412 virtues

[lansdownplace]

Hi Peter. The 360 engine is a lot lighter than the 400 but the
reduction in power is compensated by the drop in weight. The engine
is set lower I believe but there a lot of additional steel in the
chassis. There are two large reinforcing plates under the driver and
passenger which sit on the polar moment of the car which also shift
the weight from above the roll axis to below it which reduces body
roll to a degree by reducing the roll center and concentrating mass
inside the wheelbase. The shift of weight towards the lower half of
the car and the fact that the 412 S1 (400 engine) weighs in at 1714
kg as opposed to 1783 for a 603 with the lighter 360 engine gives
some indication of the difference in total mass reduction.

As I am not an engineer so I can't explain further, I can only report
that my S2 is very well balanced, especially with the front shocks on
a hard setting and the rear set quite soft. Perhaps some other 412
drivers can elaborate?

Paul

[Peter.Kent]

Having delved about under the thing, I didn`t see enormous weight in
"plates".

Replacement of exhaust manifolds (did`nt weigh them but they are seriously
heavy) plus heads (weight even more ditto) and inlet mainifold more relevant
as they are all at the top of the engine. I think my new gearbox is supposed
to be lighter but that is lower down. My s2 certainly handles better than
ever.

I think some later models have the engine lower between the chassis rails.
That would be a benefit. As to suspension, I run a compromise .... exhaust
scrapes if I`m careless but generally OK. P

[TLF799R]

[quote]
How come?

The 412 has exactly the same chassis, suspension, steering etc as the 411,
so why would it handle any better?

(Should I move these later posts to a new "412 love-in" thread?)
[End Quote]

Kevin,
There's no need to feel bad about having a lesser model- you too could own
a 412 one day - just don't give up on your dream!

As far as handling is concerned it is simple, just look how aerodynamic the
412 is!

Philippa

[penman]

Hi Phillipa
to make a quote box

How come?

The 412 has exactly the same chassis, suspension, steering etc as the 411,
so why would it handle any better?

(Should I move these later posts to a new "412 love-in" thread?)

I have put a [/quote] where you have the put [ End Quote]

[lansdownplace]

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