Alignment questions

[Adam]

I did a search through the achrives for about a half hour but couldn't come up with the info I need so I'm hoping you guys can help. I am considering doing an alignment and it seems using a shop with a hunter machine is a good way to go. I want negative camber up front as it seems right now there is none. Also maybe maybe slight toe out up front. I basically want better handling, grip and response for autocross and track use. What is a good set up and what is the best I can do with the stock suspension?

[Topless]

Adam,
My target settings were taken from some hot shoe drivers in the area who know Boxsters well. This is what I have done with stock suspension:

Front:
Toe= zero
Castor=maximum
Camber= .7 negatve (max negative)

Rear:
Toe= 1/16 total toe in.
Camber= 1.2 negative

This should get you in a pretty neutral grippy place and tires should still wear well. Good luck.

[Adam]

Topless, thank you for the guidelines. Ok so .7 is the max negative camber available up front. That's better than nothing. I always thought it was strange that Porsche dialed in some negative camber in the back from the factory, but not the front. What do you guys think about some slight toe out up front? Bad idea?

[Bladecutter]

Originally Posted by Adam

What do you guys think about some slight toe out up front? Bad idea?

Not needed from the fact that as the car is under heavy acceleration, the front tires will toe-out normally a smidge, so keeping the toe at 0 is going to be the best for a rear drive car.

BC.

[Topless]

Some high level (National SCCA champion) AX drivers will add a little front toe out to make quick transitions. They will tell you that it is only for tight quick 30 sec. AX courses and it does make the car twitchy. My typical courses are longer, faster, and I don't drive at their level. Zero toe is a better choice for me. I don't like "twitchy" at 120+.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Bladecutter

Not needed from the fact that as the car is under heavy acceleration, the front tires will toe-out normally a smidge, so keeping the toe at 0 is going to be the best for a rear drive car.

BC.

Ok, good to know. You guys have been great. I didn't want to go to a shop without some specs to shoot for. One more thing, I just had the tires changed and now the car seems to pull to the left slightly all the time. Before it seemed to track straight. What the heck could that be?

[Adam]

Hey do you guys know what the stock alignment specs are for a Boxster S? I searched all over the net and found nadda. I don't know if the Bentley book has that info, but I'll check it when I get home.