Tire Alignment / 1999 DeDion

[rich]

I'm planning on dropping the Caterham off for an alignment at a local shop. They have raced Formula Fords and Continentals for scores of years. They do the alignments on these cars so I am hoping they can do the 7 as well.

Does anyone have alignment spec's for a 1999 Caterham Zetec DeDion? Street only.

Thanks
Rich

ps. Owned the car for two years, always seems like it wants to wander. Just looking at it, it appears to have a large amount of toe out.
Also replacing old tires with 195 60 14 Hankook R S2's.

[Ian7]

We rarely run an open wheel race car with less than 1/8 toe out, but you do NOT want this on the street, way too squirrely.

I suggest an 1/8 in (total) at each end as a start;
if you have huge torque, add a little more rear toe in at first until you get used to the car.
Half degree negative camber in the rear, nearly a full degree in the front. Harder driving on stickier tires will tolerate bigger negative camber, but will wear quicker in a straight line and won't stop as well.

[scannon]

Rich,

Call Ben or Cory at CATUSA 303-765-0247. They can tell you what the recommended alignment specs are for your car.

Skip

[Kitcat]

I run a smidgen of toe out at both ends on my DeDion Caterham, 1.8 negative camber all around, 4.7 degrees of caster up front. Car handles beautifully. Uneven tirewear (205/50/15 Toyo RA1's) is minimal.

The alignment was done with me sitting in the car to duplicate actual weight distribution while driving. I noticed that just sliding the seat forward and back changed the alignment #'s.

Mike

[rich]

Thanks for all of your help.

Kitcat, what kind of 15" wheels are you running? 15" would give a lot more tire choices. I've already bought the 195 60 14's, but maybe 15" next time.

I also talked to Ben at CATUSA. He was very responsive and helpful. Good support.

Thanks
Rich

[Kitcat]

I have the stock Caterham "Prisoner" 15 inch wheels.

If you bump up wheel size, be aware that you may also be increasing tire diameter which will increase your speed at various rpms, and reduce acceleration. It will also increase ride height, perhaps good on the street, less good on the track. My car was set up around these wheels/tires so all is in harmony.

Also, using super sticky R compound tires for the street, like I have, really increases the amount of grit and small stones that hit your rear fenders and end up in your lap.

I agree Ben is a great resource for us Caterham owners. So is Chris at Sevens and Elans in Massachusetts.

Mike