we never see another police car it will be a day too soon! Have fun.
|
|
|
|