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The Subaru BRZ is a popular sports car known for its sharp handling and engaging driving experience. One of the key components that can significantly affect performance is the suspension system. Understanding the difference between track and street suspension settings is essential for getting the most out of your BRZ, whether you’re hitting the racetrack or cruising on the streets.
Understanding Suspension Settings
Suspension settings are crucial for optimizing your vehicle’s performance based on the driving environment. The primary goal is to achieve the right balance between comfort and handling. Here, we will explore the differences between track and street suspension settings for the BRZ.
Track Suspension Settings
Track suspension settings are designed for maximum performance on smooth, flat surfaces. These settings prioritize handling and responsiveness, allowing the driver to push the car to its limits.
- Stiffer Springs: Track settings often involve stiffer springs that reduce body roll and improve cornering stability.
- Lower Ride Height: A lower ride height enhances aerodynamics and lowers the center of gravity, improving handling.
- Increased Damping: Higher damping rates help control the movement of the suspension, providing better feedback during aggressive driving.
- Alignment Adjustments: Track setups may include negative camber adjustments to improve tire contact during cornering.
These adjustments can make a significant difference in lap times and overall performance on the track. However, they can also lead to a harsher ride quality, which is something to consider if you plan to drive your BRZ on the street as well.
Street Suspension Settings
Street suspension settings focus on comfort and drivability for everyday use. While performance is still important, these settings prioritize a smoother ride over extreme handling capabilities.
- Softer Springs: Softer springs provide a more comfortable ride by absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road.
- Higher Ride Height: A higher ride height can improve visibility and comfort on uneven road surfaces.
- Lower Damping Rates: Reduced damping rates allow for more suspension travel, enhancing comfort during daily driving.
- Neutral Alignment: A more neutral alignment helps maintain tire wear and stability during regular driving.
These settings make the BRZ more enjoyable for daily commutes, but they may sacrifice some performance on the track. Finding the right balance between comfort and handling is key.
Dialing in Your BRZ for Different Environments
Adjusting your BRZ’s suspension settings can be a straightforward process if you know what to look for. Here are some tips on how to dial in your car for both track and street environments.
Adjusting for the Track
When preparing for a track day, consider the following steps to optimize your BRZ’s suspension settings:
- Change Springs: Swap to stiffer springs designed for track use.
- Adjust Ride Height: Lower the ride height to improve handling and aerodynamics.
- Tune Damping: Increase damping rates to enhance control during high-speed cornering.
- Check Alignment: Set alignment to include negative camber for better cornering grip.
These adjustments will help your BRZ perform at its best on the track, allowing you to maximize your driving experience.
Adjusting for the Street
For daily driving, follow these steps to ensure your BRZ remains comfortable and enjoyable:
- Revert Springs: Switch back to softer springs for improved comfort.
- Adjust Ride Height: Raise the ride height if necessary for better clearance on uneven roads.
- Reduce Damping: Lower damping rates to allow for a smoother ride over bumps.
- Neutral Alignment: Set alignment back to a neutral position for everyday driving stability.
By making these adjustments, you can ensure that your BRZ is well-suited for daily driving without compromising too much on performance.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between track and street suspension settings is crucial for any BRZ owner. By dialing in your suspension for different environments, you can optimize your vehicle’s performance and enjoy a more engaging driving experience. Whether you’re on the track or the street, the right suspension settings will help you get the most out of your Subaru BRZ.