I hate to post a question like this. Searching has answered some of my questions, but some of the threads are so old, and the information so scattered, I thought it would be nice to have some basics right here in 1 place, so that if any other newbs like me ask the same questions, its right here. So here it goes:

I primarily use my AP1 as a track car / weekend car. I don't care too much about street driving, so all compromises would err to the side of track duty as opposed to street comfort.

My current setup is on low mileage OEM dampers and Swift "sport" (not the Spec-R) springs, and AP2 wheels in 225/255 stagger. To be honest, I quite like the way the car handles. To me, it feels very neutral, and never does anything scary. It inspires confidence 100% of the time on the track. With that said, I'd like to upgrade for next track season, and my thoughts were this:

-Non-staggered 255's on OEM AP2 rears (hubs bored at a machine shop) or TRC3's
-Koni/GC coilovers with appropriate spring rates for non-stagger (550/440ish most likely)

I'm on a bit of a budget here, so I have to keep the prices in check. I realize there are better options out there, but with my budget, it just isn't realistic at this time. I'd rather spend my money on seat time than parts. I do not plan to compete in TT ot anything, just HPDE, and self-timing for the fun of it. TT might be in my future, but its not something I want to focus on at the moment.

So my biggest question is, aside from spring rate selection, what other things should I look into for a non-staggered setup which will help keep that neutral, predictable feel that I currently have? For alignment I was thinking something along the lines of:

F caster 6 deg
F camber -2-2.5 deg
F Toe 0
R camber -2.5-3 deg
R toe 1/16" per side, 1/8" total, or maybe even less.

For sway bars, I was thinking of just removing the rear, and keeping the front OEM ('02). Or maybe going with an '06 rear and a large aftermarket front bar.

To be honest, I like the car as it is, so I'm very hesitant to change it up, but I know it can be done, as so many people do it with success.

So any experience, advice, and recommendations are welcomed. I realize that all this stuff is very personal, and not 1 size fits all. I'm not looking for a specific setup to be spoon fed to me, but just some suggestions and guidance.

Thanks!

 

I think getting a softer rear sway is a must for an AP1 when going square, I kept my 01 front sway for now but got a rear sway out of an 04.

You might not be able to get more than -2 camber front, might not even get that.

 

Yea, I figured that. My plan was so see how much I could get, then get offset ball joints if needed. I'm currently on UK specs, but with less rear toe.

 

I'd suggest the Delrin offset UCA bushings. In the event you ever want to do competition with NASA they are no point mod where as the balljoints will cost you points.

 

Hmm, thats a good point. Planning for the future is always a good thing.

To be honest, I'm thinking about keeping my current setup for this season and just investing in crazy amounts of seat time instead of parts. I feel like the car is still faster than I am a driver.

 

When I first moved to non-staggered and started tracking, I had a cusco front sway and no rear sway with a 255 set up all around. Loved how it felt...until I got faster. Setup is going to be an evolution as your driving progresses. If you're happy with how the car handles currently, I say keep driving it that way until your driving gets to the point where you no longer like how it handles, then circle back. The best way to know what to do is to experience problems first, then research the fixes to those issues.

 

^x2

driver mod is more important.

 

I agree with this 100%. I am honestly perfectly happy with how the car feels at the moment. Even for an AP1, it doesn't feel the least bit twitchy to me. So maybe I should just spend my car budget on track time this year, and re-evaluate my goals next winter. I'm not trying to be competitive, just want to have fun an improve. I would be happy if I could run a 1:50 or high 1:40's at Gingerman with my current setup. I think its within the realm of possibility. I'll spend the money on track time, brakes, tires, and a good seat. I think a good seat will be a huge improvement.

 

R comp tires will add a very nice and fun level if you have not tried them yet?

 

I've been through a set of Star Spec and RS-3's, but no R-comps. I think I'll stick with the extreme summers for now.