suspension setup tips

[brett84]

Hey all.

Been trawling through the internet for ages and not really getting any clearer in my head.
I've changed basically all the suspension components, had steering rack off for painting etc.

So hopefully this weekend the wheels will be going back on but i'm after any tips or advise about the suspension setup. I want to get it done properly once the MOT is sorted and it's been mapped. But to get it on the road I'm just a little unsure about settings so any experiences welcome.

I was thinking of the rule of thumb for 3 fingers in rear wheel arch two in the front for the basic ride height adjustment.

What about tracking? Should I be making the fronts as visibly level with the rears as possible or measuring it somehow.
Drop links i'm unsure about as well, i've got the Steve Heath ones, instructions and people online say to make them as level as possible, they don't seem that level to me but it's the best I can get them. Should this be done with the wheels off, or wheels on drop, check, adjust?

Just really after getting it drivable, safe, then take it somewhere for a full setup

[macdeb]

Just be careful of who you take it to for a 'set-up' as I was advised to take it to 'a guru' in Northampton and was royaly 'set-up' driving a car home that was unsafe. My complaint was ignored. PM me if you wish.

[brett84]

I'm hoping to book it in with Mat Smith, just emailed him now although I know he's always rammed so might be a while

[QBee]

brett84 said:

I'm hoping to book it in with Mat Smith, just emailed him now although I know he's always rammed so might be a while

He's not as rammed as my GP!! Doubt you will have to wait more than a few days.
If you can, call him on 01366 386004 around 8.15/8.30 tomorrow morning. I am sure he will be able to fit you in soon, and do it while you wait. He will check your suspension and dampers, set the ride height, and can do a full four wheel geo on his Hunter setup.. He is happy for you to watch and understand, and really knows what he is doing, including all the TVR settings.
I would honestly recommend you go for that. It's not a lot of money, and will transform the car. He did mine when I first had it, and it changed a car that was trying to kill me into one that handles the east Notts country lanes with ease and stability. He will discuss what you want use the car for, and set it accordingly. So my front camber is set slightly wider for road and track use.

[brett84]

Thanks, yeah thats what I'm going for.
I just wondered about getting it drivable first, because everything has been off/replaced i'm guessing it's all going to be cocked up now.
Been reading more tonight and i suppose i'll just get the wheels straight as possible but adjusting TREs and go from there

[QBee]

brett84 said:

Thanks, yeah thats what I'm going for.
I just wondered about getting it drivable first, because everything has been off/replaced i'm guessing it's all going to be cocked up now.
Been reading more tonight and i suppose i'll just get the wheels straight as possible but adjusting TREs and go from there

Ask Mat.

I would guess if you can get it so that it drives reasonably then do so and just drive gently.
If you cannot get it driveable then let's hire a trailer to get it over there. I have a tow vehicle and need to see Mat anyway.

[brett84]

I'd be up for driving over there with you mate, but mine might be a couple of weeks yet as it's finding time to finish all the little bits.
It's my granddads 100th tomorrow so this weekend I won't have much free time but i'm going to get her on the road soon if it kills me

[macdeb]

I'd be interested in the results.

[SILICONEKIDOBHP]

brett84 said:

I'd be up for driving over there with you mate, but mine might be a couple of weeks yet as it's finding time to finish all the little bits.
It's my granddads 100th tomorrow so this weekend I won't have much free time but i'm going to get her on the road soon if it kills me

Nottingham wheel alignment will do the geo to the TVR factory settings on there machine for £50.The settings are on there system .

http://www.192.com/atoz/business/nottingham-ng2/sc...

[brett84]

Have you used them Daz?
I don't mind the cost and travel to Mat as i've heard nothing but praise from customers

[brett84]

don't the alignment centre charge per adjustment? I remember taking a celica there years ago, it was a Jap import with the super strut system and it ended up costing loads more than I thought it would

[SILICONEKIDOBHP]

It was a few years back ,They just copied the Chimaera factory settings ,but maybe the setting have improved since through trial and error .

[phillpot]

Have you had the adjusters apart on the rear wishbones?

if they are seized and garage has to spend extra time freeing them off that could run the bill up a tad!

[brett84]

thats a job for this weekend, i've got new adjusters to fit, if they are anything like the rest of the car they will be completely seized up

[Richard 858]

I'm booked in with Mat on the 30th, after Anthonys glowing reccomendation. Just need to ensure adjusters freed off before I get over there.

[TVR Beaver]

As QBee says.... You'll need it on a Hunter machine to get the thrust angle back correct... If you don't you'll be chasing your tail for ever and a day!...

Edited by TVR Beaver on Thursday 17th July 15:01

[QBee]

Richard 858 said:

I'm booked in with Mat on the 30th, after Anthonys glowing reccomendation. Just need to ensure adjusters freed off before I get over there.

He will always free them off for you if you cannot, but it does add a few quid to the bill.

[Richard 858]

I had a good chat with Mat today, very nice chap. I've got the use of a pit tomorrow for about half an hour tomorrow so I'll give them a good soaking with penetrating oil. I'll be down at Newmarket in the Chim again tomorrow Anthony if you're down that way and fancy meeting up ?

[Alexdaredevils]

QBee said:

He will always free them off for you if you cannot, but it does add a few quid to the bill.

Thats because its a PITA ( I did a pair not long ago )

[QBee]

Richard 858 said:

I had a good chat with Mat today, very nice chap. I've got the use of a pit tomorrow for about half an hour tomorrow so I'll give them a good soaking with penetrating oil. I'll be down at Newmarket in the Chim again tomorrow Anthony if you're down that way and fancy meeting up ?

Sorry - working at home tomorrow (yes, really working guys - I'm not a graphic designer)