So we are basically having to build a new frame since our one that has been in progress has been built quite crooked and is next to impossiblt to attach a proper suspension to. So anyway, we've been initiating a new design for 2009 whereas I just received this info from the rules committee:
I was in contact with the FSAE rules committee about building our new frame for 09. We have our templates cut out that are specified in the 2008 rules but then they said they are not allowing any tubing or steering rack components to be directly mounted in front of the driver's shins. I've seen quite a few designs where teams run a cross member between the points that the front bulkhead supports are mounted to. This is either for structural support or offering a solid place to mount a steering rack. Supposedly we cannot do this anymore. A quick n dirty diagram of what I mean is below
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj16/cdnbacon85/?act...nt=fsaeframespec.jpg
The diagram represents a couple of different ways that I've seen the front role hoop braced while the area in the red sections are where the cross brace or steering rack is usually attached to. Basically it was clarified to me that the vertical template must pass either over top of the steering rack or underneath it and still have adequate room in order to reach within 4" of the (undepressed) pedals.
Since our uprights are already milled out and corner assemblies are all put together, I just have one question to ask some of the suspension/steering guys out there since I'm still learning this stuff:
Our uprights are designed so the front-left one is the same as the rear-right one and vise-versa. The steering links are designed to be attached to the top of the upright and in-line, parallel to, (and out front) of the upper a-arm link. Now since we cannot mid-mount our rack anymore, I'm just curious what effects we will get if we simply turn the upright upside down and run the steering link behind the bottom-rear a-arm and attach it to the back of the upright while placing the steering rack down low. I realize it reverses our usual motion to our steering box (meaning the steering wheel turns left in order for the car to turn right) but I'm more interested in what effects it has on handling to mount the steering links low instead of high.