When installing Bilstein PSS9s what

[jaykay]

Great we are going through a lot detail here...

Have another train of thought ..question

As Topless indicated front LCAs will become necessary to save and optimize R-compound tires. What exact tread ware threshold are we speaking about? Is there a tread ware number range where the arms are essential. If so what is it? Currently I plan to be in the 140 to 200 range.

Lets say one puts front LCAs in on PS2s and corner balance and set up is done. Then you change to R1Rs or some more sticky R comp. Will a completely new set up have to be done for each tire change? Have you wasted money setting up on PS2s?

Would be it be true to say that unless LCA installation is included with strut time you are wasting money because a complete setup must done for different tire compounds/styles anyway, and you should install them during one of these iterations to be cost effective?
(considering LCA installation labour is discrete/separate)

[Topless]

Running street compound tires and a good setup you should be fine without GT3 control arms. As you move towards softer compound tires, they generate a lot more lateral grip and require more negative camber. I like to make tire and setup choices once per year and run the same comp tire all season.

A rough guide for track days:

140 TW -1.5deg F camber
100 TW -2.0 deg F camber
40 TW -3 deg F camber
Racing slicks -3-4deg F camber

This is variable depending on specific tire choice and driving style but gets you in the ballpark. Final adjustments should be made after checking tire temps and wear patterns. Getting your setup just right means tires achieve max grip, wear evenly, and last a lot longer. Setup costs pale in comparison to shredding soft compound tire shoulders and eating a set of tires in one weekend. A $1600 set of Hoosier R6 might last 4 track days. Shredding a $1600 set of R6 comp tires in one day due to a lousy setup is painful.

[jaykay]

Nice information. So I should be able to get -1.5 with the stock arms?

[Topless]

Yep, my car is close to -2 degrees with stock arms and the front end significantly lowered. This is just enough for NT-01 tires and a bit too much for Hankook RS3s.

[Johnny Danger]

TMan & Topless,

What settings (1 through 10) do you have your PSS9's set at for track or street ?

[jaykay]

Dividing the 10 settings into three groupings...
Low third range works for the street comfortably

Middle third range is aggressive for the street and may be suitable for some track

High third range is likely track only

....my guess

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by jaykay

Dividing the 10 settings into three groupings...
Low third range works for the street comfortably

Middle third range is aggressive for the street and may be suitable for some track

High third range is likely track only

....my guess

Jay,

Are sure that you don't have it backwards ? 1 is the stiffest setting and 10 is the softest. I run mine for the at R=6 , F=7.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

TMan & Topless,

What settings (1 through 10) do you have your PSS9's set at for track or street ?

#5 F&R last I checked. I am satisfied with the ride and performance and never fuss with the dampener settings. The ride is firm but precise.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

TMan & Topless,

What settings (1 through 10) do you have your PSS9's set at for track or street ?

I run "9" front/rear (full soft) on the street and "1" front/"3" rear on the track. I adjust them back and forth regularly.

Topless likes a more compliant suspension than I do so and we both run fairly similar lap times, hence there is no "right" or "wrong" here, just remember to adjust for your particular driving style.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

TMan & Topless,

What settings (1 through 10) do you have your PSS9's set at for track or street ?

I run "9" front/rear (full soft) on the street and "1" front/"2-3" rear on the track. I adjust them back and forth regularly.

Topless likes a more compliant suspension than I do. I like the front as precise as possible but add a little more compliance to the rear to keep the rear tires planted on corner exits. We both run fairly similar lap times so there is no "right" or "wrong" here; remember to adjust for your particular handling preferences and driving style.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by thstone

I run "9" front/rear (full soft) on the street and "1" front/"2-3" rear on the track. I adjust them back and forth regularly.

Topless likes a more compliant suspension than I do. I like the front as precise as possible but add a little more compliance to the rear to keep the rear tires planted on corner exits. We both run fairly similar lap times so there is no "right" or "wrong" here; remember to adjust for your particular handling preferences and driving style.

As I said, I run mine at 6 in the rear and 7 in the front for street. I'd love to know what spring rates were selected when my PSS9's were built ? If I were to dial them to a lower setting, I'd have to increase my dental insurance.