Packers on F1 cars

PhilThomas · 30 May 2002, 18:26 (Ref:300661)

Hi, when setting ride heights for F1 cars, how do packers come into play? For an example, if we started with a RH of 3.5 f : 4.1 r (cm's) and we wanted to lower that using packers, what is the logic? Do we add the packers symetrically? If we want to take off 1 cm from the front and back, do we add 1 cm of packers to the f/b? Also, what does the measurement for springs mean when it is 170 N/mm?? what is the 'N'? Hopefully my questions make sense to you all!

Barry Pomfret · 30 May 2002, 19:04 (Ref:300687)

N is a measurement of force, it stands for Newtons. Most springs however are rated in pounds per inch.

PhilThomas · 30 May 2002, 19:50 (Ref:300724)

aah, I see. Thanks for the help on that part!

Jukebox · 31 May 2002, 02:22 (Ref:300993)

Usually on an F1 car ride height, the rear would be around 20+mm higher than the front. When setting the ride height, you must also take notice of the underboard plank's height too.

Once the ride height of the car had been set, the packers on the front and rear are set separately. It all depends on how stiff the springs are.

If the springs are softly sprung - set the packers to about 3 or 4mm less than the ride height.

If the springs are stiff - set the packers to about 1 or 2mm less than the ride height.

PhilThomas · 31 May 2002, 02:39 (Ref:300997)

Aha!!! Light at the end of the tunnel!! thanks Jukebox!!

av8rirl · 31 May 2002, 10:02 (Ref:301219)

Packers??? What are packers???

PhilThomas · 31 May 2002, 15:28 (Ref:301627)

After having re-read your post Jukebox, how can only a 2 to 3 mm change have any effect on the ride height when adding/removing the packers? Are you sure you didn't mean 20 to 30 mm?

Jukebox · 3 Jun 2002, 01:47 (Ref:303113)

You should have read carefully Phil, 2 to 3mm less than the ride height...means if your ride height is at 46mm (rear) then the packers should be set at 43mm (that is only if the springs are 900lbs/less).

Set the springs first, then the ride height and then only the packers.

Springs settings depends much on which circuit you are racing, here are some tips on springs and the ride height required.

Softer springs
More grip from the tyres
Less tyre wear
Higher ride height required
Less responsive handling

Harder springs
Quicker, more responsive handling
Lower grip from the tyres
Greater tyre wear
Lower ride height required

PhilThomas · 3 Jun 2002, 02:40 (Ref:303128)

Hahahaha oh boy did I laugh hard when I read your post jukebox! I really should have read it closer! Sorry about that but I'm so new to the technical side of racing that I've been looking over numerous boards and reading as many articles as possible to learn as much as I can, as fast as I can. I didn't read it close enough. Thanks for the correction though!

Jukebox · 3 Jun 2002, 02:53 (Ref:303129)

No worries Phil, i do make mistakes at times and had to be corrected too in here. Anyway do check the anti-roll bars, brake balance and damper settings (if it's in the game) too everytime you change the ride height. Have fun with the PS2 game

PhilThomas · 3 Jun 2002, 04:05 (Ref:303140)

I don't have a ps2, I play f1 2001/2 and GPL on the pc. All the different bits of the car to tweak...it's a little overwhelming. Touch one thing you throw another out of whack. The fun is in the learning though. I've bought 2 books, tweak to win and drive to win by Carroll Smith. I hope to go to racing school soon too, but I know I will never be a pro, I'm too tall. (6'2") At least, I'm too tall for open wheel racers (my fav)

I need a mechanic for these games, they are very in depth and nothing to sneeze at.

Jukebox · 5 Jun 2002, 08:03 (Ref:305044)

Quote:

Originally posted by av8rirl
Packers??? What are packers???

Quite difficult to explain in words...hmmm i'll try

It's a part of the suspension assemblage and it's located when one want to adjust the position of the bump rubbers when it's loaded.

av8rirl · 5 Jun 2002, 14:10 (Ref:305317)

Adjust the height of the bump stops?

Jukebox · 6 Jun 2002, 02:15 (Ref:305924)

Usually for qualifying sessions, packers are not used because it'll reduce speed but the underboard planks will suffer most without them if not used on raceday.

That is one of the reasons why we don see cars doing faster laps during the race as they did during qualifying because when they use packers, it'll reduce the car's speed.

Packers are used to save the planks from wear, especially when taking corners. The packer's job is to stabilize the plank while the springs do it's job. In a long straights, occasionaly we can see planks touching the track..that's because the packers are not in use because it works together with the springs whereby it's a part of the suspension.

I think i have explain it correctly....

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