Alignment Advice

[Kafer_Mike]

Bill, I have a similar setup on my '69 Bug (see below). How was/is the handling with the alignment settings you listed? Have you made any changes to dial in the suspension? I'm finalizing the assemby of my pan before the body comes back from paint and could use some advice.

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Front:
*2.5" narrowed adjustable ball joint beam set to neutral height
*2.5" lowered spindles
*Stock '69 bug steering
*GR2's
*3/4" Sway-Away sway bar
*205/55's on 16x6 Fuchs
*spare tire in well

Rear:
*24.5mm torsion bars with urethane sping plate bushings
*2.5" lowered with adjustable spring plates and urethane bushings
*GR2's
*3/4" Sway-Away sway bar
*225/50's on 16x7 Fuchs

[Bill K.]

I've been in slo mo on the car with my new job. So, it's not aligned yet. I took it to a local Porsche race shop for alignment advice and they recommended the adjustable spring plates so the car can be corner weighted with ease. I have yet to install them...

I also added extra eccentric camber bushings for maximum adjustability and a set of caster shims.

All of these additions would have been easier with the body off, so it's good you ask now...

Even with just an eye-ball alignment, it handles great. Low, wide, and stiff makes a big difference.

Bill

[LOAF]

Bill what are these caster shims..

I will do some research, but curious as to who make it..

I have been bitten by the Camber/Caster Plate idea.. for some time know.. specially since both these setting will come into play as I start to dial the car in.. aways for now, but still want to have a solution..

I would second the whole start with a neutral setting..
Both front and rear toe to about zero.. maybe a little camber in the front, and rear.. see how you like it..

Remember to much camber and you will be flipping tires on each rim to get even wear..

Not having raced or driven a rear car around.. I can't comment on the handling characteristics.. but from what I have heard, with a little power, power on over steer is quite easy.. so you want to be careful how much oversteer you want via that rear swaybar.. On my AWD scooby, I actually have an adjustable, and ended up dropping it to the weakest setting which is tighter than stock.. That was done because I was able to modulate the weight quite easy on that chasis via braking and gas.. and while it was fun at street speeds, since you can get the rear to pop out, I felt that it would be to difficult from getting myself in trouble on the track.. That being said, I was right.. started from neutral or understeer and work your way to where you like it.. may cost more but definitely safer..
My 1 cent
Alex