Expert: Dan Liddy - 7/6/2010

Question
Hello

I race an older style integra on 1/3 banked asphalt oval.

I have a couple setup questions

how does preloading the front sway bar on the left side affect handling? will it transfer less load to the RF, we recently had blistering of the RF shoulder that i believed is being overworked/overheated, both front tires have enough camber.

how the stiffness of the LR spring affects handling, should i run a softer LR then the RR for more oversteer?

Answer
Hi Wyatt:  

I would pre load the RF sway bar link, and increase rebound on your LF & LR shocks.  If you want more oversteer, stiffen the rear- - -and more so on the RR, but no more than about 25 Lb. of spring rate. You should consider adding a rear bar as well, and make it adjustable. You might even be able to order an aftermarket rear bar from someone, pick the stiffest one available  and use adjustable links - - you can pre-load that one too.

Pre loading the left front adds spring rate to that wheel. If you're blistering the RF , it may be sprung too soft- - or too hard. Typically you want less spring on the LF so I think your suggested pre-load is backwards.

Check your corner weights on a scale system, see what you find out.

Diagnosing via e-mail isn't real accurate, but I think Iwould start with the corner weights, get them close to even with a 55% bias to the left, then think about softening the RF a few pounds.

How's your forward bite ? could it be wheel spin ?

Let me know what you find out

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida USA