Understeer reduction.

[roger reid]

My Tesla is very similar to the Elise. Because of the extra battery weight the front has too much understeer. My front sway bar is set in the middle of 3 holes. Which way do I move the linkage, towards the pivot or away? Would a stronger sway bar help? Any thoughts on the rear sway bar?

Thanks, Roger

[Chococar]

To dial out understeer, you want less roll stiffness at the front (to unweight the front outside tire), which would mean a weaker anti-sway bar.

You should start with a proper alignment--lots of camber, etc.

There are lots of threads on this--try "Search".

Good luck!

Joe

[fzust]

Originally Posted by roger reid

My Tesla is very similar to the Elise. Because of the extra battery weight the front has too much understeer. My front sway bar is set in the middle of 3 holes. Which way do I move the linkage, towards the pivot or away? Would a stronger sway bar help? Any thoughts on the rear sway bar?

Thanks, Roger

Softer on the sway bar i.e. move toward the ends of the bar.

Addtional negative camber in the front is key. Removing shims in the front to get more.

[mjf]

The experts would know better than I, but wider front tires should also help reduce understeer. More front downforce should help too. Not sure if there are any options for you though. You could also try increasing the pressure on the front tires.

[Illumiloti]

Originally Posted by roger reid

My Tesla is very similar to the Elise. Because of the extra battery weight the front has too much understeer. My front sway bar is set in the middle of 3 holes. Which way do I move the linkage, towards the pivot or away? Would a stronger sway bar help? Any thoughts on the rear sway bar?

Thanks, Roger

Roger, Don't know where you live but in LA there is an alignment shop called Lucent that really knows how to set up both the Lotus and the Tesla. (In fact the LA Tesla dealer sends their cars to Lucent to set them up.)

[R T]

in addition, makesure you don't have too much rear toe

[Patricko]

Originally Posted by mjf

You could also try increasing the pressure on the front tires.

I would think that would reduce front grip.

The Tesla weighs about 1,000 pounds more than an Elise and what works on the Elise may or may not work on the Tesla.

[mjf]

Originally Posted by Patricko

I would think that would reduce front grip.

The Tesla weighs about 1,000 pounds more than an Elise and what works on the Elise may or may not work on the Tesla.

Again, I'm no expert. What I had *read* was that many companies (Lotus included) use a lower recommended front tire pressure as one of the ways to increase understeer as understeer is safer for less experienced drivers to deal with. As a means to counter that you can increase your pressure and reduce the effect. I agree with you though; it seems counter-intuitive. It might have something to do with the recommended pressure being too low for maximum grip. At the very least it is worth looking into and cheaper than new tires. =)