The R56 doesn't really have equal length shafts. One side has a two piece half shaft and the other side has a one piece shaft. The one piece shaft and the outer portion of the two piece shaft may be the same length and same angle to the wheel, but there is still a greater mass to accelerate on one side than the other. Of course, this is just one of the contributors to torque steer.

-my 0.02

 

How might we do these things on a new R56 MCS? Sport springs and adjustable camber plates? Different shocks? Lighter wheels with sticky tires, or lighter and smaller wheels?

 

Tha answer is an active steering system. A steering system that recognises driver input vs. road feedback and torque steer. When the driver moves the steering wheel, the steering rack should steer the wheels. However, when the steering wheel is not moved by the driver, the force from the external end should be countered by a high torque motor attached to the steering column or the rack itself. This will solve the tramlining issue as well.

 

118 days to go....but what color??

 

Some 2007 Cooper S models have the stock soft springs, some have the upgraded springs. Both are too soft and will allow the rear to drop, raising the front and cause the "torque steer" you are referring to.

Get some good aftermarket adjustable coilovers, 25mm adjustable sway bar and front camber plates (the fixed ones work fine for most)

 

even at 60 mph, the torque steer could be felt on my 95 Eclipse GS-T. I don't think there is much squating at that speed. I don't know but if stiff springs help reduce it, there must be some truth to it.

 

no more torque steet with ...RWD

 

my torque steer significantly improved after about 500 miles.
no linger have to death grip the steering.

did breaking-in the tires help that much?

 

My only comment is point the car in the direction you want to go before you get on the accellerator hard. If my wheels are straight, my car goes straight. First couple of times I drove my car,I noticed making a hard turn(say 90 degree),once the rpm's hit 2000 ,if the wheels were turned, it certainly got my attention . After you drive it a few miles, it is not a problem at all. Just different then driving a RWD car.

 

The first time I noticed torque steer was the other day while pushing hard entering a turn and then straightening out. It was the first time I've tried that and had the room to go without other cars around. It really caught me by surprise.

 

The best test for true torque steer: From a stop and the wheels pointed straight ahead, accelerate hard with your hands off the wheel. Torque steer will pull the car to one side under throddle. My buddy's Mazdaspeed 3 will damn near turn a corner on you (or put you in a ditch)!

My MINI goes straight and true. Its lowered, though... with sport suspension and LSD. All of which have an effect on limiting the resistance in the wheel up front under cornering. I can think of a ton of cars that are a million times worse.

 

For what it's worth, torque steer was my major complaint, until I switched out the runflat Dunlop SP1's for non-runflats. With the non-runflats, there is still a bit of torque steer, but it has been reduced significantly. At full throttle, in 1st & 2nd, the wheel no longer jumps out of my hands, and is much more manageable.

 

When I first picked up Mystic, I thought the torque steer was insane. I hardly ever experience it anymore. I suspect over time one subconsciously learns how to counter it and adjusts. I don't feel like I am doing anything differently, but I must. Kind of like getting used to the way different vehicles brake. At first, you may leave nose prints on the windshield, but soon the stops are smooth.

 

Ya, the darn car does pull super hard. side to side under all out assault. I think, but havent decided, its the vehicles traction control. It transfers power from slip to grip. Try it without it engaged. Also there is a incredibly loud howl at high speed. I live in Germany, I know the full limits of this car, BMW has had wind screen issues too. IF ANYONE knows how to control the steer let me know.

 

Are you talking about an LSD equipped MCS? My impression is that it is the LSD transferring power back and forth between the wheels. ASC would be applying the brake to a spinning wheel. My understanding is that with LSD it is unlikely to get to a point where ASC kicks in unless you are on a slippery surface.

Can't disengage LSD.

Are you referring to the engine at readline?

There is this circular thing in front of the driver. You turn it clockwise to turn the car to the right, and counterclockwise to turn the car to the left.

 

I don't think ASC can apply the brake(s), only DSC can to that. ASC only shifts power, and can be turned off. LSD can't be shut off. When new I had to have a firm grip on the wheel accelerating in tight turns, I think the LSD was in action and I was new to it. Now I can feel it and it doesn't scare me as much.

 

I have an MCS 2 weeks old,(love at first motor!) if you put your foot in it, the car pulls all over the place in 1st and 2nd. I came from an 06 vette, and 4oo hp, but the coop feels like a wild beast if you dont hold the wheel tight when doing some heavy acceleration, I found if you go a little lighter till 3rd you can get the car to stop pulling so much.

 

What made you sell the Corvette for a MINI?

 

I suppose to gain a sense of completeness?

 

Has anyone noticed tourque steer from their S with 16" wheels? I just ordered mine with them, but have only test driven ones equipped with 17" wheels/open diffs. I noticed it was more squirrely than my '91 Escort. I accept that all front wheel drive cars do it, especially when pushed. I was hoping that the softer sidewalls, coupled with LSD and stiffer springs, was going to tame that a little.

It only has about +45 more horsepower and 300 more lbs than the Escort, but with overboost, it has about 78ft/lbs more tourque. Almost 70% more. I did almost end up in the wrong lane accelerating and changing lanes a couple of times. Both times one tire was squealing lightly, and I attributed it to the open diff.

I kept it under 5 grand, the wife was with me. Plus, my father bought showroom models all the time, so I have been trained against beating on them. In the defense of noone in particular, the dealer did tell us, "Don't be afraid to get on it," before we left. But I am not insane. The speed limit around the dealership is like 45, that is just after the top of first flat out in these cars, correct? (I believe this from a car simulator, correct me if I am wrong)

 

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I have 16" wheels, LSD, standard suspenion. There is still torque steer as you described.

-JL

 

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Oh well, I thought that was the case. I will have to make sure my wife knows how to compensate for it when it happens.


Thanks for the info.