Alignment Specs anyone?

JCoop · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:39 AM

Does anyone have wheel alignment specifications for the SPF MkIII ?
Between the 460's added weight and 275 17's up front, it's a brute wrestling the steering wheel. A friend's shop has a great computerized machine that I can use...

TIA

wtm442 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:45 AM

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82126

Silverback51 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtm442

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82126

Warren beat me to it.

I was even going to give him credit for posting it for me.

wtm442 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 07:58 AM

You might want to call Dennis Olthoff (704-647-9924) to ask for his suggestions with the big tires and heavy engine up front.

I do not think any alignment will reduce the amount of force necessary to turn the steering wheel. You could:

1) Get a larger dia steering wheel
2) Increase front tire pressure
3) Power steering
http://www.secondstrike.com/SecondSt...erSteering.htm

I am definitely considering the power steering this winter and I have smaller tires and a lighter engine!

Kenm4187 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 05:30 PM

I have a small block and run 275's up front for Auto-cross. I put the power steering unit on and what a difference. It's a little pricey but nice.

Ken 2560

Stentor · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtm442

You might want to call Dennis Olthoff (704-647-9924) to ask for his suggestions with the big tires and heavy engine up front.

I do not think any alignment will reduce the amount of force necessary to turn the steering wheel. You could:

1) Get a larger dia steering wheel
2) Increase front tire pressure
3) Power steering
http://www.secondstrike.com/SecondSt...erSteering.htm

I am definitely considering the power steering this winter and I have smaller tires and a lighter engine!

I agree. Give Dennis Olthoff a call--he knows his stuff.

cobred · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2007, 10:18 PM

The more positive caster the car has the harder it will be to turn the wheel but the better it will return out of a turn and will be more stable on the road. About 4 degrees positive should be a good compromise.

Got the Bug · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 10:52 AM

You guys need to hit the weight machine and eat your spinach

.

Low speed turns (i.e. u-turn) do take a bit of effort. I can definitely see the benefit of power steering for auto-crossing.

JCoop · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 02:19 PM

Thanks all for the suggestions.
I did look into the power steering add-on when it first came out. But I thought I should do the alignment to specs (especially castor) before doing anything dra$$$tic. I think castor may be set too high.
Dennis O. has helped me in the past with brake setup for track work. I'll give him a call.
I've tried higher tire pressures. Running at the correct 25PSI, the 17's and the 425# springs make it a pretty wild (bumpy) ride with very little steering effort improvement. So, I keep it at 20PSI. Maybe higher tire pressure and lower shock dampening adjustment? Haven't tried that combo.

I put on the top today and went for a nice ride. I forgot how ugly that top was! And how all the squeaks and rattles even out the reduced exhaust noise...

wtm442 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCoop

I put on the top today and went for a nice ride. I forgot how ugly that top was!

My top was put into the cellar on day 1 and has not moved! Not only ugly, but at my size I can not get into the car without major surgery with the top on!

Let me know what Dennis says about alignment vs what is published in the owners manual.