Setting up and understanding the car
Discussion
I know that at the end of the day certain things can be learned only by experience but do you know any good resource (internet, magazines, books, pdfs) where I can find basic mechanical information to understand basic setting of a car (what happen if change the camber, tyre pressure, suspension settings etc) and mechanics (various kind of suspensions with benefit disadvantages etc)
Have some commuting time to work and travel a lot so that would make an interesting reading for me
Have some commuting time to work and travel a lot so that would make an interesting reading for me
thanks for the advicesReally good to get the basics is: Competition Car Suspension, by Allan Staniforth
HOWEVER: Almost all the books take a fully adjustable racing suspension as a basis, which you most likely don't have. Therefore the best way is to read the/a book, get an understanding of the key possibilities with your car and effects of adjustments and apply them to you car and try and feel the difference. Don't get confused by trying too much things at once.
Secondly, don't be persuaded to invest a lot of money in accessories and equipment before you have some basic and practical know-how. E.g. an expensive 3 way and height adjustable set of coil overs is a waste of money if you don't know how get any benefits from it (if your tyre pressures go sky high, if your cars tracking is not setup correctly or if you get an insane amount of bumpsteer, to mention some common errors). Same for corner weighting scales, etc...
Start by playing with your tracking by using simple "string and ruler" setup (by far the simples, cheapest and best method and used by almost every BTCC, WTCC and Le Mans team) and with your tyre pressures.
I find it amazing how many race car drivers and even teams don't even have basic knowledge of setting up a car right and just copy what everyone else is doing or saying without knowing why.
Good luck and have fun, because once you 'get it' its very rewarding
HOWEVER: Almost all the books take a fully adjustable racing suspension as a basis, which you most likely don't have. Therefore the best way is to read the/a book, get an understanding of the key possibilities with your car and effects of adjustments and apply them to you car and try and feel the difference. Don't get confused by trying too much things at once.
Secondly, don't be persuaded to invest a lot of money in accessories and equipment before you have some basic and practical know-how. E.g. an expensive 3 way and height adjustable set of coil overs is a waste of money if you don't know how get any benefits from it (if your tyre pressures go sky high, if your cars tracking is not setup correctly or if you get an insane amount of bumpsteer, to mention some common errors). Same for corner weighting scales, etc...
Start by playing with your tracking by using simple "string and ruler" setup (by far the simples, cheapest and best method and used by almost every BTCC, WTCC and Le Mans team) and with your tyre pressures.
I find it amazing how many race car drivers and even teams don't even have basic knowledge of setting up a car right and just copy what everyone else is doing or saying without knowing why.
Good luck and have fun, because once you 'get it' its very rewarding
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