Expert: Dan Liddy - 1/17/2008

Question
Hi Dan -
A longtime dirt racing fan, I've decided it's time to come out of the stands and join the fun.  Our local track has a 4-cylinder entry level class; cars must be front-wheel drive and virtually no modifications allowed.  A racer friend has graciously agreed to help me build a car (1989 Ford Escort, 5-speed); he is a seasoned racer, but all of his experience is with rear-wheel-drive cars. Do you have any suggestions, tricks, etc. for setting up this type of car?
Since I am an absolute rookie, I would also appreciate any advice regarding driving techniques on dirt with a front-wheel drive car (the track is banked 3/8 mile).
Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Trisch:
WE have two things against us. I have limited experience with FWD cars, and none on dirt circle tracks.  I do how ever have a working knowledge of what works on a race track.

First, find a stiffer sway bar for the front, then:

Start with the front wheels. You want to re-align the front wheels to about 1/8" total toe OUT.  This allows the car to turn in better, and elimiinates the chance of a zero toe in a corner which is real unstable.

Next you need to adjust the front camber so the outer wheel, the RF is at about 3 to 4 Deg.negative.  The LF should be about 2 deg. positive so if you look at the front FROM the front, the wheels look like this /--/.

Now if the rear has independent suspension, you shoudl be able to adjust the rear camber as well, Same directions but less of it. perhaps 2 degrees neg. on the RR and 2 Deg. pos. on the LR>  If the car has a rear beam axle, it may be possible to bend it a little, but I think I'd leave it alone for the time being. If the rear is independent , run about 1/16"toe in, if it's a solid axle, zero toe is OK for now.

The next thing to do to a FWD is to try and loosen up the rear end. Do this with a stiff rear sway bar (properly called an "anti roll bar" by the British).

AS far as driving techniques, your local dirt racers will be better at helping you than I ever could, I'm a road racer and race entirely on pavement. Since , by your name you appear to be a gal, you'll necessarily be surrounded by guys, pick the ones that DON'T make passes at you, they will be the ones sincerely interested in helping

Recommended reading : How To Make Your Car Handle, by Fred Phun, bookstores may have it or they can order it for you , it's about $16.00 or try <<www.summitracing.com  >>

Hope this is some help, feel free to ask again when you come across more questions.

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida