18 replies to this topic

[E-Speed Motorsports]

This web site is very informative on explaining wheel alignment terms and conditions. It also gives you a visible picture of the terms. It explains in detail a lot of the things that are used and discussed in JD's SM setup guide.

http://www.anewtoron... alignment.html

May help take some of the mystery out of alignment.

[john23]

what is the baseline on a spec miata -2.5 camber and caster?

[davew]

This is the baseline that I but in 99% of my cars. Works great for begineers and mid packers. Many front runners use the same setting.

Assuming 99 hats and Fat Cat bump stops, driver weight in car

4 5/8 to 4 13/16 ride height at pinch weld. Never lower in back, but level is ok

less than 15 pounds cross weight

-3 camber all the way around

1/8 total toe out in front

1/16 total toe in in the back

Caster, 90-97 cars: Maximum available with correct ride height and camber. Then even out. i.e. left 3.5 and right is 4, set both to 3.5. Legally this is about all you can get.

Caster 99+ cars; 4-5 degress. These cars can get more caster than you want.

Some people preach "zero toe for less drag". That is fine if you can get through the corner with zero toe. Most of us can not. I will sacrifice 1 mph on the straight for 5 mph in the corner all day long.

Dave

[FTodaro]

Dave do you routinely get -3 front camber in the front of a 1999. I can't - 2.5 and that is running +5.5 caster and 4.5 ride height.

Do you ever use wedge to tune the car?

[davew]

At that ride height, you should have no problem getting -3 camber.

I do use wedge/dewedge as a tuning tool. But remember, what ever helps in a right turn, will hurt on left turn. So setting close to zero is best for all but the experienced/fast driver. People on the forum who ask basic allignment questions generally are not experienced, nor fast, since they are allmost always new drivers.

Gaining 1 mph in 4 right handers, but loosing 3mph in 2 lefthand turns is not a gain in my style of math. But I failed 8th grade math.

Dave

[Ken Quartuccio]

So Dave what would you adjust or should I say how do you know what to adjust

[Johnny D]

So Dave what would you adjust or should I say how do you know what to adjust

Have you downloaded the Spec Miata Setup Guide up top?
J~

[Ken Quartuccio]

I just wonder how you know what's the right thing to play with first
Wedge,toe,camber,sway bars and finally air pressure to effect the handle

[Johnny D]

I just wonder how you know what's the right thing to play with first
Wedge,toe,camber,sway bars and finally air pressure to effect the handle

Why don't you download the guide and see if you're still wondering.

Also Mr Wheelers (davew) book is very good and has pictures.
http://www.advanced-...7e33bf4245435c0
J~

[Ken Quartuccio]

Thanks Johnny

[E-Speed Motorsports]

Why don't you download the guide and see if you're still wondering.

I have tried several times to download Jim Daniel's new set up guide from here: http://mazdaracers.c...p?app=downloads but it always tells me that an error has occurred, logged in or not. Can someone send me a link that works? I've got a copy of the old one that he did and would like to see the newer version.

Thanks

[Johnny D]

It the SpecMiata.com one. sm_setup_v2
J~

[Tom Hampton]

E-speed. What error are you getting? I just tried and it downloads fine for me.

[E-Speed Motorsports]

E-speed. What error are you getting? I just tried and it downloads fine for me.

[#10850.2] An internal error occurred. Please contact an administrator

Every time I try.

[Johnny D]

If there was only a way to send files across the internet.
J~

[FTodaro]

I just wonder how you know what's the right thing to play with first
Wedge,toe,camber,sway bars and finally air pressure to effect the handle

My answer is you don't know till you try it. but that is not the full answer. I am still trying to figure it all out but I am working on it. I have scales and I do my own alignment with the Iron canyon set up. it is simply a matter of trial and error. In my mind there is a basic or close to basic set up on your car for the given track you run. after several laps I have figured out what is the best or best I can attain Camber based on repeated tire temp tests with a pyrometer.

I like to run 0 toe, but that is one of the things to play with. we do not have much to play with on the sways but its another factor. The set up guide is a good place to start reading about what changes should be considered for the type of condition you are trying to overcome. there are also several books and good guides on the net to help you. but in the end it really comes down to taking the time to do your own research to make a change, (one at a time) and evaluate it. Just no short cuts to this hobby.

[Tom Hampton]

If there was only a way to send files across the internet.
J~

Lol.

[Tom Hampton]

[#10850.2] An internal error occurred. Please contact an administrator

Every time I try.

Without being too much of a smart aleck...

Did you contact admins@mazdaracers.com? One of them may
read this thread, but...

Pm me with your email and I will email it to you.

[Ken Quartuccio]

Thanks frank