Alignments? (Or Captian Jerk Won't Use Search)
#1
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,047
Total Cats: 12
Alignments? (Or Captian Jerk Won't Use Search)
Er, what's the hot spec for alignments?! I guess I want something pretty aggressive - the current is pretty boring.
The other issue, I'm trying to pick a rake, I want to set the relative hieght of the front and the back.
Anyway, suggestions appreciated. This is a reasonably high power car with stiff suspension, fyi.
The other issue, I'm trying to pick a rake, I want to set the relative hieght of the front and the back.
Anyway, suggestions appreciated. This is a reasonably high power car with stiff suspension, fyi.
#3
As far as rake, Shaikh at FCM told me 1/2" was ideal when I was installing his suspension goodies.
He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.
As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.
As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
#12
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,047
Total Cats: 12
Will do - on his web page?
Ah, very good info, that should be enough to let me set the ride heights. Doing this on my freind's lift was the best thing ever did.
I have one SERIOUS complaint about all this, everyone references the ******* fenders. Fenders bend. They hang OFF the important part. I do my measurements on the bolts where the A-arms connect to the "frame". Sure, that can bend, but if it does you've got bigger issues. What I don't know is how a 1/4" on the fender translates, but I guess I'll do my best.
One bit of clarification: 1/2" rake means.... the front is 1/2" lower (fender tip to ground/hub) than the rear?
And about the "personal preference" That's what I'm wondering - what do you high hp, limited slip guys like?
Thanks all.
-Abe.
As far as rake, Shaikh at FCM told me 1/2" was ideal when I was installing his suspension goodies.
He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.
As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.
As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
I have one SERIOUS complaint about all this, everyone references the ******* fenders. Fenders bend. They hang OFF the important part. I do my measurements on the bolts where the A-arms connect to the "frame". Sure, that can bend, but if it does you've got bigger issues. What I don't know is how a 1/4" on the fender translates, but I guess I'll do my best.
One bit of clarification: 1/2" rake means.... the front is 1/2" lower (fender tip to ground/hub) than the rear?
And about the "personal preference" That's what I'm wondering - what do you high hp, limited slip guys like?
Thanks all.
-Abe.
#13
Elite Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Outside Portland Maine
Posts: 2,023
Total Cats: 19
I'm also wondering about alignments for my Daily Driven miata. I've checked out Emilio's page, I don't really meet his requirements. (I care a little about tire wear, and I have the stock springs)
Can anybody offer insight on stock springs and tire wear for Emilio's suggested alignment?
Can anybody offer insight on stock springs and tire wear for Emilio's suggested alignment?
#14
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,047
Total Cats: 12
Suggestions for stock springs? Do yourself a favor, use ANYTHING else. :-P
Actually, for a lark, I cut some springs a while ago on my car, I kinda liked it. It was a bit much for OEM shocks, but not terrible.
I should post the alignment I got, it seems a good compromise. Maybe when I get home.
Actually, for a lark, I cut some springs a while ago on my car, I kinda liked it. It was a bit much for OEM shocks, but not terrible.
I should post the alignment I got, it seems a good compromise. Maybe when I get home.
#15
Elite Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Outside Portland Maine
Posts: 2,023
Total Cats: 19
I'd like new springs, but they're all so expensive. I don't like my car being stock height. I've heard rumors that the AGXs I've got don't play well with very many aftermarket springs, either.
#16
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,047
Total Cats: 12
They don't play nicely with cars. :-) I had a set, they were an upgrade, nowhere near what you can do.
You really want to get adjustable perches. A freind got some for a civic on ebay for like $200 with 500/375 springs. Something like that. Just do it, you'll be better off.
In the mean time, take your springs, cut an inch off. They will drop the car a bit less than what you cut off, and they get stiffer directly proportional to how much you cut. I.E. Shorten the spring 20%, that's not 4/5 as long, and the spring will be 5/4ths as stiff, or +25%. Not going to compete even with FM lowering springs, but it's cheap and easy.
I did this as a joke, and kinda liked it. And with the AGX's on there you will have enough shock to keep up.
Hell, if you're extra good and promise me chocolate pie and beer I might send you my already cut ones.
You really want to get adjustable perches. A freind got some for a civic on ebay for like $200 with 500/375 springs. Something like that. Just do it, you'll be better off.
In the mean time, take your springs, cut an inch off. They will drop the car a bit less than what you cut off, and they get stiffer directly proportional to how much you cut. I.E. Shorten the spring 20%, that's not 4/5 as long, and the spring will be 5/4ths as stiff, or +25%. Not going to compete even with FM lowering springs, but it's cheap and easy.
I did this as a joke, and kinda liked it. And with the AGX's on there you will have enough shock to keep up.
Hell, if you're extra good and promise me chocolate pie and beer I might send you my already cut ones.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post