Driver position along wheelbase

[Pcar928]

Does the drivers perception of steering input, or I guess change in yaw, change with his position along the wheelbase?

 

[evelrod]

Yes. Think about it for a second!

Rod

 

[Pcar928]

Haha, I apologize! The part I was having trouble with was figuring out the ideal spot and ended up confusing myself. Would the fastest felt response be closest to the steered wheels? Or would there be more of an effect around teh CG since that is what the body rotates about, no?

 

[GregLocock]

I am told that half way between the wheels is not a bad starting point. Race cars with extreme forward or rearward driving positions have required some adaptation by the driver. CG doesn't matter so much, what you want to do is not confuse your mind between yaw velocity (sensed with your eyes) and lat acc sensed by your ears and neck muscles.

I doubt much work has been done on this.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[Pcar928]

I can see how having your position set, say, far foreward might make you less aware of an impending oversteer situation and vise versa. Do you doubt much study has been preformed bacause it is mostly unimportant?

 

[NormPeterson]

I suspect that the driver locations in most vehicles produced in large quantities doesn't vary all that much. Mid-wheelbase ±10% probably covers most.


Norm

 

[GregLocock]

Well there was the Combi! Perhaps the OP could rent one and see what the difficulties are.

These days driver position is fixed by packaging which is mostly fixed by aero and styling.


Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[datstang]

The datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z are probably toward the far end of the spectrum as far as driver placement. My car has a 92 inch wheelbase, and the centerline of my torso is approximately 71" behind the front wheels while I drive. You would think that the long front end would make the car feel strange to drive, but I never think about while I'm behind the wheel.

Here is a video link to an in car video from the last Sebring autocross. The camera is slightly behind my head, so I think you will get the perception of driving a car with the driver sitting well behind the centerline of the car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HrbHKZyRNo

 

[evelrod]

Cool video...Looks like fun.
I remember doing a few autocross events in my Corvair Spyder back in the early 60's. Maybe if I get too old to continue with vintage racing I may try it again with my Mini Cooper.

Rod

 

[datstang]

Quote,"Maybe if I get too old to continue with vintage racing I may try it again with my Mini Cooper."

That's funny. I was thinking that when I get older, I can afford to go vintage racing. Either way, I hope we're never too old to play with cars.

 

[patprimmer]

You know when your to old to play with cars. Someone is screwing the lid down on you.

Regards
Pat
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[Tmoose]

I think circumstances have made it less likely that >>young'uns<< are inclined to play with cars