cortex watts link

[sheizasosay]

Kelly is that chassis mounted?

 

[Whiskey11]

Kelly is that chassis mounted?

If it's like the one hinted at by Kelly a while ago to me in private, it's torque arm mounted...

Expect something similar for the S197 chassis if that is true of this one. It certainly packages everything conveniently but I'm beginning to wonder if it maybe it doesn't add a bit more weight than is "necessary". Wont know till we get one on a car though!

Geometry wise it's a differential mounted watts link....

 

[Roadracer350]

Does that move the coils from chassis mounted to the watts kit?

 

[BMR Tech]

We have a few designs in the works. We may even offer two completely different versions - but it gets complicated....especially considering the fact that we would like to offer a "package" with a torque-arm, as well. It will likely be "similar" to what Whiskey posted, but, much different. That system is for the Pro-Touring, older/early model cars. They are heavy, but they sure are badass, considering the changes you incorporate into the car, after installing that kit. Talk about a difference.....

I don't wanna clog this thread up, but, I will hopefully be making a BMR Watts thread soon. We have so many parts in testing right now, it's insane. This next round of parts are almost all based on handling applications. I'm excited.

 

[sheizasosay]

We have a few designs in the works. We may even offer two completely different versions - but it gets complicated....especially considering the fact that we would like to offer a "package" with a torque-arm, as well. It will likely be "similar" to what Whiskey posted, but, much different. That system is for the Pro-Touring, older/early model cars. They are heavy, but they sure are badass, considering the changes you incorporate into the car, after installing that kit. Talk about a difference.....

I don't wanna clog this thread up, but, I will hopefully be making a BMR Watts thread soon. We have so many parts in testing right now, it's insane. This next round of parts are almost all based on handling applications. I'm excited.

Interesting times. Maximum Motorsports and Cortex are both releasing a K-member. I have seen both. The MM k looks like it would destroy an 18-wheeler if it glanced it.

The pic whiskey posted of your "possible" watts....looks like it could take a beating.

 

[BMR Tech]

^Can't wait to see them. I am sure they will be nice.

Nice to see people releasing new parts. We are rushing to get our new UCA, Watts, Sway-Bars and Springs done....so we can start the development on the 2015. That is going to be fun.

 

[Swine]

Fays2 is loud and annoying.

So why isnt there more consideration given to the Steeda unit? Similar to the Fays 2 but with poly bushings correct? Is it just price the keeps the Steeda from being a consideration for everyone on here?

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

So why isnt there more consideration given to the Steeda unit? Similar to the Fays 2 but with poly bushings correct? Is it just price the keeps the Steeda from being a consideration for everyone on here?

Or as Jim from Fays2 called them, "Brand S" when talking about a copied version of his watts link design. LOL

 

[Roadracer350]

BMR Tech, are you guys making it out of mild steel or 4140, 4130?

 

[Swine]

Or as Jim from Fays2 called them, "Brand S" when talking about a copied version of his watts link design. LOL

Well, is the copied version worth any attention. In other words, if all units cost the same, and lets pretend weighed the same, is Steeda's "version" of the Fays 2 with poly bushings worth a consideration or did it miss the mark somewhere?

I see every watts link under the sun mentioned in here, but not the Steeda and was curious as to why? Ill be running a steeda(got a new one for $600), so if there is a good reason to not run it im all ears.

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

Why would you be willing to pay only $50 less for an attempted "knock off" vs. the real deal?

Take a look at the two side-by-side, and visit/read the fays2.net site to learn the technical details behind their design, which was the 1st on the market to create a watts link for the S197 platform.

Perhaps "Brand S" (connections to the axle) was inspired by the Running Man movie:

 

[GoneFord]

Why would you be willing to pay only $50 less for an attempted "knock off" vs. the real deal?

Take a look at the two side-by-side, and visit/read the fays2.net site to learn the technical details behind their design, which was the 1st on the market to create a watts link for the S197 platform.

Perhaps "Brand S" (connections to the axle) was inspired by the Running Man movie:

I should probably know better because I know it's not the right evaluation criteria, but that thing is ugly.

And that's quite a humorous comparison. Distant cousins?

 

[sheizasosay]

I see every watts link under the sun mentioned in here, but not the Steeda and was curious as to why? Ill be running a steeda(got a new one for $600), so if there is a good reason to not run it im all ears.

Haven't seen the lakewood have you?

People don't go for the Steeda because it's pricepoint doesn't make sense compared to the Fayys. It is $1000. Stupid.

 

[ArizonaGT]

We had a racer out here shear off the propeller bolt on his Steeda Watts TWICE in one year; I'd avoid it--not to mention the price.

 

[sheizasosay]

We had a racer out here shear off the propeller bolt on his Steeda Watts TWICE in one year; I'd avoid it--not to mention the price.

Edit- Did it get installed properly?

 

[Swine]

Why would you be willing to pay only $50 less for an attempted "knock off" vs. the real deal?

Take a look at the two side-by-side, and visit/read the fays2.net site to learn the technical details behind their design, which was the 1st on the market to create a watts link for the S197 platform.

Perhaps "Brand S" (connections to the axle) was inspired by the Running Man movie:

Hmm you have a hard time following my interest.

Let's pretend the steeda wasn't a knock off. All you knew was 1)the design 2)the materials. In your opinion where does it come up short against against the competition.

My concern is that I have already bought the steeda. If the steeda is that much inferior to other product offerings, is it worth going through the trouble to sell it and purchasing another company design. If it is inferior, please list the design details which it comes up short.

I chose the steeda(and I paid $600 which was much competitive at that price point then msrp), because it looked like a more street friendly version of the fays 2. If I am incorrect please learn me, I am all ears. I am just looking to learn.


-Stephen.

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

Ok, all kidding aside; ignoring the fact that the piece is based on a copy that would only make Jesse Ventura proud, you have to ask yourself, "What are my driving goals?" If you plan to put your Mustang on a road course then you will be placing a lot of stress on the watts link components that will test its reliability and performance over time. Since you know the Fays2 is the "measuring stick" that others attempt to imitate for chassis mounted watts link, I would read their site and ask yourself, "How does the Brand S unit compare?" Once you read through their site call or email Jim Fay if you have questions, and then run those same questions by a Steeda "Rep" and then you'll know whether to keep or sell the deal your found. Mike

 

[barbaro]

The Steeda / Fays 2 Truss: Why would you introduce a large steel structure in between your differential and swaybar and jockeying with your exhaust when there are reliable, lighter, simpler differential cover based designs that have less potential for conflict (ie. things that go bump or clunk). To say that it works is a weak defense because a steam engine works too. I would use the Fays II or Steeda to hold up a roof maybe but I see no point to putting it on a car. Measuring Stick? Says you. No says me and a lot of others. Griggs or Cortex. Race tested and proven. That's the measuring stick.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss

 

[barbaro]

It would be really nice to know what Ford Racing's reasoning was.

What a Watts link looks like should be irrelevant to a racer or serious performance addict, who generally don't give a rat's ass about what the lawn chair crowd with mirrors showing the undercarriage might think. All it has to do is work as desired without being overly heavy or getting too much in the way. No, you probably can't fit an over the axle 4" dual exhaust with the Fays2, but so what?

I know for absolute fact that Watts links have been discussed on a rather higher level of technical savvy than you find in "Off-Topic", "Lounge", or "Talk" sections. One of the earliest threads I know of concerned a problem with a Griggs piece, back around August of 2002 if that really matters. It's safe to say that since then the obvious technical pros and cons of both arrangements have been identified, as have the cons that resulted from the SCCA's recent and ill-thought positioning on these things. If one arrangement truly was that much superior to the other, the relative availability in the aftermarket would reflect as much today, rather than the similar numbers of each that we have.

It's OK to be a strong proponent of either design (and I'm not going to get involved either way here). Putting the other arrangement down for reasons that have nothing to do with its function . . . shall I say 'weakens' credibility?


I'd also like to see different views of the various component pieces of the Cortex design.


Norm

Norm if something looks like shit . . . it looks like shit and that is reason in and of itself to question it's design. Because the reason it looks like shit is that it has extraneous hardware not needed to perform the task. Mainly a big ass truss/ jungle gym. Even a lowly layman can look at it and say: "there has got to be a better way". And there is. As to whether looks make a difference to a performance addict, who does not look at a piece first off to admire or criticize it's design? Ask yourself how would Porshe, Ferrari, Pagani solve this engineering / design issue? Do you think it would be closer to the Fays II or Griggs/ Cortex? You have to go back 11 years to fish out a failure story. So you can't say the Fays II functions better. As Italians say the Fays II / Steeda Truss "Non e Simpatico". So Looks may not make a difference to a performance addict but they don't make a difference to a sex addict either . . . . sometimes addictions can lead you to erroneous decisions.

 

[Whiskey11]

The Steeda / Fays 2 Truss: Why would you introduce a large steel structure in between your differential and swaybar and jockeying with your exhaust when there are reliable, lighter, simpler differential cover based designs that have less potential for conflict (ie. things that go bump or clunk). To say that it works is a weak defense because a steam engine works too. I would use the Fays II or Steeda to hold up a roof maybe but I see no point to putting it on a car. Measuring Stick? Says you. No says me and a lot of others. Griggs or Cortex. Race tested and proven. That's the measuring stick.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss

Lets say this TOGETHER:

You do NOT need custom exhaust to work with the Fays2 Watts Link. If it fits the factory S197, it will fit with the Fays2.

Lastly, the number of swaybars that do NOT work with the Fays2 is pretty small.

Please stop perpetuating these awful rumors.

Finally, how many Autocross National Championships have been won with the Fays2 unit? Where is Sam Strano when you need him? I'm 99% sure the top 5 cars in ESP ran one and I'm sure dozens more did too. How many historic races with old Boss 302's and Z/28's have been won with a Fays2 under the car? I'm sure DOZENS there too. It definitely is race proven.

Norm if something looks like shit . . . it looks like shit and that is reason in and of itself to question it's design. Because the reason it looks like shit is that it has extraneous hardware not needed to perform the task. Mainly a big ass truss/ jungle gym. Even a lowly layman can look at it and say: "there has got to be a better way". And there is. As to whether looks make a difference to a performance addict, who does not look at a piece first off to admire or criticize it's design? Ask yourself how would Porshe, Ferrari, Pagani solve this engineering / design issue? Do you think it would be closer to the Fays II or Griggs/ Cortex? You have to go back 11 years to fish out a failure story. So you can't say the Fays II functions better. As Italians say the Fays II / Steeda Truss "Non e Simpatico". So Looks may not make a difference to a performance addict but they don't make a difference to a sex addict either . . . . sometimes addictions can lead you to erroneous decisions.

You are definitely stretching here, the Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani of the world would never have built a sports car with a Live Axle in the 21st century either.