Downstops limit how far the suspension arms travel downward, which determines how far upward the chassis rises. This affects the car's handling(due to effects on camber and roll-center)and the ability of the tires to "follow" the track. The effects may change with the type of track and/or amount of grip available.
More suspension travel (lower downstop value) make the car more responsive but less stable; it is also typically better on a bumpy tracks or tracks with slow corners. Less suspension travel (higher downstop value) makes the car more stable and is typically better on smoother tracks.
EFFECTS OF DOWNSTOP ADJUSTMENT
Front Downstops
Higher
~Decreases front chassis upward travel on-throttle
~Increases high-speed steering
~Increases "initial" on-throttle understeer
~Better on smooth tracks
Lower
~Increases upward chassis travel on-throttle
~Decreases high-speed steering
~Decreases "initial" on-throttle understeer
~Better on bumpy tracks
Rear Downstops
Higher
~Decreases rear chassis upward travel off-throttle or under braking
~Increases stability under braking
~Better on smooth tracks
Lower
~Increases rear chassis upward travel off-throttle or under braking
~Increases steering in slow corners
~Better on bumpy tracks. |