Lude Generation

Well, I've searched back through a few pages but can't really find anything that really answers my question, which is "how well does the 4WS cope with side-loading on track days?"
There was a video on the forum that compared the two, I think, but it seems to have been deleted.

I've driven 4Gs and 5Gs with working 4WS and like the system in normal road conditions (excellent). I've also driven them both when the 4WS wasn't working but wasn't properly deactivated (worrying). I've not tried either gen that was supposed to be 2WS, so I have no true comparison.

I don't actually do track days as such, but we do try to go to the 'Ring at least once a year. I haven't yet had the confidence to test a Prelude there, largely due to the camber changes on many of the bends.

Who's our local Stig? How can we put the theme to bed?

Merlin used his 5G with 4ws on track.

Sailor wrote:I've driven 4Gs and 5Gs with working 4WS and like the system in normal road conditions (excellent). I've also driven them both when the 4WS wasn't working but wasn't properly deactivated (worrying). I've not tried either gen that was supposed to be 2WS, so I have no true comparison.

My understanding is when 4WS is not working (4WS light on) then it will drive exactly as a 2WS just with the added weight. The rear rack will be locked electronically by the ECU (solenoid perhaps (?)). Otherwise that would be incredibly dangerous having the rear wheels with a mind of their own.

I'm interested in a back to back of 2WS 4WS on track or hard driving. I'm taking my 4WS 5G to Blyton park next friday so may try deactivating it for a back to back.

Do not deactivate they are not locked in place only held by springs so there is still some movement which is scary midway through a corner

4th gen 4ws is not properly locked when it is in fault mode, so it does 'have a mind of it's own' as you put it. The rack is held central by springs only when the system is locked out, so there is a small amount of movement (when active, it's firmly held in the centre position by the motor).

Rear wheels (when 4ws is not working - light on the dash) means the rear wheels are only held by springs/tension. So with enough force it can make it dangerous whilst driving. The wheels can just turn whenever they want with enough force.

Best way to deactivate is fit a 2WS rear subframe on your 4WS.

Thanks to everyone for confirming that it uses springs to keep the rack in a central position. I understand your logic but doubt you could generate sufficient force when cornering to overcome the spring force. I'm happy to be proved wrong, has anyone taken apart the rear box and checked the size of the springs, or have some subjective evidence showing the stability is lower when 4ws is inactive?

My main argument is that it would be dangerous to release a car to market with no failsafe (or one which didnt work( under high speed cornering.

Interested in your feedback.

My old Blue Motegi was a bit swirly when the light was on.. When I used to drive it over a rough roads (full of potholes etc) you could feel that the rear wheels were out of place and easily moved by the imperfections on the roads.

Interesting, wonder if a stiffer spring might help that, or a variable rate spring (like progressive susp springs) that are very stiff to begin with (to remove play) and then normal rate when steering is wound on...

I took my 4WS 5th gen on track plenty of times and loved it. IMO the difference in weight is negligible and almost impossible to tell the difference on a road car. I liked how 4WS preforms on track.

As the others have said I wouldn't drive fast with faulty 4WS let alone take it on track.

Sailor wrote:I don't actually do track days as such, but we do try to go to the 'Ring at least once a year. I haven't yet had the confidence to test a Prelude there, largely due to the camber changes on many of the bends.

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest. Handling, be it a 2WS or 4WS car, is one of the Preludes strong points.

mynameisowen wrote:My main argument is that it would be dangerous to release a car to market with no failsafe (or one which didnt work( under high speed cornering.

That is a spurious argument, It is stupid/dangerous to drive fast when any part of the car is broken or not working properly. For instance if the engine light is on your wouldn't (or shouldnt) thrash the car so why do the same for a 4WS light.