Auto Racing: Adjustable strut settings, adjustable struts, tire pyrometer

Question
Dan,

Dave here again with questions about my 93 Eagle Talon.  I drive on a 3/8 mile asphalt track with 6 - 12 degree banking.  We installed KYB adjustable struts on the front of the car and I'm not sure whether to firm up both struts or to make one firm and the other soft.  

What's your suggestion?

Thanks,

Dave

Answer
Hi again Dave:

MY REAL E-MAIL :  DNLDDY@AOL.COM

You'll probably have to derive your own answer from trial and error.  Basically though. the stiffer the setting , the more likely you are to develop a 'tight' condition.

However, a lot of what you do to the rear of the car will control what happens up front.
In your case I would set the LR shock to max rebound to limit dive and weight transfer under braking, and leave the RF at medium for both bump and rebound.

You should also try the LF at max rebound to keep that corner down on the track, and set the LR at medium both. Also keep the LR on soft rebound.  

I doubt with that limited HP car, you'll have trouble with forward bite, but if you do, soften the RF AND the LF  (reduce your bump setting )

You can learn a LOT from an old, dated book I recommend, called "How To Make Your Car Handle" by Fred Puhn - - -Many bookstores keep a copy around, or they can order it for you. It's about $16.00 and helped me win several championships.  You will find it a little light on the FWD cars but the principals are the same. And no one racing anywhere should be without a subscription to Circle Track magazine (www.circletrack.com).  A wealth of tech articles, most of them are related to larger V-8 racing but the same ideas prevail in all groups.

Additional tips. You should be running about 1//16" of toe out on both front wheels. Rear tow should be 1/16" total toe in.
LF Camber 2 Deg., Positive,
RF Camber 4-5 Deg. Negative
and about 4 Deg. positive caster.

Get a tire pyrometer, the infra red laser kind are best and sell for around $60.00 but Harbor Freight sells a cheapie for $30 or so. Tire temperatures are discussed in depth in the "How To- - - " book.

Hopefully this will get you out of the corners a bit more promptly !  

Best of Luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida