Expert: Dan Liddy - 5/13/2006

Question
I need some advice on how to set-up a four cylinder enduro car.  I've been in a few races already and it has become obvious to me that my car is not set up properly, real bad push.  What can I do to make it handle better.  The rules state that all four tires must be the same and we are allowed a 1/2 inch camber in the right front.
Thanx.  Rob

Answer
Hi Rob:

I'm going to need a lot more info before I can give you any helpful answers.

Is it a circle track car, road racer? Front or rear wheel drive? Does it have a solid rear axle or independent rear suspension?  Finally what brand of car (VW, Toyota, Ford) is it ? Please be specific, a Ford Pinto is quite different from a Fiesta, or Escort.  And what do you mean by 1/2 INCH camber ?? Camber is usually discussed in degrees of negative or positive camber. Usually race cars use a certain amount of negtive camber.

If it's a circle track car, there would be negative camber of about 4 degrees in the Rt. Frt. and about 1 to 1&1/2 degrees POSITIVE camber in the Lt. Frt. Also a bit of toe out in the front alignment.

For now, start with stiffening the rear springs by 25% ,  That should loosen the car up a little.  But get back to me with the rest of the info. Then I should be able to come up with some suggestions that will help.

Hope to hear from you again

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida