Drifting around at high speed

AlexWhittingham · Postby **AlexWhittingham** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:01 pm

I have a 1981 HE which is under restoration. It always used to get light around the front end at high speed, 120mph+. Is this a characteristic of later cars as well? If not, I wonder if fitting spoilers from the facelift model would improve the downforce on my car? I would appreciate any views, particularly from the racing fraternity.

Postby **davidr** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:21 am

Is the standard spoiler fitted? The car would go light at the front without it.

AlexWhittingham · Postby **AlexWhittingham** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 11:41 am

The standard spoiler for an HE is fitted, a little black rubber thing.

Sheepy · Postby **Sheepy** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 12:41 pm

Not any help, but even with the front spoiler missing (I hit a rabbit), my 3.6l ('86) doesn't have problems staying on the road/track at 130-140 (indicated 145).

How "bouncy" is your front-end (ie what shape are the springs and shocks in)?

Sheepy

Mark_B · Postby **Mark_B** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:52 am

just a thought... what's the ride height like at the rear? If the springs are weak and sagging that'll put the nose up a bit.

ng4xjs · Postby **ng4xjs** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:54 pm

These cars have a natural tendency for being nose heavy and even with a poorly performing rear end I doubt this would fully explain your particular problem. My guess would be front spoiler related although you do appear to have discounted this. It is possible that the front shock absorbers are past their best which could also contribute to the problem. Fairly straightforward but you will need to remove to test. Even if they are okay you can replace the top bushes and at least dispose of that annoying rattle/knock you were probably experiencing.

Hope this helps

Nick