stock suspension alignment #s

[cullen winter]

I just got the car back from a local shop for an alignment. This is what they gave me. It is far from what I asked for, but I was told this was the max on the -camber and +caster. Are they just inept, slaves to what the computer tells them, or is this realistic with stock parts (except for sways) ?

front

camber -1.8

caster +2.2

toe 0.0

 

rear

camber -.9

toe -0.10

 

If I can get better #s than this, do any of you RM gents have the skills to help me tweak the camber and caster at Pueblo ? My favorite alignment guys are in ALB, and I don't have time to make a trip down there. Thanks guys

[944-Spec#94]

I can get -2.5 camber from the rear on my car. -1.8 front is about right for stock struts.

 

Even so there rear is ok given what you have infront.

[cullen winter]

Thanks Joe, what about caster ? I thought these cars had like +4 degrees without plates. I'm used to my WRX wagon which I has +5.5.

[944-Spec#94]

I think 2 is right for early cars. Remember it is not adujustable on these and you sort of get what you get.

[Chuck T.]

we have a trick to get a little more camber from the front but I do not know if it's what you want ...

[cullen winter]

Thanks Chuck, maybe if there's time you can show me next weekend. With the mild camber setting, I'm not sure how aggressive I should be with the caster.

[944-Spec#94]

Cullen,

Given the numbers you have I think you are close enough for starting out. The aligment may not be perfect, but still good enough to get the job done. Once you change springs and lower the car you will need to make adjustments anyway. By then you should have a better handle on what works. The goal with your first track alignment is just to not be way off that would create handling problems.

 

Even after years of racing you can always refine it and possible gain some speed.

[cullen winter]

Thanks Joe, I'm just spoiled because of the set-up I have on my wagon. Lot's o' - camber and + caster.

 

New question....I'm noticing that a lot of drivers have their cars slammed pretty low, but haven't seen any mention of messing up the roll center by lowering too much. Is that because of the torsion bar rear end, or springs stiff enough to get rid of the body roll ? I thought that was the problem with lowering a mac-strut suspension too much, that while the CG is lower, the roll center goes up. Where am I off on this ?