The Track Cat... - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

s14unimog · 11-06-2009, 10:10 AM

Ran across this on a local forum; anybody running one of these?

Apparently its a little shop down here in Georgia called Fat Cat Fabrication

"The Track Cat" Nissan 240sx S13 Rear Suspension System

ka-titties · 11-06-2009, 10:45 AM

those things dont do shit.

MandTPhotography · 11-06-2009, 10:57 AM

Well that looks...interesting.

*WagDatto* · 11-06-2009, 11:19 AM

Is that an actual cantilevered coilover setup? Or is it just coilovers mounted to a trunk strut brace?

It LOOKS like it's the actual suspension, which would mean it'd work just fine, but even on the web site, it doesn't show much detail...

s14unimog · 11-06-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WagDatto

Is that an actual cantilevered coilover setup? Or is it just coilovers mounted to a trunk strut brace? It LOOKS like it's the actual suspension, which would mean it'd work just fine, but even on the web site, it doesn't show much detail...

It actually supposed to be a cantilevered coilover setup. I've followed along with the thread on the local forum and one of the guys has apparently seen it in person. I'm sure if anyone interested they could give him a call. I have an S14 so...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka-titties

those things dont do shit.

You're an idiot...

*Def* · 11-06-2009, 07:45 PM

Been discussed a bit on Nissan Road Racing - my vote is stupid "race car" bling. The benefits are ridiculous, and the chance of those dampers being properly valved for the motion ratios and spring rates involved is pretty low.

g-via · 11-06-2009, 08:23 PM

definite repost on zilvia...

*Team DET* · 11-06-2009, 08:33 PM

meow ....lol remind's me of this FIT from SS
Extreme Dimensions 2007 Honda Fit Interior View Honda Cbr 600Rr Shocks Photo

g-via · 11-06-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka-titties

those things dont do shit.

you don't understand how suspension works yet.
please, study.

*udon!* · 11-06-2009, 09:20 PM

rather have M I R A C L E X .

last time i came accross that online it was like $900

ka-titties · 11-07-2009, 12:26 AM

post counts dont represent actual knowledge, remember that.

like i said before, but this time with a little more detail.

that specific part for the s13 chassis doesnt do shit.

*WagDatto* · 11-07-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka-titties

post counts dont represent actual knowledge, remember that.

like i said before, but this time with a little more detail.

that specific part for the s13 chassis doesnt do shit.

It's not just a rear strut brace. The rear struts apparently travel up through the top of the strut tower and triangulate that pressure down through the coilovers mounted to the strut brace. At least... that's what I'm assuming.

ka-titties · 11-07-2009, 12:54 AM

that is a very accurate assumption. what they need to show is that there is a suspension "push rod" that comes from where a coilover would normally go to make the springs/struts they put there usable.

either way, i'm with Def.

Z28ricer · 11-07-2009, 01:35 AM

Ok so its been discussed on nissanroadracing, but realistically, whats the probability of it at least being on par with some good typical coilovers ?

MavericStephenc · 11-07-2009, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28ricer

Ok so its been discussed on nissanroadracing, but realistically, whats the probability of it at least being on par with some good typical coilovers ?

first you'd have to determine what a "good typical coilover" is.

however as to the comments that this suspension setup is usless.... read a damn book, hell look at the guys in the little known race series F1. this suspension design has proven itself time and time again. and the physics behind it I don't know ( haven't found the info yet).

but before you bash on me I'm not saying the track cat is a god send when it comes to suspension tuning, and I'm also not saying that this specific example is built the way it should be. I simply don't know. however that type of suspension setup is tits.

Stop shooting down shit you don't understand.

*Def* · 11-07-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

first you'd have to determine what a "good typical coilover" is.

however as to the comments that this suspension setup is usless.... read a damn book, hell look at the guys in the little known race series F1. this suspension design has proven itself time and time again. and the physics behind it I don't know ( haven't found the info yet).

but before you bash on me I'm not saying the track cat is a god send when it comes to suspension tuning, and I'm also not saying that this specific example is built the way it should be. I simply don't know. however that type of suspension setup is tits.

Stop shooting down shit you don't understand.

I understand it(probably better than most here), and still say it's 100% useless.

Pushrod suspensions are used in Formula cars for packaging/aero reasons. Fast door slammers use nice dampers mounted in the normal location(in the wheel well).

Very slightly reduced unsprung weight is stupid at the expense of probably 40+ lbs way up high in the chassis.

***S14DB*** · 11-07-2009, 10:02 AM

I saw this a couple months ago when someone familiar with their honda applications showed me they came out with this.

Cantilever set up is good when you want a lot of shock travel with little wheel travel. Damping really heavy spring rates.

These seem to be motorcycle rear shocks designed for a vehicle with a lot less weight. I don't see how they could manage the weight of a car. Also, what do you run at the front of the car? Not going to be a balanced setup in travel, damping and spring rate.

*Def* · 11-07-2009, 10:26 AM

Except the motion ratio between the wheel and shock is REDUCED very clearly in this "awesome setup."

atutt · 11-07-2009, 10:29 AM

What is purpose of this set up?

MavericStephenc · 11-07-2009, 01:54 PM

by the looks of it this guys has no need for the cantilever setup however I still don't see how it could be a complete waste... having a cantilever setup frees up a lot of room from what I understand, and its benefits are minimal at least.
as for the weight, how much are we really adding?
removing the stock shock and spring.....20 pounds? tops? (each side)* correct me if I'm wrong here*
installing the push rod setup including the cantilever pivot and coil......for shits lets say 25 tops. (each side)
being that its only in there rear that's a net gain of 10 pounds (estimated) * I dont include the rear brace/mounting system because half of us have some sort of rear brace or some bar so I don't see how it could be held against the setup.
if it were a track car than there would be other ways to shed the weight to make up for the suspension.
in this specific setup the benefits of the altered suspension geometry outweigh the added 10 pounds.

he may want to fit some super hot wheels, or likes the benefit of a cantilever, who knows.
but it still remains the same mabye not for this specific app. but cantilever had been proven. it may not be for the street but on the track it performs.

I'm going to e-mail them though and see if i can get a dyno on the coils

Quote:

Originally Posted by S14DB

Also, what do you run at the front of the car? Not going to be a balanced setup in travel, damping and spring rate.

I very much agree.

Z28ricer · 11-07-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

he may want to fit some super hot wheels,

THIS,

That was sorta my reason for considering it, however after looking at the pictures more I realized its not going to fit under the stock privacy cover.

I was considering using it in hopes of fitting wheels with enough backspacing to get some 275/40/17's under the rear of my S13, without any sort of poking out or rubbing.

***S14DB*** · 11-07-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Def

Except the motion ratio between the wheel and shock is REDUCED very clearly in this "awesome setup."

I wonder if they even calculated the ratio?

*brndck* · 11-07-2009, 03:51 PM

hey, i'm just glad to see that people are still developing new products for s-chassis.
even if this version isn't practical, maybe v2 or v3 will be an improvement....

*Def* · 11-07-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28ricer

THIS,

That was sorta my reason for considering it, however after looking at the pictures more I realized its not going to fit under the stock privacy cover.

I was considering using it in hopes of fitting wheels with enough backspacing to get some 275/40/17's under the rear of my S13, without any sort of poking out or rubbing.

You can fit 275/40-17s on an S13 if you get a +35 or +40 wheel and roll the fender lips. That tire size totally sucks though, feels like driving on marshmellows. Give me a 255/40-17 over that anyday.

*Def* · 11-07-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

by the looks of it this guys has no need for the cantilever setup however I still don't see how it could be a complete waste... having a cantilever setup frees up a lot of room from what I understand, and its benefits are minimal at least.
as for the weight, how much are we really adding?
removing the stock shock and spring.....20 pounds? tops? (each side)* correct me if I'm wrong here*
installing the push rod setup including the cantilever pivot and coil......for shits lets say 25 tops. (each side)
being that its only in there rear that's a net gain of 10 pounds (estimated) * I dont include the rear brace/mounting system because half of us have some sort of rear brace or some bar so I don't see how it could be held against the setup.
if it were a track car than there would be other ways to shed the weight to make up for the suspension.
in this specific setup the benefits of the altered suspension geometry outweigh the added 10 pounds.

he may want to fit some super hot wheels, or likes the benefit of a cantilever, who knows.
but it still remains the same mabye not for this specific app. but cantilever had been proven. it may not be for the street but on the track it performs.

I'm going to e-mail them though and see if i can get a dyno on the coils

Have you guys even looked at your rear suspension? The average coilover is almost completely contained inboard of the rear wheel well.

I guarantee you that bent bar is way heavier than the average eBay strut bar that most S-chassis guys run to handle all the suspension loads.

You guys are ridiculous. You don't even have the faintest idea of why you'd really want a setup like this, and what would make it actually good. You just see something "neat" and get all butthurt when anybody logically critiques it.

And do you even know what you'd be looking at on a damper dyno?

Z28ricer · 11-07-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Def

You can fit 275/40-17s on an S13 if you get a +35 or +40 wheel and roll the fender lips. That tire size totally sucks though, feels like driving on marshmellows. Give me a 255/40-17 over that anyday.

I'm not going to be willing to do a pull, i'll be cutting away as much of the lip as possible reasonably, and definetly would gain clearance using this suspension setup for additional offset/backspacing, as far as the tire size sucking, this will be for weekend use at the drag strip, and the availability of nice drag radials in 255 17" doesnt really exist, not to mention i'll be able to make use of a 275

***ThatGuy*** · 11-07-2009, 05:20 PM

He said roll, not pull.

*ericcastro* · 11-07-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28ricer

I'm not going to be willing to do a pull, i'll be cutting away as much of the lip as possible reasonably, and definetly would gain clearance using this suspension setup for additional offset/backspacing, as far as the tire size sucking, this will be for weekend use at the drag strip, and the availability of nice drag radials in 255 17" doesnt really exist, not to mention i'll be able to make use of a 275

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

He said roll, not pull.

dont cut your lip.
thats gonna lead to headache and weaker metal along the edge there.
do like they said and roll it.
totally different than a pull, but both useing similar techniques so the confusion is understandable.

*Otto347* · 11-07-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericStephenc

having a cantilever setup frees up a lot of room from what I understand

For what? You dont need it on an S13. I though of doing this same basic style setup on my S13 but then realized there is no need for it at all. Not to mention they could have used a real set of coilovers rather than some motorcycle shocks.

edit: Just noticed also those pivot deals on the stock shock mount side look awful close to the blue contraption. If the car is sitting at ride height with the suspension loaded then one dip or bump and when the suspension rebounds................no good will happen.

*Def* · 11-07-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z28ricer

I'm not going to be willing to do a pull, i'll be cutting away as much of the lip as possible reasonably, and definetly would gain clearance using this suspension setup for additional offset/backspacing, as far as the tire size sucking, this will be for weekend use at the drag strip, and the availability of nice drag radials in 255 17" doesnt really exist, not to mention i'll be able to make use of a 275

The gearing sucks with 275's and a KA/SR unless you've got a 4.36 diff(or shorter). Been there, done that.

Oh well, glad to see at least a few people realizing this is a pretty ridiculous "mod" that doesn't look like it has much thought or engineering put into the finer points.

11-06-2009, 10:10 AM	#1
s14unimog Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: under my car Age: 23 Posts: 1,466 Trader Rating: (7) Rides Gallery: s14unimog	The Track Cat... Ran across this on a local forum; anybody running one of these? Apparently its a little shop down here in Georgia called Fat Cat Fabrication "The Track Cat" Nissan 240sx S13 Rear Suspension System __________________ Fuking ginger bread man stole my wallet... SHIFT*lock_slide to side d3m3rs0n: if i have a baby im naming it Brandons Fault Emerson

11-06-2009, 11:19 AM	#4
WagDatto The 510 Post Whore Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento, NorCal Posts: 1,126 Trader Rating: (5) Rides Gallery: WagDatto	Is that an actual cantilevered coilover setup? Or is it just coilovers mounted to a trunk strut brace? It LOOKS like it's the actual suspension, which would mean it'd work just fine, but even on the web site, it doesn't show much detail... __________________

11-06-2009, 07:45 PM	#6
Def Doctor Chips Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 1,128 Trader Rating: (1)	Been discussed a bit on Nissan Road Racing - my vote is stupid "race car" bling. The benefits are ridiculous, and the chance of those dampers being properly valved for the motion ratios and spring rates involved is pretty low. __________________ 06 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6 MT - Diamond Graphite/Stone 92 Nissan 240SX S13 Hatch GT2876R - Constantly tinkering and lots of garage naps... Safety Red/Gloss Black

11-06-2009, 08:23 PM	#7
g-via Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: B.C., Canada Posts: 754 Trader Rating: (0)	definite repost on zilvia... __________________ "I'm a rage-aholic, I just can't live with rage-ahol!!!"

11-06-2009, 08:33 PM	#8
Team DET The Dirty DINO ( )o( )™ Join Date: May 2008 Location: the 909 Age: 23 Posts: 341 Trader Rating: (9)	meow ....lol remind's me of this FIT from SS Extreme Dimensions 2007 Honda Fit Interior View Honda Cbr 600Rr Shocks Photo __________________ 1990 240sx-SR20 2004 Titan-VK56 FTW

11-06-2009, 10:45 AM	#2
ka-titties Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Florida Posts: 34 Trader Rating: (0)	those things dont do shit.

11-06-2009, 10:57 AM	#3
MandTPhotography Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 295 Trader Rating: (0)	Well that looks...interesting.

11-06-2009, 09:20 PM	#10
udon! lets final fantasy 7 drifting Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MURRIETA Posts: 300 Trader Rating: (0)	rather have M I R A C L E X . last time i came accross that online it was like $900

11-07-2009, 12:26 AM	#11
ka-titties Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Florida Posts: 34 Trader Rating: (0)	post counts dont represent actual knowledge, remember that. like i said before, but this time with a little more detail. that specific part for the s13 chassis doesnt do shit. __________________

11-07-2009, 12:54 AM	#13
ka-titties Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Florida Posts: 34 Trader Rating: (0)	that is a very accurate assumption. what they need to show is that there is a suspension "push rod" that comes from where a coilover would normally go to make the springs/struts they put there usable. either way, i'm with Def. __________________

11-07-2009, 01:35 AM	#14
Z28ricer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 27 Posts: 19 Trader Rating: (0)	Ok so its been discussed on nissanroadracing, but realistically, whats the probability of it at least being on par with some good typical coilovers ?

11-07-2009, 10:02 AM	#17
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 14,323 Trader Rating: (1)	I saw this a couple months ago when someone familiar with their honda applications showed me they came out with this. Cantilever set up is good when you want a lot of shock travel with little wheel travel. Damping really heavy spring rates. These seem to be motorcycle rear shocks designed for a vehicle with a lot less weight. I don't see how they could manage the weight of a car. Also, what do you run at the front of the car? Not going to be a balanced setup in travel, damping and spring rate. __________________ Comments should be taken as Opinions not as Statements of Fact.

11-07-2009, 10:26 AM	#18
Def Doctor Chips Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 1,128 Trader Rating: (1)	Except the motion ratio between the wheel and shock is REDUCED very clearly in this "awesome setup." __________________ 06 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6 MT - Diamond Graphite/Stone 92 Nissan 240SX S13 Hatch GT2876R - Constantly tinkering and lots of garage naps... Safety Red/Gloss Black

11-07-2009, 10:29 AM	#19
atutt Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: barrie, ontario, canada Age: 23 Posts: 563 Trader Rating: (0)	What is purpose of this set up? __________________ Visiting From UpNorthImports.com

11-07-2009, 03:51 PM	#23
brndck fwuffy bunny rigor mortis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: costa mesa, ca Age: 27 Posts: 3,152 Trader Rating: (27) Rides Gallery: brndck	hey, i'm just glad to see that people are still developing new products for s-chassis. even if this version isn't practical, maybe v2 or v3 will be an improvement.... __________________ I am the future Eric Castro http://outslidersandsmokeproduce.blogspot.com/

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

11-07-2009, 05:20 PM	#27
*ThatGuy* Zilvia's Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: MCAS New River, NC Age: 30 Posts: 17,114 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ThatGuy	He said roll, not pull. __________________ YES, I have a 240sx. NO, it doesn't have an SR. NO, I don't drift. NO, it's not for sale!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/288374-track-cat.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date	Hits
Drift Utah :: View topic - This thread is for Josh.	This thread	Refback	11-08-2009 11:11 PM	8