Car setup - can anyone help?

[samier]

After Mallory Park, I have realised that I need to get the setup of my car sorted out Asap. The car is running at over 50mm and could do with getting it setup, ie ride height, corner weight, camber etc. Is there anyone who has the equipment here who could do this for me at Donington? I would be happy to pay. Is anyone going there on Saturday?

[tristancliffe]

Samier,

We are arriving on Saturday evening. Whilst we don't have electronic scales or laser alignment stuff I can bring mechanic corner weight gauges, string (for toe) and various bits and bobs for getting ride height right. It's how we do our own cars (apart from the corner weights). It'll be just as accurate, but might take a little longer than with expensive electronics.

However, if you wish to hold out for flat patches, digital scales, laser alignments and other techno-goodness then I shall understand. The offer is there.

No idea what to charge though. You'd have to decide on what's fair. We were never paid for the garage share at testing that you pulled out of.

[samier]

Tristan, you have a PM.

Will dropping the ride from 50+ to about 42mm make a noticable difference on the level of mechanical grip? I know I still have a good few seconds I need to find in myself, but I can help but think that as the car is setup for hill climbing its some what not totally suited for circuits. At gerrards I was always on the knife edge.. ultimately on the last race I spun off when trying to take it faster!

[tristancliffe]

Tristan, you have a PM.

Will dropping the ride from 50+ to about 42mm make a noticable difference on the level of mechanical grip? I know I still have a good few seconds I need to find in myself, but I can help but think that as the car is setup for hill climbing its some what not totally suited for circuits. At gerrards I was always on the knife edge.. ultimately on the last race I spun off when trying to take it faster!

I think it will make an appreciable difference - your suspension will be closer to the intended ride heights, roll centres and CoG heights will be improved too.

Will reply to PM shortly... just got back from collecting a customers car from Sarfend...

[Shakeyfinch]

Tristan, you have a PM.

Will dropping the ride from 50+ to about 42mm make a noticable difference on the level of mechanical grip? I know I still have a good few seconds I need to find in myself, but I can help but think that as the car is setup for hill climbing its some what not totally suited for circuits. At gerrards I was always on the knife edge.. ultimately on the last race I spun off when trying to take it faster!

As a general rule i'd say the lower they are the faster they go.

[samier]

..........

[samier]

Everytime I see Tony Cottons car I wish mine was as low too!! Well I still need to find some more time... I am still learning!

[tristancliffe]

yeah... Everytime I see Tony Cottons car I wish mine was like that that too!! well i still need to find some more time... I am still learning!

We're all still learning!! But I know what you mean. Confidence in the car is a massive bonus though, especially with something like yours that needs to be slid around a lot.

Don't let Tony know someone envies his car. We still haven't managed to calm him down sunce the last time, and his recent double victory isn't helping. Is he the only one awarded prize money?

[samier]

Well thats the thing with the FVJ I found you do need to slide them around to get some decent times from them.. sliding them around Gerrards at around 90 does take some time getting used to..

I have been thinking of putting wider tyres on the car front and rear and see how it feels.. maybe some wings too... I know people say it will slow the car down, but its not like its a 100bhp engine I have in the car.. many others are running 1600 engines with 8" and 10" tyres....

[tristancliffe]

I think wider tyres and wings would be a route for the future. But first I think you should get used to the car as it is, rather than muddying the water even further.

When the car is setup properly then you'll be sliding through Gerrards at 90mph without even realising it. It'll just be natural. That sort of handling, where you have total confidence in what the car will do next, and confidence that when it does break away it's progressive and catchable. This is, I believe, vital in a FVJ (and other wingless, FFordesque cars).

However, you are running on slicks, and the optimum slip angle for slicks is lower than for treaded tyres, so you shouldn't be quite as slidey as the FFord bunch on treads.

[samier]

yep, I will see how the car feels after setup has been done... I still want to do a good few races before I try wider tyres and wings, but it is something I am considering in the not to distant future.

Shame this years calender is somewhat limited and no Spa!

[tristancliffe]

yep, I will see how the car feels after setup has been done... I still want to do a good few races before I try wider tyres and wings, but it is something I am considering in the not to distant future.

Shame this years calender is somewhat limited and no Spa!

Spa I'd agree with. But as all the tracks we are visiting bar Mallory will be new to you I don't think variety is a problem! You won't have time to be bored of Silverstone (for example) as you'll be learning it