I've learn some things about camber and it's effect on handling in my racing
experience. I'll just give you all a brief overview of what and why.
Camber is the difference of the top of the tire compared to the bottom. It is
measured as an angle from flat ground. Positive camber is when the top is
further out than the bottom, negative is when the top is leaning in.
/ \ - Negative
\ / - Positive
Racers nearly always will use negative camber. They normally use 2-4 degrees.
Anything higher or lower is for special circumstance. The negative camber
gives more traction in the corners. As the car goes around a corner, the
chasis lean toward the outside of the corner. If you are running negative
camber the outside wheel (Where most of the weight of the car will be) will
stand upright. This gives more of the tire on the road, increasing traction.
Most people don't run enough for the tire to go completely upright, otherwise
they would lose too much traction for accelerating in a straight line. For
street use about 1-2 degrees would be enough to keep tire wear even.
Most street cars come with positive camber on the front wheels, including ours.
This positive camber makes the steering feel lighter, but takes away from
handling. Positive camber on the rear tires has no good effects (Except in
special situations). If you want that extra handling edge, and don't care if
your steering is a bit heavier, go ahead and set the front wheels to 1-2 degrees
negative as well.
Andy L.
1970 Triumph Spitfire
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