Suspension Setup...whats "right" and how do you dial it in??

lineslinger · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 11:02 AM

I have been taking notice of commentary on the wide varieties of suspension setups available and how, if improperly adjusted, said setup can be called anything from great to stiff to bumpy to scary to dangerous.
Say you have just taken delivery or finished construction of your Cobra, as far as handling and suspension, what should you do now for proper and safe adjustment... and how do you go about it?
My knowledge of tuning in a suspension is limited at best, a lot of reading and limited trial and error. What feels right is not necessarily the safest or best adjustment for any specific car.
I know the engine weight, placement and its torque capabilities has a major influence as well as the style of suspension you ordered/installed, whether you are runing a solid rear axle or IRS, tire type and wheel size, and type of driving the car is designated for.
Can someone offer up an accepted or tried and true process, maybe step by step (?) through which you can find the optimal setting for your car given?
450+hp in a light little 2400 lb. like car like a Cobra is a challenge to begin with, a well tuned suspension it seems has to be part of the "big picture".

Mark

pmfranke · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 11:20 AM

i too would like to know! my front end seems way to stiff (no comments, please) and too low.

JBCOBRA · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 12:17 PM

Putting your car on scales is extremely important. Most people call that "corner weighting" You adjust the coil overs until the car is balanced on the corners/tires. You can even put weight (whatever you weigh) in the driver seat while you are adjusting the coil overs. Make your adjustments with the sway bars not attached, because sometimes they are uneven as well. Then check it with the bars attached. Sometimes one side of the bar(s) needs a little work/adjustments.
Spf recommends running a 1/16th of toe in front and rear (I think) camber, maybe a half?
If your car is dialed in, they generally go straight under hard acceleration well, and corner really well with predictability. When I first got the car, it was ALL over the place. Made faster rights than lefts, rear end stepped out bigtime on power shifts..... etc
Took some tinkering to get it right, but boy o boy was it worth it!
JB

Waiting for the rain to go away.

peters44 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 04:43 PM

I have a new Backdraft on order. Is corner weighting typicaly done before a new car is deliverd or is up to the new owner to figure out?

Tim Brewer · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 06:31 PM

It's up to the new owner to figure out...

RICK LAKE · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 11:06 AM

Lineslinger Mark where were you on Wedsday of Run&Gun?? For $100.00 you got a 3 1/2 hour class on basic suspension setups and get your car wieghted as many times as you wanted. But no, you where to BUSY shooting pictures of mens a$$es

. Thanks Mark Maybe next year you can keep your eye on the car and ball. As if the broken car was not enough, I needed to see my butt

maybe next yearyou can get the important things done first

Rick Lake

lineslinger · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 02:14 PM

Rick,
So that was your mechanics crack hanging out, the shot was too funny to pass up, on WED. I was sitting in a tree waiting for Bambis grandfather to walk by...no luck. I know I missed some informative information but my car purchase is just around the corner and I want to get all my homework finished ahead of time.