race setup - total toe or toe per side?

[synthesis]

dave darling's notes:

Sticky tires, 220# springs/21mm torsions/22mm front sway bar, track w/some autoX:
-2.0 deg camber F
-3.0 deg camber R
~1/16 inch toe-OUT front
~1/16 inch toe-IN rear

Would that be 1/16" toe per side or 1/16" to total?

Also, wouldn't 1/8" toe in at the rear be better for a racecar with the above specs?

thanks,
dr

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Total. Measuring the front toe per side is close to (but not completely) meaningless. For the rear, each side would get half that.

For a race car, though, you really need to get a pyrometer to be able to set the alignment and tire pressures accurately. The above are "general hints"--everyone's car and driving style is different, and you can get lower lap times by departing significantly from the suggestions above in some or many cases.

--DD

[J P Stein]

I recently took ulf to the track. My alignment specs are 1/16 toe, front and rear & -2 deg camber both ends.

At approx 100 mph the back end of the car started moving around...a bunch This was not under brakeing....straight line acceleration. I *suspect* it is a combination of rear lift and too little toe at that end. As the rear lifts, the toe decreases. Braking will also cause this....rear lift +braking forces pulling the toe out.
Oddly enough, I didn't have braking stability problems when close to the *nasty* speed zone....that has me a bit confused.
Needless to say, before I take the car to the track again, I'll be digging into the rear suspension. There may be something else going on there.

As far as camber is concerned, it's a matter of what your tires like. Both Rspec Kumhos & Hoosiers like some negative camber.
*On my car* -2 at the rear is too much. The insides of the tires are getting hotter than the outsides. The front seems to be spot on.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

This shows you why you really do need a pyrometer! The "general hints" are not correct in all cases! Frankly, they're probably wrong at least as often as they're right, in one particular or more.

If you're serious, get yourself a pyrometer and learn how to use it and interpret the readings!

--DD

[synthesis]

thanks david,

I was just looking for a baseline setup. We have only run the car once since we finished the chassis.

Will check the temps at the track this weekend.

thanks,
dr