Dave:
Straight line stabilty comes from positive caster, go to the maximum specs.
This will also produce a favorable camber change as the wheels are steered
for a turn.
Set the toe to the "desired setting" of the specs unless the tire wear
tells you something differently. Flat, even wear, no featheredges on tread
(bias ply) or rounded shoulder wear (radial) indicates toe wear. Rounded
tread corners can also come from agressive driving on corners.
Set camber to "desired settings" unless tire wear tells you differently.
Camber causes a flatter wear that tapers across the tire; heaviest wear at
the side that the tire is leaning toward. Negative camber can improve
cornering ability and cause tire wear. You don't want any more neg. than
specs.
For handling, there is a website that is envolved with Fieros, but I
can't remember the address.
Tom Birch in Foresthill, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: dahlgren <dahlgren@uconect.net>
To: Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 1999 3:51 AM
Subject: wheel alignment
> I remember reading that we had some resident talent on this list as
> regards to wheel alignment.. I have a little Fiero that I use as a daily
> driver and am getting a 4 wheel alignment done tomorrow in the am..
> Goals are better straight line stability and any improvements in
> cornering would be nice unless they are mutually exclusive..or a
> compromise at best..The car is a 87 v-6 GT I don't race it but it is
> responsive to the point of being distracting at times.. You think left
> and it goes left. Oh yeah don't reach for the cigs on the passenger seat
> in traffic you will quit smoking permanently. My thoughts are to have
> the caster set to the max listed I believe 5 degrees the toe set to make
> sure it is toed in.. I think the 'window' of settings will get you to a
> toe out situation.. and 1/2 to 1 degree camber(top of wheels in).. Am I
> off base with any of this.. Top speed and/or mileage has nothing to do
> with the settings and steering effort is no issue either as it is a
> pretty light car.. EFI and engine design I know but this is out of my
> field for sure and am deferring on this to who ever here might have some
> good ideas.. Oh also everything is brand new in the suspension.. all
> ball joints bushings mounts shocks struts you name it it is new...
> Dave Dahlgren
>
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