Table of Contents
Adjusting your BRZ suspension for track days is crucial for maximizing performance and handling. Proper settings for toe, camber, and ride height can significantly enhance your driving experience. In this article, we will explore how to adjust these parameters to achieve optimal performance on the track.
Understanding Suspension Geometry
The suspension geometry of your BRZ plays a vital role in how the car handles during high-speed cornering and braking. By adjusting the toe, camber, and ride height, you can improve grip, stability, and responsiveness.
Adjusting Toe Settings
Toe refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. It can be adjusted to improve straight-line stability and cornering performance.
Types of Toe Settings
- Toe-in: When the front of the wheels is closer together than the rear, improving stability at high speeds.
- Toe-out: When the front of the wheels is farther apart than the rear, enhancing responsiveness in corners.
For track days, a slight toe-out setting is often recommended to enhance cornering agility. A common starting point is around 0.1 to 0.2 degrees of toe-out at the front wheels.
Adjusting Camber Settings
Camber is the angle of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis. Adjusting camber affects tire contact with the road during cornering.
Types of Camber Settings
- Negative Camber: The top of the wheels tilts inward, improving grip during cornering.
- Positive Camber: The top of the wheels tilts outward, typically not used for performance settings.
For track use, negative camber is preferred. A common recommendation for the BRZ is between -1.5 to -2.5 degrees of negative camber at the front wheels, depending on tire choice and track conditions.
Adjusting Ride Height
Ride height affects the center of gravity and weight distribution of your BRZ. Lowering the ride height can improve handling but may also affect comfort and suspension travel.
Benefits of Lowering Ride Height
- Lower center of gravity for improved handling.
- Reduced body roll during cornering.
- Enhanced aerodynamics at speed.
For track days, a ride height reduction of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch can provide noticeable benefits. However, ensure that you maintain adequate suspension travel to avoid bottoming out.
Final Considerations
Before hitting the track, it’s essential to check your adjustments and ensure that your BRZ is aligned correctly. Regularly monitoring tire wear and performance feedback will help you fine-tune these settings further.
Conclusion
Adjusting your BRZ suspension for track days can greatly influence your driving experience. By carefully setting toe, camber, and ride height, you can create a setup that enhances performance and enjoyment on the track. Always remember to test your settings and make adjustments based on your driving style and track conditions.