rear suspension choices
i've been told a three link is better for handling than a four link is this true? and what about an irs?
Too much generalization to just say, "3 link vs 4 link" But most full no compromise pavement race car are 4 link. Usually long upper and lower links with a panhard or watts link.
Not huge cornering returns for added expense. But there are other reasons to factor in the choice. Lot more coil spring rate selection and cheaper price per change, if you plan on changing your springs a lot. Way better for an air bag suspension to get that slammed look when parked. Not much more work/effort if you are doing large spring relocation anyway.
The Hotchkis G-Max Challenger ran top 3 in the Optima Challenge in Michigan. 1st in autocross and 3? in road course. The car spotted 200 plus horsepower to the other top cars (Bad Penny, Steilow car) and tons of $$$.
We converted to a 4 link to the circle track car I work on. Everthing else equal. Sealed crate motor class. Multi track championship car/team/drive. Immensely sorted, tested, maintained, documented car.
The car was not immediatly faster. It won some races over Leaf spring cars and it lost some races to leaf spring car. Well experianced driver said the 4 link was not as forgiving to drive at the leaf springs. After a season the 4 link was faster. The biggest reason was that a pit crew team of 5 guys can do all kinds or fine adjustments to tune the car in practice.
