Mr C

iTrader: (2)

I have a stripped and caged 2wd sapphire cosworth , can anybody tell me what the weight distribution is front to rear on one, as it feels really front heavy compared to my 3series E36 which feels really balanced and doesn't have the initial understeer of the cossie before oversteer.
I saw an escort cos in a mag with 56/44 weight distribution, is that the best I could expect with out moving the engine? What kind of balance has martins Reyland escos got as that seems to sit quite neutrally looking from outside.

Mike1

Where have you stripped the weight from?
What E36 3-series are you comparing it to? Is that stripped and and caged as well?

In the Autocar tests of old they weigh the car and put it on scales at Millbrook to give a f/r figure. The std 2wd Sapphire was 51.2% Front/48.8% rear as standard.
3-door was 53.9% front/46.1% rear. If you want a definitive answer get it on some proper scales. My 2wd'er is 15kg more than the quoted kerb weight of 1206kg
Probably down to the stainless exhaust and fuel load at the time

It depends on the suspension set-up/geometry/tyres for the two cars as well how much understeer you get.

I'll tell you one thing though, my 2wd Sapphire is a lot less of an understeerer than my E36 328i Sport

Mr C

iTrader: (2)

I have a STD 318iS full interior and no cage. Totally standard on original 16s etc.
The cossie has 2x seats and full Ford rollcage, fuel tank in the spare wheel well. Small battery behind the passenger and screenwash bottle behind me and that's it inside.
I'm thinking the welded diff is pushing the front but even on full opposite lock the car feels like the arse is very unweighted. A decent diff and beam will be the answer then if it really is that close to 55/45 already, I believe the BMW is 50/50 as std

Mr C

iTrader: (2)

Edit that last bit, 51/49

Mike1

Well if you have a totally locked up rear diff that will certainly make the car push on in a corner...at least until the back starts moving out.
The more lock-up on a diff, generally the more initial understeer you get until the back is unsettled

Weigh your Cossie on some scales - see what you've got already then go from there