Towing - Standard vs. Load-Leveling Suspension

[Bayerische E53]

Originally Posted by digdesign

I'm sure it's a hoot. The rattier the better in my opinion. As they say.. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

You're 100% correct. I dabbled with the idea of making her beautiful but decided I would be too scared of scratching her to enjoy her. So she's beat but I'm happy with that. For that very reason, I'd be too afraid to drive something like your E30.

I'm actually thinking of picking up a SpecE30 to thrash around in and run SpecE30 and/or Chump/LeMons; would serve as a nice and cheap backup car.

You're absolutely right that driving slow cars fast is more fun than driving fast cars slow. Here's an example (well, two):

There's a guy out of NJ that has a red E30 LeMons car that he brings out to tons of DEs. She's so damn beat - call her "The Red Barron." I've had a ride (passenger) in it before and it's just about the funnest thing I've ever been in. WHAT A BALL. I'm absolutely convinced that the easiest way to laugh your ass off on the track is to drive a LeMons car at the absolute limit. It's inexplicably fun.

Another interesting car I was a passenger in was a 2002ti that I rode in last December at VIR. I use the adjective "interesting" rather than "fun" because I don't think "fun" accurately describes the sensation you feel when you exit T10 'round about 90mph in a dedicated 4-wheel-slide in a 2000lbs sardine can without any driver aids.

[m3irish]

Interesting question on the load leveling suspension. I have the std suspension and tow ~5000lbs between the Aluma open trailer, race car, and supporting items. Rear end sag didn't seem too bad all loaded up. The inner tire wear was higher than I would have liked with equipment in the back of the car and ~500lbs on the tongue. My guess is the self leveling suspension will bring ride height back to where it needs to be and therefor the alignment as well. I am going to have the rear camber set closer to -1 deg and ease up on the toe to help with towing. Makes me wish I had spent the coin on the load leveling suspension.

All of that aside my X5d tows the rig like a champ.

Cheers,
Rob