Auto Racing: fwd Honda civic race car, independent rear suspension, dot tires

Question
Hello,I was searching for some ideas on this front wheel drive stuff. I have raced myself and did well, but trying to get a buddy going good and can't seem to figure it out. He's OK for 4 or 5 laps then just horrible after that, and what I mean is very bad handling (pushes up the race track) So the next step that I'm trying is space the sway bar on the right and preload the left. If you could, please help with any suggestions

Answer
Hi John:

I've never done any assymetrical set-ups for circle track stuff, but I think you may have it backwards. But try both.  Here's the set up I recommend for all FWD cars.

LF +2 Deg.Camber(positive) RF -4 to 5 Deg Camber(negative)
LF  1/16 toe out        RF  1/8 to 3/16" toe out
LF and RF Caster:  up to 5 Deg. Adjusst caster so the car is nearly impossible to steer in the paddock but only moderately heavy at speed
Caster is faster !!!

LR + 2 Deg Camber       RR  - 2 Deg. Camber
LR  1/32"  toe in       RR  1/32" toe in

Your Honda has independent rear suspension, play with it to loosen it up. The push may be partially due to the back being too "good".

The other problem you're having is the RF tire is overheating, try reducing the air pressure in increments of 1 pound PSI each session until it sterts responding. Taing tire temps will help you a lot.  Take the temps on the outside edge, center and inside edge of the tire (about 1" in from the sidewall)  If it's hot in the middle , you have too much air.  The inside edge should be about 15 Deg hotter (Farenheit) than the rest of the tire. But if the center is as hot as the inside , there's too much pressure, if it's over 20 deg. colder, then there's not enough pressure.  Note that with low pressure the sidewall and outside edge both will show higher temps.

Now if you are forced to run DOT tires. Check your rules for what's required, and if there are no limits, contact Appalachian Race Tire at 105 Tom Pate Rd., Johnson City, Tenn., phone is 865-681-6622 , ask them about Hoosier "Street Stock" or "Improved Touring" tires. I'd recommend the 185 or 195X60 R13.

My bible for handlng is the book "How To Make Your Car Handle" by Fred Puhn, it's probably at your local book store or they can order it, it's about $16.00 and will help you stop guessing.

I hope you'll stay in touch and let me know how this all works out.

Good luck !!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida