Chassis Stiffness Among Models

[Phat_Toni]

Hey guys, ive searched everywhere but cant seem to find much info at all regarding/comparing late 80s early 90s nissan chassis stiffness'.

I understand that nissan focused on stiffening for the r33 and s14, but were the 32 an s13 still relatively stiff chassis for their time/market? Also what about r31 vs r32 seeing as they share wheelbases? 31 vs s13? maybe some first hand experiences? Modern chassis stiffness is often measured in Nm/degree of twist, i dont suppose there was any similar information like this available for our cars?

Thanks, Dom

[r32line]

As a general rule, I would say it is safe to assume that each subsequent model improved chassis rigidity.

However there are kits you can buy to improve this, I have this under-body kit made by HKS:

[bluejeans]

been looking for some chassis stiffening - hope they make those HKS kits for r33..

had a look at nengun and searched around but cant seem to find anything

[Phat_Toni]

I think nengun has them kits listed as discontinued

I know the s13 chassis is newer than the 31, but the s13 chassis has a section of rail missing, does anyone know what was the purpose of this design? 2 full rails are found on the USDM s13 240sx and aftermarket bracing is available in this area for JDM versions. Does the a31 have this missing section?

s13 Chassis

[tiberis]

i always thought it was the other way around, that the JDM had full rails?

but either way, there may be method to their madness.

having that small section missing may actually act like a crumple zone in the event of a head on crash. the car will effectively kink in the middle section where the rail is missing. this will absorb a large amount of energy to deform the metal hence meaning less energy on the occupants. the US or whichever model with the full rails may have needed it for compliance or something.

but it is known that sometimes to make something more resilient or stronger, you may have to make it weaker or deform it first. (classic example is bolts with holes drilled in through the top which can take more force than those without the holes).

this is just my thoughts based on me having done some mechanical units at uni. feel free for anyone with some hard evidence to prove something otherwise.