For those who are on UK alignment specs or have alignment other than the OEM AHM specs, I'd like to hear your comments regarding how it feels versus the normal OEM AHM spec... for the street, track and auto-x use (or whichever applies to you).

I just mine done, and have a few thoughts... but I can't bring myself to describe them well.

 

I've been using that alignment for the summer months and then switch back to stock for winter (save the tires). I can't say that I have ever noticed much difference since it's only 0.5 degree different. My take is that you'd have to run a prescribed course to get times to compare with each alignment...

 

Here are my impressions when I changed my '02 to the UK alignment.

1) The steering got a little heavier and would tend to self center more. Due to increased front wheel caster.
2) Oversteer was more controllable with the throttle.
3) The car would follow road ruts more making it feel like it wanders.
4) A little more lateral grip on mid-high speed sweepers.
5) Turn in a little crisper.

All the changes were minor. I liked the overall feel for spirited driving. The wandering steering on rough roads was a negative, but you should have both hands on the wheel anyway. Honestly, I don't think the minor increase of negative camber is enough for serious auto-x. It "felt" better, but I didn't all of a sudden drop a lot of time. Might have to up my personal limits to match the alignment change though.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fongu
Here are my impressions when I changed my '02 to the UK alignment.

1) The steering got a little heavier and would tend to self center more.

 

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How much more increased tire wear are you guys seeing? Not sure how you would quantify it but in your opinion, what would you say you've seen over the stock alignment?

 

74, it entirely depends on use. I have a full-on auto-x alignment (1.75, 2.25) and I still see most of my wear on the outside of the tires.

 

And you've been going through tires like they're old news.

I run light track , no auto-x and mostly canyon. I may go with the uk settings just to try them out. Hey T...I might have a new surprise pretty soon over the next few weeks.

 

It's important to keep in mind that the biggest impact will be felt on model years 2000 and 2001. Beginning with model year 2002 Honda made changes to the anti-sway bars, spring ratings, and shocks were recalibrated.

As for my car, a 2001, the change was dramatic. In a word the car now feels "planted". Fongu's description is accurate. It's true the car does follow the crown of the road a little more and ruts become more pronounced but it's more than worth it IMO. I think it's very important that the alignment setting be "spot on" to the UK specs to really appreciate the gains. The shop that tried doing mine the first time did not achieve that and in fact tried to tell me it wasn't possible after making two different attempts to achieve it. I took the car to a second shop (the Honda dealership at last year's Fall Color Tour) and it took an extra effort on their part (adjusting some sub-frames, etc.) but Antrim Honda in Greencastle, PA got it right. I'm really looking forward to tracking the car this spring.

 

The tire wear is dependent on the venue. Autocross use will see outside edge wear while street use will see inside wear.