7 replies to this topic

[Zami]

Ok I have read all of the postings on ARB.  Is there a difference for a street mini (occasional  autocross) in handling between a wet v dry ARB equipped mini.  

[nicklouse]

Yes normally in the wet you discount the ARB as all it does is increase oversteer.

[Zami]

Yes normally in the wet you discount the ARB as all it does is increase oversteer.

JUST to be clear I was referring to a hydrolastic (wet) suspension v. Rubber donut type (dry).

[nicklouse]

Don’t think I would like a an ARB on a wet car would do strange things to the front.

[Zami]

Don’t think I would like a an ARB on a wet car would do strange things to the front.

I have a similar concern.  Was hoping someone might have some info on early works minis that might have used them.

[nicklouse]

I don’t believe any of the Works rally cars ran an ARB. Wet or Dry suspension.

[Cooperman]

There was never any need for a rear ARB on a rally Mini. 

The only reason for an ARB is to promote oversteer. As you know, a Mini will understeer under full power and for racing, once into a corner the idea is to get back on the power as early as possible. However, excessive understeer will make the car run wide and this ruin the optimum line (at best) or put the car off the track (at worst). The ARB will help full power to be maintained without the understeer.

On the road it would be of no use, since one can't drive right on the limit under normal conditions and keep your licence. Unless driving on the absolute limit, an ARB would do nothing really except, perhaps, make the car feel a bit 'twitchy' and likely to spin.

The big advantage of the Mini on the roads, has always been both its safe road-holding and predictable handling at all speeds.  

Edited by Cooperman, 07 June 2021 - 06:39 PM.

[Zami]

Thanks for all the responses.  Only found one reference to a Swiftune ARB from back in the day for a hydro. Susp. Not very common and considering the dynamics of the hydro. Susp. I shall put this idea on the back burner till such time as I find someone who  can provide some real driving experience with such a setup.