Suspension Setup

JIM GALLO · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2001, 12:04 PM

HAVE ANY OF YOU GUYS FOUND A KNOWLEDGEABLE FRONT END SHOP THAT WILL SETUP THE FRONT END? I USED A LOCAL FOR THE INTIAL ALIGNMENT. SO FAR THE TIRES ARE WEARING FINE, BUT GET ON I-71 AND RUN 70 TO 80 AND IT IS TWITCHY. RAISING TIRE PRESSURE TO 26 LBS HELPED THE COOPER COBRA TIRES STOP FLEXING BUT STILL DOES NOT INSPIRE A WHOLE LOT OF CONFIDENCE. MAKES ME WONDER WHAT THE GUYS THAT RUN 120 - 130 HAVE THAT I DON'T. BIGGER CAJONES?

dalola · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2001, 01:29 PM

Jim,

I have access to alignment equipment here at work, and do all my own set-up, but I hear Johnson's Garage in Raymond does a lot of the alignments for sprint cars and hot rods around this area. Their number is 937-246-2541. Not sure how far you are, Raymond is Northwest of Columbus.

P.S. Are you planning to attend the September meeting? We'd love to have you!

Dave

JIM GALLO · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2001, 05:08 AM

DAVE, JOHNSON'S IS A LITTLE FURTHER THAN I WOULD LIKE BUT IF IT TURNS OUT THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES TO DO IT, SO BE IT.

WHAT SETTINGS ARE YOU USING?

THE SHOP I USED GAVE ME A PRINTOUT OF THE RESULTS AND EVERYTHING IS IN THE MIDDLE OF WHAT SHELL VALLEY RECOMENDS

AS TO THE SEPTEMBER MEETING, IT IS DEPENDANT ON THE CAR. I AM WORKING ON THE SIDE PIPES TO QUIET THEM DOWN. A TRIP TO COLUMBUS WOULD REQUIRE EAR PLUGS.

dalola · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2001, 05:28 AM

Jim,

I started off with center spec for Mustang ll, then tweaked it from there. I like a little more negative camber, especially for higher speed stability. Tire wear may be an issue, but at only a few thousand miles a year, no biggie. You can also play with toe, although I wouldn't recommend venturing to far here. Try to keep it within spec range, but try both ends. It sounds like you are where you want to be as far as ready to start fine tuning. Make one adjustment at a time, then test drive. Basically, I think if you dial in a little more neg. camber, you will be in good shape. I hope you can find a shop that is patient, and will work with you on it. Try to find a place that works on performance cars, and knows how to make adjustments based on driving feel, not just numbers. Talk to some of the racers in your area, see who they use.

As far as the meeting, I'm sure some will be driving their "other" cars, so don't worry about that. Right now, we just want to get people organized, and interested! Please consider it. The more, the better!

Dave