Suspension set up resource wanted

[E30 Ray]

Is there a resource (book, website) that would help with suspension adjustments or do I resort to trial and error? For my '89 325is, I am setting the camber at 1.8 and setting the shocks mid-way to start with. I've disconnected the rear stabilizer, but left it one the car so that I can test both with and without the stabilizer. When I test at the track, I'd like to have some idea of what to change to correct for what type of handling condition without doing it by trial and error. Any suggestions?

[zracer22]

Camber = 3-4

[CrunchyFrog]

You may not need this advice but...

The idea would be to match your set up (wheels/tires/spring rate/sway bars/shocks/adjustability) with the track and the conditions you experience.

Typically, 2-3 degrees negative of camber is sufficient in the front end for most tracks and conditions and tire type/style, however this can change with driver style.

The best thing to do is contact your local BMW CCA Chapter and seek out a local club racer with a similar car and start up a relationship with his/her experience.

Where are you located?

Other_K

[Bruce Shafer]

Start with the following settings:

Front Camber: -3.5

Rear Camber: -1.5 to -2.0

Toe: 1/8 to 1/16 out (More for short twisting tracks, less for long tracks)

Ride Height: 5.5 inches front; 5.75 rear. Make sure the height is even side to side.(Don't lower the car all the way down to 5 inches just because you can. The geometry goes away at that height.)


[This message has been edited by Bruce Shafer (edited March 05, 2002).]

[mlytle]

bruce, where exactly are you measuring ride height from?

thanks,
marshall

[Bruce Shafer]

I measured the ride height on the rocker panel, by the wheel wells front and rear, right next to the veritcal seam.

[mlytle]

thanks! like e30ray, i am just starting out too. my advantage or disadvantage is that i bought an e30 last summer that someone had already built and raced for two years. as soon as i get the thing off the winter jack stands this weekend i will compare the ride height to your numbers.

marshall
88 325is
wdcr its #64

[Bruce Shafer]

I sold my E30 last summer and am in the process of building an E36. Whole new level of expense and complexity. The E30 was reliable and a blast to drive.

[zracer22]

Mine is up for sale starting today. I placed an ad in the improvedtouring.com classifieds.