Autocross and Road Racing Technique There is more to life than a straight line

Autocross alignment settings

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Old Dec 10, 2003 | 04:19 PM
  #1  
Sandman_97Z's Avatar
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Autocross alignment settings

I run the Eiback Pro-Kit on my car, so it is lowered 1.25" to 1.50".

I daily drive, and autocross my car.

I'm just curious as to what alignment settings people with a similar situation are using...or any recommendations

Thanks
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 08:12 AM
  #2  
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Mine's a daily driver and autocrosser also. I run the following:

-1.2 camber (going for more....)
4.8 caster
0 toe

I'm going to be running (thanks to Sam) 3/32 total toe out.
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:27 AM
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Thanks for the reply.

An instructor told me that with his F-Body, he used to run:

-1.5 camber
1/16" total toe out

He didnt say anything about the caster.

I know the negative camber helps increase tire to road contact in turns, and I know that a bit of toe out helps with turn in on the AutoX course (but the car will have slightly more tendency to follow road grooves).

I dont know what caster does and how it affects the car. Anyone care to explain?

And by the way...how many degrees is 1/16" and 3/32" total toe out?

Thanks again

Last edited by Sandman_97Z; Dec 11, 2003 at 09:34 AM.
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:31 AM
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Caster is the vertical angle made by a line between the upper and lower ball joints, when viewed from the side. Positive caster describes a condition where the upper end of the pivot axis tilts towards the rear of the car. Positive caster generates the force to automatically straighten the tires when the steering wheel is released.
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:33 AM
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Sandman_97Z's Avatar
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Ahh ok

Are there any downsides to more caster than factory (which is like 3 degrees or so i think)?

Last edited by Sandman_97Z; Dec 11, 2003 at 09:37 AM.
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:35 AM
  #6  
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I haven't noticed anything at all.
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:39 AM
  #7  
Sandman_97Z's Avatar
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Ok and one last question about the caster

How is that 4.8 degrees caster working out for you?

If you havent gathered it already, I'll be getting an alignment soon...I have had one since i started AutoXing.....

Thanks for your help!
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:49 AM
  #8  
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There are two changes I'm going to make.

I want a little toe out. Even though my car is my primary transportation, a little toe out will be ok for me, but keep in mind, maybe not for everyone. Toe out can possibly equate to oversteer, especially at higher speeds so inexperienced drivers should probably stick with toe in or 0 toe. I've been running 0 toe and it's not bad but I'm trying to optimize for autocross, not street driving, I'm willing to accept the sacrifices.

Camber, all 4th gen F-Body's are camber challenged. It's tough to get more than about -.7 on a stock car. Car's that have been lowered can get more but I will never be able to get as much as I'd like to have (and still live within the ESP rules).

Caster hasn't been a problem at all, I like it. I'm sure there has to be some limit but 4.8 doesn't seem to be it.

Just keep in mind that the toe out and negative camber will cause more wander when driving down the road, some people aren't willing to accept that in their daily driver.
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