Track people: How do you setup your coilovers initially

[mitch_f1]

Im not talking for optimum stance, I'm talking for optimum performance. When you have a coilover that is both height and preload adjustable, how do you go about getting the best possible settings. Do you send it to someone to setup for you? Do you do what it says on the box? Is it trial and error?

Thanks for any and all input

[vrmmmpshhh]

for gymkhana/autox i like to run my street setup on the track so that the handling doesnt become unpredictable. I use these shorter events to learn how the car reacts on the tighter corners which can relate to the street/hills. The total track time for these events could be under 10 mins a day so theres not a lot of suspension testing that can be done anyway. for a dedicated trackday id increase it 10-15% over my street setup and work from there.

[toppertee]

from 949 racing

http://949racing.com/miata-race-alignment-info.aspx

[mitch_f1]

Yeh so that is all just stiffness and alignment. I'm talking about the physical adjustment of the shocks, particularly preload?

[toppertee]

Yeh so that is all just stiffness and alignment. I'm talking about the physical adjustment of the shocks, particularly preload?

You will need to add more info on the coilovers
Type
Spring rate
Adjustment type 2 way or single
Track use etc

[mitch_f1]

Tein flex
7/6kg f/r
Adjusts height, preload, stiffness
track use

[davekmoore]

Tein flex
7/6kg f/r
Adjusts height, preload, stiffness
track use

The Teins on mine only have one adjustment other than height. They get set to 0 on the road as anything more is too stiff. They get wound up to 16 (max) all round on the track where they no longer feel too stiff. Dunno whether this is the Right Thing to do though.

[timk]

Dave, I'm pretty sure blackster put Tein Flex in your car, so it will have height adjustment and preload adjustment separately.

Mitch, I'd go with what the instructions say and then make changes from there. You probably want to maximise shock travel, but that's just my experience.

[lightyear]

Use 0 preload. Just have the spring so it doesn't move. Then play with shock settings on the track. And get it corner weighted.

[Guran]

Spec Miata Setup Guide & Chassis Tuning Tips
By Jim Daniels

There is also a revised and more detailed Version 2 which I've attached. It can also be downloaded from here

[Jeo]

Thank you Guran.

[mitch_f1]

Yeh i've heard about this spring just captive business. But my beef with that is that it then has the shock at probably 80% of its travel when at static ride height. Whereas with preload I can get it closer to about 60% (which is what emilio at 949 is recommending for these shocks). Thoughts on this?

[mitch_f1]

So i just changed the setup to have the springs just captive, and the ride height almost the same. The car definitely doesn't feel as go-karty, and feels very squirrely through bumpy corners. Will have to wait to see the difference on the track though.

[davekmoore]

Dave, I'm pretty sure blackster put Tein Flex in your car, so it will have height adjustment and preload adjustment separately.

That's correct. Height, and one other adjustment on the knobs on the tops of the shocks. Set at 0 for the road and 16 for the track. Seems to work ok. Happy to hear of alternatives.

[mitch_f1]

Another advantage of less preload, and thus less bump travel, is that I can go a lower ride height. Ive lowered it 10mm and with no scuffing...which I was getting before, when I was 10mm higher!!!