Suspension Set Up Thoughts

[Guest SpudZ]

Hey All,

After a slow start to the season. I had some problems getting my car

to run on all 6 cylinders.I finally made it to the last two autocrosses.

 

Here is my problem. My suspension is pretty worn out. I have a huge

negative camber problem . The car has already eaten a set of street tires

to the point I corded one on the way to an autocross. This is what I found

out while changing to some Eibach lowering springs. The front two strut

inserts are about dead. I pulled and pushed on the tire assemblies to check

for any freeplay and couldn't find any. The rear springs I installed were

a cut set of Nissan stock springs. The springs came with the used sway

bars I bought, and were put on to see how they work.

 

I really need to get my suspension sorted out. First of all for safety reasons,

and then for handling. I don't plan on driving on the street much, so ride

comfort isn't an issue. The things I have noticed that with the cut rear

springs on a rough course I have to much travel. The springs float in between

the perch and the top hat when extended. I was bouncing in the back, so bad

my tires were spinning and not hooking up. This problem wasn't noticed on my

first event ,since we ran on a road course. The front shocks aren't doing much

of anything at this point. Scary thing is I am beating much better prepared cars

, and am closeing on others. I need lower gears then the 3:36's to get off the

line and out of corners a bit better.

 

Now to the advise part. I have a set of the coil over sleeves and rings that

John C gave me. Thanks John !!!!!!! I was thinking of getting a set of EMI

racing camber plates. I have a call into Erik over there , and am waiting for

a reply. I am planning on changing all the bushings , but I am not sure if

I should get the complete kits or piece together certain bushings for the

control arms and the rest of the suspension. To save money at this time

and get me ready for two events in September I was thinking of buying

the front strut cartridges ( Tokico Illuminas or Koni's) preferably Koni's.

Anybody have the correct part number for the adjustable Koni's for a

2" sectioned front strut assembly ? What spring rates would you guys advise ?

The car will mostly be autocrossed and Hillclimbed. I will also throw a Solo 1

Event or two in there. I have already been in contact with Hillclimbers and

the guy who issues the Solo 1 Novice license.

 

Thanks for all your Help,

Mike

73 ' L28 SU's BSP/ Next year probably SM2

[260DET]

There has been quite a few posts fairly recently on most of the various points you have mnentioned. From what I recall, for Autocross you need a lot of caster on the front and not so much camber. Keeping in mind that when you use a lot of steering input, caster creates more negative camber. But a lot of caster tends to make the steering heavy.

 

The yellow Koni's are a good value for money shock in my experience. Have seen late Toyota MR2 cartridges mentioned as being suitable. I use 250 lb springs all round for race circuit and road use but I have no experience with autocross, so be warned.

[Guest SpudZ]

Hey Richard,

Thanks for the info. I have a few different alignment set up numbers here

in my files. I just need to get to the point that I am ready to align the front

end.

 

I read about the MR2 front struts cartidges, but doesn't anybody have the part

number for them. On the Spring rate I was leaning toward something like 225 # or

250 # springs.

 

I guess I should get busy and unload some bits on Ebay first , so I have the money in hand.

 

http://www.asnw.org/ASNW/pages/MVC-590F.htm

 

Thats a picture of my car at the Road Course. This winter its paint time

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

SpudZ, Have you talked with Kim Blough at Idaho Z's? He is verry knoledgable and could be of help to you here in our back yard. His # is 466-0004. By the way I'm in Meridian and looking at doiing a little raceing myself. Were you at BSU last Sunday? CLYTLE

[Guest SpudZ]

Hey,

I am up here in the North. I have been autocrossing over in Spokane.

Hopefully next year I can make it down to either the Freezeout or the

Bogus Basin Hillclimb. Don Miller one of the Roadster guys is big into

the autocross scene down your way.

 

I have Spoken on the phone a few times with Kim, and he has helped

me a with a couple of issues I had. I was going to try and meet up

with him for the trip to Shasta this year.

 

Thanks for the info,

Mike