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When preparing your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for track days, proper suspension alignment is crucial for maximizing performance and handling. The three key alignment settings to focus on are camber, caster, and toe. Each of these settings affects how your vehicle responds to steering inputs and maintains traction during high-speed cornering.
Understanding Suspension Alignment
Suspension alignment refers to the angles of the wheels in relation to the vehicle’s body and each other. Proper alignment ensures that the tires make optimal contact with the road, providing better grip and stability. Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced performance on the track.
Key Alignment Settings
Camber
Camber is the angle of the wheels in relation to the vertical axis of the vehicle. Positive camber means the top of the wheel is tilted outward, while negative camber means it is tilted inward. For track use, a slight negative camber is generally preferred to improve cornering grip.
- Recommended camber settings for track days: -1.5° to -3.0°.
- Consider tire type and track conditions when adjusting camber.
Caster
Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A positive caster angle helps with straight-line stability and steering feel, while a negative angle can lead to instability. For track performance, a higher positive caster is usually beneficial.
- Recommended caster settings for track days: +4.0° to +6.0°.
- Higher caster angles improve steering response and stability.
Toe
Toe refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from above. Toe-in means the front of the wheels is closer together than the rear, while toe-out means the opposite. Proper toe settings can enhance turn-in response and overall handling.
- Recommended toe settings for track days: 0° to +1/16” toe-in.
- Adjust toe settings based on driving style and track characteristics.
Setting Up Your Evo
To achieve the ideal suspension alignment for your Evo, follow these steps:
- Start with a baseline alignment using factory specifications.
- Gradually adjust camber, caster, and toe settings based on your track experience.
- Test the vehicle on the track to evaluate handling and grip.
- Make further adjustments as needed to fine-tune performance.
Conclusion
Proper suspension alignment is essential for maximizing the performance of your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution on track days. By understanding and adjusting camber, caster, and toe settings, you can enhance your vehicle’s handling, improve tire wear, and boost your overall driving experience. Always remember to test and adjust settings based on your driving style and track conditions for the best results.