Suspension tuning

[IcedOutSoulja13]

Hey everyone...this may seem kinda like a newbie topic but i want to get my suspension to the right specs...i have tein flex coilovers (16 damping levels and 7 kg springs front/rear) at the moment and want to get the most out of them. Im interested in getting everything set up to do road racing like mountains and such. Can someone recommend some specific settings for this?

Also...one more thing...i bought my coilovers used...i notice when i raise the car or remove the whole strut that my spring is loose and moveable...does that mean my spring seat is not high enough?

[1Via!]

What other suspension pieces do you have on your car?

Usually a good place to start is to get adjustable arms and an alignment with good tires and you can go from there.

If its loose, just adjust the collars up until there is no more slop. Dont force it, as preload is generally not good.

[IcedOutSoulja13]

im planning to get some pillow tension rods, power brace, sway bars, subframe bushings in the next couple weeks. My wheels are fn01rc's 17x8.5 all around and dunlop fm901 rubber for now...i know its not the best tire to use for optimal performance but for now i just want my suspension tuned correctly...

Are metal subframe inserts recommended for a daily driven car? ive heard they get noisey

Should i get an alignment from a shop with all the components installed and then tune the damping and angles later on??

[Jung918]

I would start out with the bushings. It doesn't cost that much but it is does take alot of labor. I plan on getting metal subframe spacers but use nismo bushings for the differential. If you have a s13 then you won't need that.
If you change the height of your vehicle, you also change the alignment spec.

[NI_YON_Zenki]

Yeah.

Next round friend, give some background on your chassis. some of us are consultants and need that type of info, thanks.

2nd, regarding your name, I gather you've got a 13 (aka 180sx) or maybe a coupe. go for a structured tuning, figure out whether you want a Pink Godzira car, or a Garage Sarus car.

do yah homework. i'd be glad to help.

[OptionZero]

1. Helmet
2. Seat.
3. Tires.
4. Track time

Go to the track, learn how to drive.
When you're semi-competent, you'll actually be able to notice how your suspension works.
Talk to your driving isntructor.
Ask around and let people smarter than you or me help you.

[SoSideways]

Ask around and let people smarter than you or me help you.

Wow....

Nice.... :mrmeph: heh

[brainfood]

Is it s13 or s14? Tension rods and rear uppers as long as you dont slam it should be able to get the car back in spec. Get an alignment from a proper alignment shop. ie raceshop not pepboys. And then drive the car, auto-x or track day would help you figure out your next course of action. No point in upgrading tons of stuff if you dont know whats holding you back.

[OptionZero]

Wow....

Nice.... :mrmeph: heh

What's asshole-like about that? It's true. No suspension mod helps better than experience and discussion.

[IcedOutSoulja13]

yes to everyone that asked...my car is a s13...can someone recommend a good shop to go to for a decent alignment to start off with in SoCal, as oppose to discount tires and stuff...theres nothing really wrong with the car..it is off its stock suspension specs yes because of the parts ive added on...im just interested in ways to get it to handle more smoothly in a road race/track type situation...first step im sure is to get a basic alignment =)

[HaLo]

1. Helmet
2. Seat.
3. Tires.
4. Track time

Go to the track, learn how to drive.
When you're semi-competent, you'll actually be able to notice how your suspension works.
Talk to your driving isntructor.
Ask around and let people smarter than you or me help you.

X2 !!!!
That is the only place you will really learn.

[brainfood]

yes to everyone that asked...my car is a s13...can someone recommend a good shop to go to for a decent alignment to start off with in SoCal, as oppose to discount tires and stuff...theres nothing really wrong with the car..it is off its stock suspension specs yes because of the parts ive added on...im just interested in ways to get it to handle more smoothly in a road race/track type situation...first step im sure is to get a basic alignment =)

Alex P. Battleversion.com