Yet more info on IRS debate

[Nic Webb <101326.3255@compuserve.com>]

Hi all

I'll just add my views on the IRS / swingaxle debate.

Having never been in a swingaxle my views are on the IRS set-up

Technically the IRS is a better design allowing the tyre to stay in contact with
the ground on heavy cornering, and under hard acceleration.

During drag racing RWYB you see many street cars with lowered swingaxle
suspension running 5 -6 inch wide tyres with only half the rubber in contact
with the ground.

As for IRS giving problems on heavy starts I have been drag racing my 71 for
three years (over 200 violent standing starts) with out a problem. The original
t3 mounts do not stop upward movements of the engine but can be easily modified
to do so, which makes the engine and gearbox fairly solid. I realise that adding
a support under the bell housing will make things even better, but as yet alls
looking well.

The added bonus was that when I finally boke the diff changing the box was
easily carried out in the pits.

As for Jim's comment about not buying the T3 as a sports car, That  may be
correct, but by selecting some good quality tyres and shock absorbers, changing
the camber on the front wheels, lowering all round and some mods to the engine,
it is possible to have a car quicker in a straight line and around corners than
some hot hatches / sports cars.

A final word of warning with big grippy tyres, when they finally breakaway that
do it much more violently than standard tyres.