kinda like the title says, i have a question about front end dive when braking. i searched around the board and the web for a while but i dont think i am stating it right in my searches. i'm sure there is a correct terminology, i just dont know what it is.
here is the "problem".... when going into a corner a little to "hot" my inexperience and lack of confidence forces me to brake. well when braking at such high speeds the front end dives and the rear wants to rotate because of the angle. i know that the absolute fix would be a better driver but in the mean time is there any know set-up or fix for this? it there a way to make it not as extreme?

i was thinking about setting the dampening on my front end a little harder but i know it is only a band-aid.

any feedback or discussion is appreciated

 

Dive is completely normal. to minimize you can run stiffer springs up front. If you have adjustable compression, upping the front and upper rear rebound might help to a point, but you'd be trading off performance in other (arguably) more important phases of handling.

Get some more seat time before you start buying mods to "fix" this issue.

 

^^ +1 stiffer suspension. I run Espiler GT springs with the stock KYBs till my Bilsteins are rebuilt. Noticably less dive and body roll.

 

thanks for the replys. like above stated... i know for a fact the source of the problem is my foot braking when i shouldnt

was just curious if there was a way to eleviate it or make it lesser whrn i do screw up

 

Better to be replacing pads than replacing front ends, that's my opinion. Plus at the track, you're paying to learn to drive, that's the whole point. You'll just need to take some time to figure out your breaking points and the limits of the car and you'll be fine.

If you ever get a chance to race with or watch a fellow Evo racer at the track, ask for some pointers and see what they have to suggest about your issues. Better yet, ask them for a ride along and maybe they can point out the correct braking points and line for you.

 

well to go off topic for a little bit, is there (and i know its not set in stone or law) correct time or way to brake when going through a high speed corner? if there is or isn't.... is that rotating feeling normal and i'll just get use to it in time or am i totally braking wrong or in the wrong places??? im just so concerned because i feel that is my biggest problem.

 

I hate to sound like I’m talking down to you but you need to go to a driving school before you hurt yourself. What you describe sounds to me you lack a understanding of fundamental car control and chassis dynamics.

Contact the closest PCA, BMW CCA, Alfa, Audi, Corvette club and sign up for their next Driver Education course.

 

your not talking down to me at all, i take in confidence that you know more than me cause you answerwed my post and i was the one that posted it. like i said i know that i am the problem. its not the car at all. yes you are very right if i dont stop doing it i will hurt myself! its not as extreme sounding, or maybe it is, as i make it out to be. maybe i once again didnt describe this right.

when im going in at higher speeds i tend to brake, let off, turn in and feel that i still have to much speed and tap again im wrong, i know. felt i should describe in detail to save face a little its not that im braking at 80mph
mid corner wich i think why you said what you said.

all in all thank you for being another to push me to to a class. i just need the TIME!!!

 

What pads are you running?

AWD cars generally are harder to rotate - they want to push all day.

Generally speaking you should try to learn how to trail brake to get the car turning - then get back on the gas to pulll yourself around. It's not at all simple though.

As you finish your braking you start to turn in - this means you have more weight on the front so the tires have more traction. However - if you have the rear unloaded you need a bit less friction in the rear to avoid lock up/spin. That is why most track drivers will ruin a bit less aggressive pad in the rear.

You will know when you do it right - and you will definitely know when you do it wrong because the car will just go straight off. Somewtimes unwinding a bit when pushing can allow the tires to regain traction.

I would ask that someone w/ more experience can help w/ this a bit - I am still only moderately skilled and I find it hard to feel/explain sometimes

One thing I can def suggest is to get an instructor who has experience in AWD cars - Subaru;s act very similar.

 

The best driver in the world can't reduce nose dive...the harder you press the brakes, the more the car dives...it's just physics...stiffer springs/shocks/struts are the only solution...