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I came across this product some time ago and still haven't found or heard of any reviews / feedback. I wouldn't be expecting 'over the moon' results but I think the concept has merit. Available for NC platform as well. My initial thought is that the MCB would have an effect similar to that of a steering dampener for motorbike or 4x4 vehicle.
You can read a small description from RHD and the TRD video isn't bad imo.
The RX8 chassis is one of the stiffest made. Why do you think it needs chassis dampers to address “micro-vibrations”, whatever those are actually supposed to be?
Imo, things have substantially stiffened things up with the addition of engine mounts + differential bushings, f/r strut bars, chassis braces, etc. My thought is the MCB will further steering input / control, plus help maintain vehicle composure / stability over uneven surfaces, etc. I'm currently talking with SB garage about building a custom long stroke kit which will have much higher specs than the standard DFV and I've got a few more little jdm suspension goodies to add. Obviously not the MCB, yet...
I think this video describes some benefits motorbikes get from the dampener fairly well.
No, it’s not a steering damper. It’s a chassis damper.
Maybe on a lightweight flimsy convertible chassis it could work, but it sounds like empty hype to me on an RX8.
just making sure anyone else who reads this understands that the concept is to mount a damper from one side of the chassis to the other; one across the front and one across the rear as indicated below:
In theory it’s going to dampen chassis twist, but the chassis would have to fairly weak in chassis twist for that to matter. The RX8 us extremely stiff in twist, which us one if the reasons it handles so well. Which, it’s not a motorbike either.
I'm thinking where this product may have a chance to shine is under extreme loads where (I think) these will relieve some stresses from other areas of the suspension. Allowing the dampers, etc to have that much more potential available performance from reduced flex / movement, etc.
Truss bridges definitely come to mind due their inherent design and high strength to weight ratio. What I'm really thinking about at the end of the day when considering this product is the stabilization of energy, which in my mind is very much applicable to operating a vehicle at speed.
Linda unfortunately is not the most entertaining but demonstrates the 'wolf' tone well.
I don't see how this is any more effective than welding a rod lengthwise along your crash bar and calling it a day. The mounting locations just aren't in spots that experience large degrees of movement (i.e. they're already stiff) so it wouldn't be particularly useful.
In order to dampen something, there would need to be relative motion found between the two points of contact. Dampeners can only work by transforming kinetic energy into heat energy. Meaning the piston rod has to first move in or out. Strut bars, braces, and roll cages target major open spaces such as the engine bay, trunk, cabin, and transmission tunnel because they have the greatest potential for movement.
As for the other thing it addresses, "micro-vibrations." That could mean one of two things: chassis flex or sound energy traveling throughout the chassis. Like I said before, I don't think it would help chassis flex much. And the way it would absorb sound vibrations is comparable to setting a gelatin cake on the roof of your car to smooth vibrations out; it would vibrate along with the car.
However, it's an interesting concept. I wonder how it would perform in a location where it could be exposed to larger movements (like an engine bay). The chassis stiffness wouldn't be as optimal as a strut bar, but I could then see how it may dampen some jolts. It'd be softer than a strut bar but stiffer than nothing... and it could potentially reduce oscillations.
I just looked up other chassis dampeners and they often get put where you would expect strut bars to go.
Last edited by RIP Mazda Furai; 09-14-2020 at 08:52 AM.
I have seen this concept applied in off-road racing with good results. I am referring to full tube chassis vehicles that do not flex as much as sheet metal street cars. The purpose of it is to reduce the harmonic vibrations of the chassis. Movement is irrelevant and the dampener stroke is a couple mm's I believe.
i have not personally tested or run one, but do understand what they are trying to improve. I had a chassis hanging from a chain hoist. You can take a wrench or a hammer and tap the chassis and it vibrates/rings/resonates for quite a few seconds afterwards. Virtually zero movement in the chassis from tapping it with a wrench, but it still creates noise and a tone. With the above dampeners installed, when the chassis is tapped with a wrench it should be a dead sound with no resonance
I have seen this concept applied in off-road racing with good results. I am referring to full tube chassis vehicles that do not flex as much as sheet metal street cars. The purpose of it is to reduce the harmonic vibrations of the chassis. Movement is irrelevant and the dampener stroke is a couple mm's I believe.
i have not personally tested or run one, but do understand what they are trying to improve. I had a chassis hanging from a chain hoist. You can take a wrench or a hammer and tap the chassis and it vibrates/rings/resonates for quite a few seconds afterwards. Virtually zero movement in the chassis from tapping it with a wrench, but it still creates noise and a tone. With the above dampeners installed, when the chassis is tapped with a wrench it should be a dead sound with no resonance
Does that matter to driving performance though? Even if you're losing energy through body vibration instead of the suspension work, this damper would sink that energy away from the suspension anyway, so I struggle to see how this translates into real results. Curious.
I’m struggling to believe it’s that sensitive or effective. Even if it is, just like any damper; for how long is a good question. Just like suspension dampers, most people are insensitive to the change over time and never bother unless they detect an outright failure. If it was really that effective it seems like most manufacturers would be using them.
Does that matter to driving performance though? Even if you're losing energy through body vibration instead of the suspension work, this damper would sink that energy away from the suspension anyway, so I struggle to see how this translates into real results. Curious.
The person I know that used this on his vehicle, is an engineer and was also VERY skeptical. He tried it because it was a matter of welding on tabs. He said it made a dramatic difference and has this on all the race chassis's he builds.
What you have to think about is the amount of harmonics that actually flow through the chassis when driving. Every single part of the chassis is vibrating to some point while driving. The more aggressive the suspension (bushings/spring rates/etc.) the more vibration that is translated into the chassis. Dampening these harmonics can only be beneficial.
The person I know that used this on his vehicle, is an engineer and was also VERY skeptical. He tried it because it was a matter of welding on tabs. He said it made a dramatic difference and has this on all the race chassis's he builds.
What you have to think about is the amount of harmonics that actually flow through the chassis when driving. Every single part of the chassis is vibrating to some point while driving. The more aggressive the suspension (bushings/spring rates/etc.) the more vibration that is translated into the chassis. Dampening these harmonics can only be beneficial.
And the update. Turns out Japan is dong some serous R/D with this. I personally thought the idea genuinely held merit and looked promising. Turns out it does offer some performance.
Feeling is everything. Doesn't matter if you're operating a music instrument or a mechanical tool.
I know I'm eagerly waiting to hear more about this interesting part and am going to order a set for the se3p. Unfortunately I foresee this suffering the same potential fate as other jdm parts which have now been copied into oblivion. Let's just see how long it takes USA to a.) deny validity b.) secretly copy the tech c.) claim ownership and superiority.
07-29-2020, 08:44 PM
