FWIW-

I dont think anyone ever mentioned that the formula for lateral acceleration is:

A=V^2/R

where A=lateral acceleration (ft/s^2) V=velocity (ft/s) and R=radius (ft) of curve

so, on a 200ft skid pad, acceleration of 1g (32.2 ft/sec^2) is achieved at a speed of:

sqrt(32.2*200)=80.25 ft/s=54.7mph

I hope I didnt screw that up

Having been a Mini owner of the last generation Mini Coopers, I can attest that there are very few cars that can corner like a Mini Cooper S. The Fiero is good, but not that good.

We can, however, make up alot because our frames can handle alot more HP and Torque.

"One way to look at traction is in pounds of force. Most performance enthusiasts have heard the term g force, which is the force of gravity. If a car accelerates at 1.0g, and the car weighs 3000lbs, then the tires are producing 3000lbs of traction force. This applies to acceleration forward, braking (negitive acceleration) and cornering (Lateral acceleration). A performance car considered to have good handling, such as a Z06 Corvette, can product a cornering force of about 0.99gs, braking force of about 1.01gs, and somewhere around 0.50gs for acceleration in first gear. For a 3500lb car cornering at 0.99gs, the traction in pounds is 3465lbs (3500x0.99=3465lbs). That is alot of force from those four tire contact patches. Put a DOT-rate R compound tire on the same car and the fornering force rises to 1.05gs"

Seems a pretty down to earth explanation of what exactly is being measured.

James Z

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You've brought this up on several occasions. Why don't you use the sustained G's setting on the GTEC, then you don't see the "spike" values, you only see maximum sustained. Don't blame people's inflated GTEC numbers on the GTEC.

The best sustained G's I've pulled on my GTEC (I've only tried twice) was 1.0 G, but I just ballparked the skidpad size, as it was really a parking lot, and I didn't want to hang out long enough to measure a circle. This is with an 88 GT, lowered a couple inches (front fiero store springs and konis, rear KYBs and 325# springs), all poly, 215/45/17 and 245/40/17 Kumho 712s, a passenger, and my toolbag in the front. I've since got much stickier tires (Kumho MXs) but on my latest alignment I took a degree or so of front camber away and that killed the balance. I previously was at about 2.5 degrees, now I'm at about 1.5 if I recall correctly. I think the skidpad would be better with the old tires and more camber than new tires and less camber, but the new tires and more camber would be the best combo. I still don't think I'll be able to get 2 gs though.

Bryce
88 GT