Once the Datto is back together I plan to modify the car in stages, and evaluate the effectiveness of the mods in acceleration, braking and cornering.

To do this I'm thinking up a list of repeatable, objective tests I can do - that will show the difference of one mod to the next.

Here's what I'm thinking so far (without going to a dyno):
Acceleration: 0-100, 0-60,

LAPTIMES!

The only prob with lap times...is waiting to get another chance to drive at the same circuit, and also, there are too many other variables on a lap.

Like track temp, tire temp, driver skill (mine varies a little too much I think), the list goes on...

If I can find a good bit of bitumen off public roads to do my testing - I could test whenever I wanted....that's the concept anyway.

try braking & accelerating in & out of corners

Get yourself a G-Tech Meter. It can tell you quarter mile and 0 - 100km/h times including terminal speed. It will also measure cornering G's, acceleration and decceleration G's. I have one and have found it to be within 2 tenths and 1 mp/h of the quarter mile times I have done at Willowbank. Very cheap to buy on Ebay too.
Matty

This is the most sensible aproach that I have seen yet.
For cornering characteristics, see if you can find a carpark that is empty on Sundays, or some other large patch of pavement or concrete. I know it is a bit hard these days, but have a look around anyway.

Next, with a friend & a rope, mark out a 30m circle, or some other diameter that you like and can repeat.
Next, drive around the circle at a steadily increasing speed. It might be a good idea to have a friend behind you to watch the oil pressure and speed, and nothing else, particularly if you think that you can generate close to one G of lateral force.
This is a repeatable test and will show up some interesting traits with diferent tyres and suspension changes. Oversteer or understeer should show up nicely too.

It would be good to have another car as a benchmark to test at the same time. Something that you know is quick & handles. Anyone got a RX8??

Everywhere I go I'm looking for 'test tracks' - I'll have to check the legality too..if it is not a public road and instead is private property like a car park, who says I can drive around in circles madly?

I was thinking a lot about this testing last night, figure 8's, slaloms etc...but I think the steady state circle is the best approach.

Most circuit corners, particularly high speed ones are fairly steady state or constantly turning.

I also think you have to test the car turning left and turning right - as in some cars this is different. This should also show up any alignment/ loose bearing problems too.

If we come up with a standard too the result will be reasonably comparitive, so everyone can have a go. Surfaces, tire pressures, "track" temps, tire sizes etc...will vary as long as it is done in similar types of conditions the info should be comparable.

Glad to have some reassurance, as I can't think of a better way to test cornering that is repeatable and does not rely (much) on driver skill.

Oh - I have the XR6 (which will be replaced with an XR6T very soon) to benchmark against. I know a Falcon aint much of a benchmark....maybe I can get a Skyline or even an early series RX7 to have a crack.

Look for a nice cloverleaf.

I guess by that matt - you mean test track = I'd be well lucky to find one.

Otherwise I'm too slow to get the joke.

I wonder if they would let me do it at the Calder off street drags? - long way for me to go for testing...I'll keep looking (for that cloverleaf).