Schumi - thanks for your help and simple is good. I am familiar with most of the terms, but not necessarily how changes directly affect the outcome and handling in the end - like camber and caster. I have set up my 911 with specific alignment settings based on what I've read works and from reading tire wear, but I haven't had the time or resources to try all sorts of different adjustments to see how they affect the handling. This is the ultimate learning experiment for me and my boys in that I have no time deadline, the frame is malleable (to a point) so if something does not work correctly, we can try a different design.
I will try to straighten the tie rods. Does it matter if they attach ahead of the front wheel pivot point or behind? I did build in some caster and some neg. camber in the front, but not nearly as much as you suggest. I also did a bit more research on Ackermann angle which is also something I can try to correct. Thanks for your link too.
Here's a few links that helped me w/the Ackermann concept:
Ackermann steering geometry - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
YouTube - Neurotikart II - Steering setup
At the end of the day, this is just a fun learning project w/my kids. We have no other worldly intentions w/it. It would be nice if it drove really well when it was done though!
I'm sure I'll be back with more questions after the next round of refinements!
Thanks,
Tom