I'm getting ready to have the Miata aligned for track duty. A while back, someone posted some baseline alignment numbers for a Spec Miata, but I can't seem to find them. The car has a Spec Miata suspension package, so I figure that's the setup to start with.
Someone here must have a link to it. Any help would be appreciated.
Go to www.specmiata.com and look for the "JD Alignment" numbers, which will give you a decent baseline to work from.
I run between 5.00" and 5.25" measured at the pinch rails, and the max legal SSM camber (1.75 front, 2.25 rear) at zero toe on mine and it is nice and neutral to just a touch of push.
The base specs on the Flyin' Miata site are:
Front Caster: 5.0 degrees Camber: 1.0 degrees negative Toe: 1/16" total (1/32" per side)
Rear Camber: 1.5 degrees negative Toe: 1/16" total (1/32" per side)
edit nevermind... track duty. It's early and I have not had coffee yet.
You can also go to Miatanet and do a search in the forums for the Lanny and Icehawk alignment setups.
wreckerboy wrote:Go to www.specmiata.com and look for the "JD Alignment" numbers, which will give you a decent baseline to work from.
I think that's the one I was looking for. I couldn't remember "JD Alignment" but as soon as I saw your post, I said, "Ah ha, Jim Daniels!".
Your alignment depends on what bushings you have, your spring rates, your power level, your tire sizes and compound, your ride hight, and what type of track and surface you're driving on.
Modernbeat, generally what you say is correct. Keep in mind a few things: the OP said that he has the SM suspension, which implies that he has rubber bushings and not alternative materials, and SM spring rates are spec'd at 700F/350R with a spec Bilstein shock.
If you go to the SM site and read the Daniels set up process, the first step in it is to set the ride height, which is (IIRC) 5.25, then adjust the corner weights to a 50% cross, and then set the alignment once the others are where they need to be.
Daniels also stresses (and I mention) that this is a good baseline to work from. For the first season or two that I ran the car I used his settings only as I learned to drive the car better. Only in the last season or two have I started to deviate from that. For example, depending upon where I am, I will raise and lower the car to taste. I ran at Pocono North last week, which is relatively smooth, and set the car about a half inch lower than that. If I get to Summit this year, which is bumpy, the car will come up in height.
