b'TECH TIP PAGE Tech Tip 5B: Why do we use a Torque Arm for Autocross & 3-Links for most Road Course applications?Tuning takes time. Autocrossers typically have less time for tuning between rounds & little lap time to be gained by tuning the anti-squat. On road courses there are big time gains to be had dialing in the rear anti-squat for the track & conditions.The primary advantage of a 3-Link is the tunability. With multiples holes in top link brackets, or a jack screw adjuster on the chassis, we can change the intersect point of the upper & lower links (Instant Center) and therefore the Anti-Squat percentage. We can tune the car for the optimum balance (compromise) of rear grip on entry versus rear grip on exit, for different tracks, drivers and/or weather conditions.A good road race rule of thumb, or baseline, is to start with the Instant Center under the cars CG & tune from there. If you have a car with 55% front weight & 108 wheelbase, the CG is (108 x .55 = 59.4) 59.4 ahead of the rear axle centerline. Run the lower link level with the ground & adjust the top link angle to form the intersection point (Instant Center) 59.4 ahead of the rear axle centerline.When you need more rear grip on corner exit under acceleration, we would adjust the top link (where it attaches to the chassis) downward, increasing anti-squat and rear grip on exit. This will reduce rear grip on corner entry, so we cant get greedy, or the car will get loose on corner entry under braking & turn-in. We do not want that. Were always looking for the best compromise that produces the best lap times . unless we have a decoupled 3-Link. Tech Tip 8: Shocks are the final frontier to making cars have more grip to brake, corner & accelerate better & faster. One of the most important measurements of a shockand the least talked about by average car guysis its response time from input to control.From small inputs, like minor track surface irregularities to larger inputs, like bumps, how quick a shock responds IS the most important key. It does not matter what your shock valving isor that it is adjustableif the tire isnt loaded on the track surface! For this reason, any design technology that makes a shock respond quicker, is valuableand slow responding shock designs are not acceptable for winning track performance. The first important choice youll make is between Hydraulic Twin Tube or Gas Charged Monotube. Its not really a debate. Twin tube shocks respond in the 20-30 millisecond range & monotube shocks respond in the 4-8 millisecond range. That is a HUGE difference! Running twin tube shocks in a race car makes no sense, unless the rules require it. The ARS, Fox, JRI & Penske race shocks we utilize are of the superior monotube design. Testing has shown our ARS valved shocks to be the absolute best for autocross, while our Penske valved shocks dominate on road courses. JRI shocks are the best dual purpose autocross & track shock, but expensive. Our Fox Racing Shocks are very close in grip for 1/3 less money.Superior, faster responding, higher grip monotube coil-over shocks typically cost $200-300 more than the lower performing twin tube design shocks. Scrimp somewhere else. Buy the monotubes!Remember: It does not matter what your shock valving isor that the valving is adjustableif the tire isnt loaded on the track surface!63'