Alfa Romeo Repair: Alfasud racingcar, wheel drive car, boxer engine

Question
Hello
Dave
I know that this is a difficult question, as you have probably never seen the frontwheel drive Alfasud Ti 1,7 8V boxer engine 1982.It is a pitty as it is a fantastic little car.
The Car is being used only for track racing and transport to and from the track.The suspension set up has to be the same, rain or sun.
It has got antiroll bar front and rear and has adjustable yellow Koni shocks.
1)How stiff should the springs be compared to standard springs
2)Do you think that coilover kits are an ok solution for racing ( I dont mean the expensive ones, where it is one solid unit, they are obviously ok )its the ones where you modify the macpersons ?

Thank you
Regards Kim Møller-Andersen
Denmark,www.Alfaklub.dk

Answer
Hi Kim,

I've seen them and driven them while in Brazil, but you are right... I don't know much about them from a racing standpoint.  
The biggest advantage to coilovers is the preload adjustability.  You have to play with springs to find what is right for your driving style.  Generally, on a front wheel drive car, you should keep the rear fairly soft both in spring rate and damping.  You can even try a smaller antiroll bar in the rear.  In the front, I'd look for something maybe about 20% stiffer than stock with medium damping.  People tend to crank the Konis to the stiffest position for racing and can't understand why their car goes through corners like a rocking chair.
I personally like the front stiffer than some but on some cars it tends to induce mild understeer with a rather sudden change to oversteer under throttle application.  Of course, it's all a balance.
Kim, the stock Alfa suspension isn't too bad with the right tires and driver.  If you have track time available for testing, try making changes and seeing how it changes the handling.  A good rule of thumb is to make your changes in excess then back off if necessary.  
It's hard or impossible for me to make specific recommendations without spending time with you and the car.  I live in Florida and when the temperature gets below 10c, I freeze, so coming to see you wouldn't work. :)

I will tell you that I have yet to see a car that didn't benefit some from adjustability of the coilovers.

Good luck,
dave