NB Suspension specs for road use

[TrenthamMX5]

Hi guys,
I have just ordered a set of Michelin PP2's in 195/50 R15 for our NB, they should be there in a day or so. (Bob Jane Ringwood).
I want to get a wheel alignment at the same time but cannot find the recommended specs on this site, I couldn't even find the "archive" section which apparently gives the details. I thought it would be better to give them what I want rather than take pot luck.
I would very much appreciate it if someone would post or give me a link to recommended NB suspension specs. and any other comments woudl be appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation.
Ian

[Alex]

Here is a link
viewtopic.php?f=76&t=15398

Your right with specifying the alignment settings, otherwise you'll get what they think is best (but might not be depending on where you go).

[bensale]

If I remember correctly Bob Jane Ringwood are used by The mx5 Factory for alignments so if I'm right they should know a thing or two about aligning mx's.

I definently agree with getting your own specs, I had a bit of an arguement with the "gentlemen" at a Bridgestone tyre centre near me today about this... I was getting two rear tyres fitted and the "technician" decided that it would be a bright idea to jack my car up using the rear subframe brace... 2mm thick steel plate... guess the rest...

Anyway, he stuffed the rear alignment settings- not to mention the brace- which were set very specifically about a month ago. We spent a good 15 minutes first arguing about setting the car using non factory camber and toe settings and then about them not letting me sit in the car while they adjusted it (as the weight effects the camber settings) So in the end I wasn't allowed to sit in the car but did get kind of close to the settings I was after...

Anyway, in this rant I'm saying that yes, take your own settings in. Also make sure you take your car to someone who know what they're doing. I normally take my car to a specific specialist for alignments, the difference in the quality of the work and desire to do a propper job is great, nothing like a chain. Also, if they let you sit in the car when they set it up. The camber increases when the car lowers (ie: when you sit in it) If you spend most of the time driving solo then do get them to do it with you in the car, if you have a passenger more often than not then don't worry.

[Mr Morlock]

I think Ben is right about BJ's- if you ring the MX5 fact they will confirm it or just ask the tyre supplier if they do work for them. The Miata site includes settings and a write up. Insofar as sitting in the car I doubt today whether anyone will let you do this- OH&S often excludes a customer from the work area. If you had the time you could take a quick drive up to Sassafras from the Basin and that would confirm if the settings seem ok.

[bensale]

Most of the specialist places will allow you to sit in the car, or at the very least they'll put a weight in it. BJ's probably won't though. Most places will let you in the work area in my experience.

The linked thead is great, maybe just print out some of the info on there.

[de Bounce]

Depending where you are.
For the northern suburbs of Melbourne I would recommend Reservoir Tyrepower
Always reassuring to see a plaque from the MX5 club on one of the window sills
I have also seen a car from one of our forum sponsors getting some work done.
Speak to Ray who is the sales manager / worker / all round nice guy.
Ray also does some track work, therefore understands the requirements of track, spirited and daily drive.

Another one is Centreline in Thomastown who appear to be the last resort for many repairers in the area when they have suspension issues.
Again reassuring to see a mix of daily drives through to V8 race cars in the shop.
I found Centreline to be a bit idiot intolerant!

[pcmx5]

Hi Ian,

passed through Trentham today returning fron a wine gathering trip to Heathcote, hope your car is still going well!

I used Centreline and they set my car up as follows and I am very happy with it.

LF RF

Camber; -3/4 -3/4

castor +5.1/4 +4.1/2

Toe 1 mm.

LR RR

Camber -1 -1

Toe 1 mm.


I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work on your car too.

Peter.

[broady]

how come you have symmetrical camber? isn't it a road car?

FWIW: here are my specs:

Code: Select all

                        before  after
front   caster  l       4.47    6.89
                r       4.50    6.50
        camber  l       -.61    -.39
                r       -.29    -.51
        toe     l       .1      .11    (degrees, not mm)
                r       -.05    .11
                total   .05     .22

rear    camber  l       -1.53   -1.42
                r       -1.50   -1.40
        toe     l       .35     .16
                r       .36     .17
                total   .71     .33

thrust angle            -.01    -.01


[pcmx5]

[quote="broady"]how come you have symmetrical camber? isn't it a road car?

Yes it is a road car.

Don't ask me , I am not a suspension expert and that is why I took it to one!! These guys do heaps of fast road and track cars and I was totally impressed by the amount of effort they put into getting it to where they were happy with it. ithink they set the camber and then got as much castor as they could.

They extensively roadtested and altered settiings icluding the ride height and the Teins settings, corner weighted it and it felt like a different car, turns in beautifully and tracks great.

I am not saying this is the best or only set up for a road car but it has worked for me over the last 15 mths with no undue tyre wear, and I have no hesitation in letting Ian know my experience.

Peter.

[Charlie Brown]

how come you have symmetrical camber? isn't it a road car?

Broady, Stu builds into his figures the numbers that allow the alignment to be even both sides when you're in the car. That's why yours are different one side to the other.

A lot of aligners, Spinning Wheel being one, won’t allow you to sit in the car while the alignment is being done. One way to get around this is to either ask that the seat be loaded to your weight (I’ve used 3 bags of river pebbles from a nursery to approximate my weight, one on the floor, one flat on the seat and one against the seat back) or after the technician attaches the alignment gear, get him to do an unloaded reading and another with you in the car and note the difference in values. He then builds that number into this final figures so when you get back into the car at the completion of the alignment, the numbers each side match.

[broady]

Broady, Stu builds into his figures the numbers that allow the alignment to be even both sides when you're in the car. That's why yours are different one side to the other.

Ahhh right, thanks CB. So should I ask for that next time or should I assume Stu knows what he's doing?