How to set up a car.

[PAULJ5555]

I have one question about fitting coil overs, I have been advised to get the 4 wheel alignment done afterwards as the standard settings will be out but also to get the ride height correct and get the wheels weighted all round.

What's your thoughts on the above.

Edited by PAULJ5555 on Friday 30th September 15:36

[JBUK]

Correct!

Once you put the coilovers on, even aiming for standard ride height it will affect the alignment. Cornerweighting is another good thing to consider but can be a bit pricey.

I'm sure someone else will be along to recommend their chosen alignment / cornerweighting guru. Wheels in motion are well regarded, over Chesham way.

[upsidedownmark]

Precisely that.

The stock suspension is designed for a particular ride height, give or take. As it compresses, the geometry changes - particularly camber and toe. That's designed into the suspension to give the car nice (benign) handling. If you screw around with the ride height, you need to look at re-adjusting what you can to get it back to something vaguely sensible in the new static position.

Not to mention that when you take it all apart to fit the new suspension, odds are it goes back together with everything pointing in all directions. It's a bit daft to upgrade the suspension to 'improve handling', then leave it not properly set up

[Evangelion]

It might if you told us what the car is!

I'm guessing it's something with everything adjustable or you wouldn't be asking.

[PAULJ5555]

Evangelion said:

It might if you told us what the car is!

I'm guessing it's something with everything adjustable or you wouldn't be asking.

Sorry its a BMW E36

[iguana]

Tons of advice on line for set up of those, what coilovers? & do you know what spring rates you have?


320mm fr 305mm rear hub to arch is a usual start point, 2.5deg neg front to start, is it track only? Then up to 4 neg, max on stock arms rear zero toe & see how you get on.