esprit tracking for a 89 model

[sheddy31]

does anyone no the correct settings for the tracking for my 1989 esprit turbo as i have been to a number of garages and they have no listings of wheel allingment settings any help will be greatly appreciated

[lotusguy]

sheddy31 said:

does anyone no the correct settings for the tracking for my 1989 esprit turbo as i have been to a number of garages and they have no listings of wheel allingment settings any help will be greatly appreciated

Hi,

I do not have the suspension specs for the '89, but be careful who you bring the car to. Use a reputable, experienced shop.

Most of the alignment computers lack the settings for the Esprit in their database. But, the software usually allows the user to enter user defined values over the default ones. For my car, I have the guy call up a P*rsche 911 since the wheelbases are similar. Then I have him input the specs for my car, works like a charm.

If this is the first alignment you've done on this car, be sure to do a four wheel alignment to insure the car tracks properly. On the '89, the front suspension is only adjustable for Toe-In and Castor as well as the hub end float. Camber and K.P.I. (Steering inclination) are not adjustable. The rear suspension is adjustable for Toe-In only, Castor and Camber is fixed. Adjusting the rear suspension is a somewhat involved process of adding/removing shims from the inner/outer sides of the Radius Arm Front Mounting. If adjustment is required, expect to pay extra for this.

Finally, be aware, many alignment computer programs add a Fudge Factor automatically to the settings. This is to compensate for the common practice of Crowning roadways (usually Highways and Expressways). This Crowning is to enhance water run-off.

If the Fudge Factor is not removed, the car's alignment will not be neutral and will tend to vere to the centerline on a flat road. If removed, there will be a slight vere away from the centerline on a Crowned road. It's really a matter of personal preference and compromise depending upon what types of roads the driver anticipates using most often. For track work, you definitely want a neutral setup. Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! ... Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Sunday 22 February 16:44

>> Edited by lotusguy on Sunday 22 February 16:45

[abrussich]

I have a service manual for my 89 and will be happy to look into it this evening and see if I can get you the info you need. If not there I will check with my service guy at the local Lotus dealer and get it from him.
Al B.

[sheddy31]

abrussich said:

I have a service manual for my 89 and will be happy to look into it this evening and see if I can get you the info you need. If not there I will check with my service guy at the local Lotus dealer and get it from him. Al B.

that would be very helpful thanks

[abrussich]

Sheddy, sorry for the delay in getting back to you, it's been one of those days. As per the shop manual specification section, front track is 1524mm (60.0"),
and rear is 1554mm (61.2"). Wheelbase dimension should be 2438mm (96.0"). Should you need this the front suspension settings are as follows:
camber -0.2 deg.; -0, -0.5 deg.
castor +1.0 deg.; +0.5 deg., -0
(within 0.5 deg. side to side)
toe-in +0.1 to =1.9mm overall
steering axis inclination 9 deg., 23' nom. (unchanged).
I hope this is the info you needed, if not let me know and I will look further. Good luck.
Al B.

[sheddy31]

thanks alot this is most helpful as i have no manual to get this infomation from