MikeBat

Hello guys,

after a few DE's I finally graduated from Greens. In my time onthe track, I noticed that a bit more high speed stability and grip in the corners would be a definite plus.

I want to stay on regular street tires for the time being, but I think a more agressive alignment is necessay. My car will be a dual purpose car, both track and mostly street. What kind of kind of alignment specs should I go for.

What extra parts will I need to have more negative camber?

Just what % less of treadwear should I expect?

racer

What's your current alignment spec?

The boxster, in stock form, doesn't allow for much negative camber up front. Maybe -1.5 degrees give or take a few tenths. For more, you would either need camber plates, or perhaps, Cup car control arms. I ran mine with as much negative camber I could get up front (about-1.5 to -1.8 iirc) and about -2 to -2.5 in the rear. Stuck on some R compounds and had a great time.

Since the car is a multiuse, be prepared to compromise. Either you build a car that rocks at the track but follows every rut on the street, or you live with great street feel and chew up the outside edges of tires at the track.

MikeBat

The car is in stock form currently, but I could live with some "rut hunting".

I do not want to go to over the top, as this car is a dual purpose. There is no chance of it become a track only car for at least another 2 years.

So, what specs should I look a? GT3 control arms?

smlporsche

I think for the time being you should stick with the stock set up and just try to get as much negative camber as you can. You will definitely see an improvement in track handeling and it will only cost you an allingnment.
BTW, take it to a race shop for the allingnment if you can. They'll know how to best set it up. Then if after a few more events you want more improvement that you can start down the slippery slope...

MikeBat

Eddie. I re-dug up this old thread just to say I followed your advice.

-0.9 camber in the front
-2.0 rear

0.03 front toe
0.09 rear (each)

Dunlop Direzza Star Specs (in +1 size up front, stock size rear) are going on next week.

I will report back with track impressions.

Bob Rouleau

Mike, is your car a 986 or a 987? If a 986 there is a simple way to get more camber in front.

acadian_dad

Just had my '06 987-S aligned by Jason at AutoImport - the most front camber he could get was -0.8 but interesting thing is he found it was -0.3 to start (which is out of spec ...). The car definitely hunts in the ruts on the 417 more now than it used to but nothing I can't deal with - looking forward to seeing how it behaves at Calabogie.

I liked it at Mosport last weekend but it was my first time so nothing to compare with ...

gandrade1

Sorry for the hijacking...

I have a (so far) stock 986 and would love to hear about the simple solution. I am taking my car for a more agressive alignment next week, since I just bought some used Michelin Sport Cups.

Thank you so much,
Gus

gandrade1

I am exactly on the same boat...

Dual-use Boxster, mainly stock and want a proper alignment for DE events.

Do you have a link to the thread you mentioned...

All the best,
Gus

MikeBat

986.

Machine the strut towers?

Ron maxed out the camber he could attain from the car as is.

MikeBat

Gus, it was "this" thread.

gandrade1

Sorry....for the overlook

So what exactly are the specs you were able to achieve with the stock setup? Just want to make sure I give the shop the exact numbers I am aiming for...

And how does it feel?

Best,
Gus

MikeBat

Before this alignment, it had been set to factory stock, last year. Over the course of the year, as all cars do, the alignment goes out of spec:

Initial:
Front: camber 0 l+r, toe 0.09 left, 0.00 right
Rear: camber -1.5 l+r, toe 0.03 l+r

Final
Front: camber -0.9 l+r, toe 0.3 l+r
Rear: camber -2.0 l+r, toe 0.09 l+r

It was what Ron called "the Sunday track" spec alignment. If I am being honest (for now) that is what I am, an occassion track driver. Around 6 to 8 days a year.

As I progress, either I will go further down the slippery slope with this car, or simply get a dedicated track car, and reduce my compromises for street driving.

gandrade1

Thank you very much...

I do 10-15 track days a year and drive the car on the weekends. Do you think there is anyway I could go a bit more aggressive keeping the stock suspension?

thx,
Gus

MikeBat

I believe that Bob mentionned above that something could be done. I believe he may mean a simple procedure where the strut towers are modified. You make the slots a little longer and that affords for a wider range of adjustment.

I know that my technician needed to do this to get my car into factory spec alignment in the first place.

I am extrapolating that more machining = more range of adjustment.

Bob, can you enlighten us?