Suspension adjustments and how they affect handling

M.Bonanni

Now I will give some sample suspension and alignment settings for different types of driving. Bear in mind these are only examples or starting points. Every car and driver is different and when it comes to fine tuning suspension, it is a never ending battle as so many things can affect it.

Ride Height:
Road Racing - As low as you can go while still running ideal alignment settings and avoiding too much camber gain and/or not enough ground clearance.
Drag Racing - Same as Road Racing, although probably won't be able to go quite as low.
Street Driving - Same as above, with ground clearance being the main concern.

Dampening:
Road Racing - Depends on the track and handling characteristics of the car.
Drag Racing - Generally softer in the back and stiffer up front to help the car squat. (RWD Cars)
Street Driving - Most will want full soft for comfort reasons.

Spring Rates:
Road Racing - Linear springs, depending on weight of vehicle and handling characteristics.
Drag Racing - Like dampening, probably softer in the rear, stiffer in the front (RWD Cars)
Street Driving - Progressive springs, rates depend on vehicle and user preferences of stiffness.

Camber:
Road Racing - Negative Camber.
Drag Racing - 0 Camber (Maybe some negative camber in the front to lessen the contact patch and rolling resistance on RWD cars.)
Street Driving - 0 or very mild negative camber front and rear to maximize tire life.

Caster:
Positive for any type of driving.

Toe:
Ideally 0 for all types of driving.

Sway Bars:
Road Racing - Stiff.
Drag Racing - Remove them to save weight .
Street Driving - Medium or Stiff

Tire Pressure:
Road Racing - Changes for every vehicle, day, track, weather conditions, you name it.
Drag Racing - Same as road racing, but generally less in the rear, more in the front. (RWD Cars)
Street Driving - Manufacturer recommended tire pressures.

Hopefully this helps someone out there. If you have any more specific questions, need help diagnosing handling issues, or need help choosing suspension components for your specific car, please don't hesitate to ask.!

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