914 Chassis Stiffness, want input on chassis stiffness measurements Options

[Curbandgutter]

I want to check the stiffness of the 914 chassis two ways: the flexural stiffness (as in measure the shock tower movement as you lift it from the middle), and the torsional stiffness ( measuring the shock tower movement as you lift three wheels).

Then I want to input a 914 chassis into a 3d structural software that I use. I will design a tube chassis and check the flexural and torsional stifness with different tubing and thickness layouts.

Then construct the tube chassis and compare the real world results.

I want input from others as to how they would go about doing this. Or maybe give me some pointers. Or maybe someone already knows the factory stiffness?

What do you think?

[Cracker]

I admire your commitment to detail and look forward to your projects progress. It has been my experience that the tub needs to be tied together to the rear suspension points. I for one, do not tie-in the front suspension points. I have a very, very rigid chassis and I'm sure your internal "truss" design will prove beneficial. My design goes well beyond the chassis - as in protecting me and passengers in "worst case scenarios". Keep up the good work!

One of the "biggest gains I experienced was tieing-in the windshield frame - it also helps to protect against "cracking" the glass due to flex. Worlds of difference - you WANT to do this!

Tony

= very stiff