Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing?
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,484
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From: Cecil County Raceway!!!
Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? I put a new k-member on my car back when I did the motor and the alignment is WAY off LOL...
even though it tracks straight...the front right tire has lost 1/2 of its tread on the inside in 2000 miles <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> This obviously isn't helping my 1/4 mile times <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
since I need an alignment...should I have it done with the skinnies on (thats what I have on the car every day) and what settings should I have it set to for optimal track times?
even though it tracks straight...the front right tire has lost 1/2 of its tread on the inside in 2000 miles <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> This obviously isn't helping my 1/4 mile times <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
since I need an alignment...should I have it done with the skinnies on (thats what I have on the car every day) and what settings should I have it set to for optimal track times?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,308
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? If I were you, Id have the car aligned with stock rims on it.
I put a k-member and lakewood struts on mine last winter and had it aligned a few weeks ago and due to the rear rims sticking out, they couldnt get caster/camber very well. They WERE able to set the toe though which at least helps me to track straight going down the track instead of the car pulling to one side or the other.
Not sure how much this helps you but its my experience thus far.
Good luck.
I put a k-member and lakewood struts on mine last winter and had it aligned a few weeks ago and due to the rear rims sticking out, they couldnt get caster/camber very well. They WERE able to set the toe though which at least helps me to track straight going down the track instead of the car pulling to one side or the other.
Not sure how much this helps you but its my experience thus far.
Good luck.
TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,556
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From: Nawf Carolina
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? I've read a few articles and publications about this and most agree that the caster, camber, and toe should be set with the front raised 1"-3" above static to simulate the car going down the track. This is all dependant on soft your suspension settings and how light your car is in the nose though.
I have no idea how this will effect street driving though...
I have no idea how this will effect street driving though...
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 61
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From: Baton Rouge
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? Depending on what you primary need for the car is whats going to determine the alignment settings. I would align the car with the wheels your going to set. If the back wheels are to wide and the machine will not read all you have to do is make your your rear axle center line is straight and then perform a 2 wheel front head alignment only.
We perform alignments every day and I always spend time with my customers to make the get what they need. If the right front tire only is wearing then it is a camber problem. Toe will always find center and wear both front tires evenly if camber is correct.
<small>[ November 11, 2002, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Vic@FishersAutomotive ]</small>
We perform alignments every day and I always spend time with my customers to make the get what they need. If the right front tire only is wearing then it is a camber problem. Toe will always find center and wear both front tires evenly if camber is correct.
<small>[ November 11, 2002, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Vic@FishersAutomotive ]</small>
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? I just installed my K frame and A arms and my car goes on Friday for alignment.
I was told to mount the tire that would be used most often.I will have my Welds and skinnies on.
I was told to mount the tire that would be used most often.I will have my Welds and skinnies on.
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? I did mine with my WELDS on the car and the ride hieght set as if I was racing.U cant raise or lower the car once u set it up or it will be be screwed up again.U cant set the car up for racing and then throw big *** 17's on the car and think its gonna track properly.
I trust the guys that did mine since they build and race there own Quick Eight LOW 8 Sec S-10......
My car was done with ME sitting in the seat.
The car tracks PERFECTLY,I can let go of the wheel threw the lights its so perfect.Find someone down in MD that KNOWS what there doing Brian or you'll be chasing your tail for a while...
JS
I trust the guys that did mine since they build and race there own Quick Eight LOW 8 Sec S-10......
My car was done with ME sitting in the seat.
The car tracks PERFECTLY,I can let go of the wheel threw the lights its so perfect.Find someone down in MD that KNOWS what there doing Brian or you'll be chasing your tail for a while...
JS
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,484
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From: Cecil County Raceway!!!
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? Ok...
I had the camber/caster set to factory specifications and then I had the front of the car lifted about 3" over static and had the toe set to 0.0 degrees in this configuation. Interesting thing to note is that the toe changed about 0.75 degrees once the car was lowered down back to static. Will this be worth anything? I dunno but I thought it was interesting <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
I had the camber/caster set to factory specifications and then I had the front of the car lifted about 3" over static and had the toe set to 0.0 degrees in this configuation. Interesting thing to note is that the toe changed about 0.75 degrees once the car was lowered down back to static. Will this be worth anything? I dunno but I thought it was interesting <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Trending Topics
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? Race alignment recommendations with front end raised 1" approximately:
Toe = 1/16 in
Camber = 1/2 degree negative
Caster = 2 degrees positive
Toe = 1/16 in
Camber = 1/2 degree negative
Caster = 2 degrees positive
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,324
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From: Corona CA
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? Why run so little caster? I'd personally want max caster, -1/2 deg camber, zero toe.
Caster makes the car want to go straight when you let your hands off the wheel.
Caster makes the car want to go straight when you let your hands off the wheel.
Re: Optimal front alignment setting for drag racing? On a drag car you want the front set at 0 camber as much caster as you can get and toe should never toe out through out the full suspension travel.
I set the cars with a little toe in a ride heaight sitting still then raise the car till the front tires just come off the ground and take a measurement then squat the front end down with a comealong and measure. Then I set the toe where it nevers toes out. These cars have a bad bumpsteer problem so care need to be taken on your settings. If your k- member is stock OR has the sliders like stock then alignments are a common neccesity.
I set the cars with a little toe in a ride heaight sitting still then raise the car till the front tires just come off the ground and take a measurement then squat the front end down with a comealong and measure. Then I set the toe where it nevers toes out. These cars have a bad bumpsteer problem so care need to be taken on your settings. If your k- member is stock OR has the sliders like stock then alignments are a common neccesity.
