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Kirk · 07-07-2009, 09:24 AM

I've also had some trouble really getting my JRZ coil overs set where I want them. Part of the problem is just that it's hard to measure the ride height well, whether using the fender or lower suspension points. Trying to adjust the coil overs to get an even ride height was very frustrating. I thought maybe I was just having suspension bind problems with my Boxster.

Well then I bought my 996 C4S with TechArt coil overs and raised the ride height. I had the exact same problem with getting the height dialed in with the accuracy that I wanted. So it wasn't a problem specific just to my Boxster. Time for a change - time for a better tool to more exactly set the coil overs based on exact weights rather than body height: time for digital scales!

I got my scales yesterday. I had checked on getting scales last year and the best deals I could find were around $700 for used ones and $1,100+ for new ones. What I just bought were Longacre scales rated at 1,500 lbs/pad for $880 shipped. The shipping alone was probably about $50 as the box was over 70 lbs. I thought this was a pretty good deal for new scales.

Well I didn't hesitate and got my 996 up on the scales last night.

I used sections of vinyl tile under the wheels in the rear to shim up the car so that it's at least sitting on the scales level (verified with a water level). I also changed all of the screwing around that I had done with height adjustment and reset the coil over heights back to being even. I use digital calipers to measure the height between the adjusting collar on the coil overs and the bottom shock mount. This way I can get the collars set at the same heights side to side.

It looks like setting everything even got the car pretty close, you're looking for a cross weight of 50% to have it perfect. It also looks like my car is a portly 3,381 lbs!!!

I then placed 210 lbs of weight in the driver's seat to account for my fat arse. Then I adjusted the ride height at a couple corners to get this final setup:

Perfect 50% cross weight!!! Very cool. I couldn't be happier. The scales make it easier to very precisely set ride height and get everything even on the car. It's not perfect though as taking a passenger or adding more gas will change this balance, but it's a LOT better than the half-assed method I was using before of setting ride height based on the height of the fender. That really was not a consistent way to measure for me.

Now I need to do the Boxster and then align it for an aggressive cornering setup. I'll then be set for ripping it up at the next autocross.

Kirk

07-07-2009, 09:24 AM	#112
Kirk Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Texarkana, Texas Posts: 959	Corner Balancing Car I've also had some trouble really getting my JRZ coil overs set where I want them. Part of the problem is just that it's hard to measure the ride height well, whether using the fender or lower suspension points. Trying to adjust the coil overs to get an even ride height was very frustrating. I thought maybe I was just having suspension bind problems with my Boxster. Well then I bought my 996 C4S with TechArt coil overs and raised the ride height. I had the exact same problem with getting the height dialed in with the accuracy that I wanted. So it wasn't a problem specific just to my Boxster. Time for a change - time for a better tool to more exactly set the coil overs based on exact weights rather than body height: time for digital scales! I got my scales yesterday. I had checked on getting scales last year and the best deals I could find were around $700 for used ones and $1,100+ for new ones. What I just bought were Longacre scales rated at 1,500 lbs/pad for $880 shipped. The shipping alone was probably about $50 as the box was over 70 lbs. I thought this was a pretty good deal for new scales. Well I didn't hesitate and got my 996 up on the scales last night. I used sections of vinyl tile under the wheels in the rear to shim up the car so that it's at least sitting on the scales level (verified with a water level). I also changed all of the screwing around that I had done with height adjustment and reset the coil over heights back to being even. I use digital calipers to measure the height between the adjusting collar on the coil overs and the bottom shock mount. This way I can get the collars set at the same heights side to side. It looks like setting everything even got the car pretty close, you're looking for a cross weight of 50% to have it perfect. It also looks like my car is a portly 3,381 lbs!!! I then placed 210 lbs of weight in the driver's seat to account for my fat arse. Then I adjusted the ride height at a couple corners to get this final setup: Perfect 50% cross weight!!! Very cool. I couldn't be happier. The scales make it easier to very precisely set ride height and get everything even on the car. It's not perfect though as taking a passenger or adding more gas will change this balance, but it's a LOT better than the half-assed method I was using before of setting ride height based on the height of the fender. That really was not a consistent way to measure for me. Now I need to do the Boxster and then align it for an aggressive cornering setup. I'll then be set for ripping it up at the next autocross. Kirk __________________ 2000 Boxster S - Gemballa body kit, GT3 front bumper, JRZ coilovers, lower stress bars 2003 911 Carrera 4S - TechArt body kit, TechArt coilovers, HRE wheels 1986 911 Carrera Targa - 3.2L, Euro pistons, 964 cams, steel slant nose widebody 1975 911S Targa - undergoing a full restoration and engine rebuild Also In The Garage - '66 912, '69 912, '72 914 Chalon wide body, '73 914