So the spyder went in for an alignment on a Hunter DSP 600 machine after I had complained of heavy steering compared with the CR.

The right front camber was 1" out of spec at 0.30 degrees. Everything else was spot on. In other words, not out of alignment.

Nonetheless, I had the tech crank in as much negative camber as the front struts will allow which resulted in -0.52 degrees left and right and total toe of 0.04 degrees

i also increased rear camber to -2 degrees and total toe of 0.15 degrees. Front caster was 8 degrees.

Without LCAs front camber will not get up to -1 degree.

the below is all subjective,
anyway, the steering is still heavier than the CR but car feels a little lighter on the rear. I don't think much has changed but then I had never complained...... except that it felt heavier than the CR.

Yet, I drove the spyder back to back against the RS and felt it a lovely, non intimidating drive. Guys, we have something special here......

 

Thanks for the update! I'm curious why the CR would have such a different steering feel as compared to the Spyder? Perhaps the stiffer chassis allows for a slightly different alignment spec and thus lighter steering feel?

By the way, I will agree wholeheartedly that the Spyder is special. Having said that I think all Porsches are special in their own way since they are all optioned differently.

 

Different tires?
Pressures?
Most are able to get -1* camber on each side up front. I think the spec calls for just a hair of toe in but zero toe will work and may help with steering feel.
Good Luck!

 

The adjustment is on the top strut for camber. How do you get to -1 degree?

My mechanic says it was maxed out

Tires are N-rated PS2s and pressures are 30/31 per factory spec.

 

Some are more special than others...


The fact that it looks more than a slapped on bodykit is ultimately why I kept the spyder and sold the (IMO) higher performing CR. It has enough handling and performance to make life interesting...... besides, I did get a special hardtop to compensate

 

Khooni,
What kind of tires are on your spyder?

 

michelin PS2

 

Loosened the stuts up real good, cranked the steering back and forth a couple of times, made sure the struts were loose, then adjusted them all in. Surprised you can't get a full degree out of each side, every car is diferent. Would have guessed the Spyder would feel lighter than the R Might want to play with pressures a bit.

 

I just had my Spyder aligned.

Front: -1.0 deg camber, 0 toe, 7.8 deg caster
Rear: -1.5 deg camber, 1/16" total toe in

I don't think it had been touched since new (just bought the car at 13K miles), and it didn't really require much adjustment to get to these specs. It's my first Porsche, and I guess they concentrate on factory alignments more than other manufacturers that I've experienced.

 

-05 in the front and -2 in the rear will under steer bad and the car will push lots.

 

Khooni,

My guess - your mechanic is either wrong or mis-measured. Almost everyone who's ever posted alignment in 986/987/Spyder/R said they got AT LEAST -1 degree camber in the front with stock suspension. Most got slightly higher (e.g. -1.1 or -1.2) but some slightly lower (e.g. -0.9). -0.5 just doesn't make any sense.

In the rear, pretty much everyone can get -1.5 with stock suspension, often -2.0 to -2.5.

HTH.

 

vetman, I did get -2 in the rear. perhaps 5500 is right, the mechanic did not attempt to loosen up the struts in the described manner. He simply adjusted the struts to the max he could. Bummer. well, it's really driving well with -2 at the back and -0.5 at the front. If i get excessive tire wear at the track, i'll know it's his fault.. lol

and i was gonna get him to re-align my amg c63 as well.......

 

2 Spyders (on each side of the continent), 997.2 GT3 RS, and a C63 AMG?? Why you little...

Congrats, man. I envy and cheer you.

 

embarrassing i know.

 

Nothing to be embarrassed about. That combo plus one SUV would be the ultimate garage for me. How about a pic of the three cars all together.

I have a C32 for daily driving and I have to admit that I really love the car with exception to the gas mileage. It's fun to drive, quiet, comfortable and very well built. It's also big enough to fit four adults without any issues. I imagine the C63 is better in every way with exception to the gas mileage.