Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Suspension tuning question

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by davavd, Dec 29, 2011.

  1. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    Aerospace Engineer
    Orcutt, CA
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    In my opinion an important thing to do is getting the front camber around -2.0 degrees to reduce the understeer. Then you can adjust the rear sway bar to balance the car to what feels comfortable to you. I increase the rear sway bar for Auto-X and reduce it for street and track. The Minis due tend to understeer at lower speeds. Also check your tire pressures.
    To get the camber you want in the front left, you will probably need to do a little pounding on the wheel well body panel. There is a bump (I think drip hole) that runs vertically down the inner wheel well. Also look up high on the strut (near the top spring perch) to make sure it is not hitting the body. I had to pound down the bump and pound a little at the top.
     
  2. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    I run -2.3° in the front. ;)
     
  3. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

    May 6, 2009
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    Pipe Creek, Texas
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    Most likely there is spring contact with the wheel turned, or under compression, if the camber plate is "maxed out" with stock springs.

    The damping curve on FSDs is not suited for throwing the MINI around. A tie rod or rim will bend before the knuckle would. Look elsewhere for the camber plate issue, perhaps the bearing is turned around.

    Increasing front camber with toe remaining constant, contributes to understeer. It does reduce the tendency to push
     

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