I’m going completely new on my V8 Exocet suspension, down to the nuts and bolts. This will be 99% street and probably a pretty even mix of highway and city driving, but there’s a lot of unpopulated roads with hills and curves where I live that I’d like to take advantage of. I also wouldn’t mind trying out an occasional auto-x event locally. Due to this, I think I’d be okay with the Dual Duty alignment specs listed on 949’s site. However, I’m starting off with such a huge change from a stock Miata that I’m not sure if I’ve actually reached a point of TOO much adjustability. Is there such a thing? My main question is with the additional adjustability of the V8R arms, are extended lower ball joints needed to hit my intended alignment specs? Is there any downside, such as not being able to adjust back from having too much camber?

I’ll give a rundown of my chassis setup in case there’s any other changes or suggestions that come up. Estimated final weight is 1800-1900lbs. Planning on control arms being flat angle or less, doesn’t need to be excessively lowered.

Exocet Race Chassis w/full bodywork
V8R tubular front and rear subframes (LS swap front/Explorer 8.8 rear)
V8R Pro Series control arms (Rod End joints) *These include additional eccentric adjustments at the front lower outer and rear upper outer points.
Stock 2001 front spindles, likely with Miatahubs hubs
Stock 2001 rear spindles, with V8R spherical upper bearing
Explorer 8.8 differential with solid mounts, DSS Stage 2 axles and billet hubs
FM Fox Coilover suspension
FM Stage 4 Wilwood brake kit
Depowered 2001 steering rack (proper depower with welded shaft) with FM rack mount bushings, mounted at stock height
Supermiata Inner Tie Rod Ends
OEM Mazda R-package Outer Tie Rod Ends
Epowersteering Electric Power Steering kit w/tunable assist
Currently stock sway bars, but open to changes here
15x8 wheels with 245/40R15 Maxxis VR1’s, may experiment with 275’s one day.

 

No need for elbj with those arms. I have the v8 roadster arms and there is a LOT of adjustment.
I have experienced the elbj’s wearing quickly. Have had good luck with the Supermiata lower ball joints.

 

That’s about what I expected. How far out did you start off with your rod ends adjusted?

 

About 1/2” of threads showing. The lower ball joint is in about the middle of the adjustment. 3* of camber. I do have kiesler spindles that add some camber but there is a lot of adjustment.

 

I have also found this. Have gone through two sets of elbjs in 2000km and looking for replacements again.
are the SM BJs you had good luck with the Extended ones or std length?

 

The 2 sets I wore out were Bauer.
I was unaware sm had ext lowers but see they do.
I am using there standard length at this time

 

V8R confirmed no need for ELBJ’s with their control arms.