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Castor

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Old 08-21-2007, 02:27 AM
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Hello,

I'm posting in herre since it seems you lot are a bit more knowledgeable about alignment than the general s2k public.

I'm getting a suspension alignment on thursday, and will be using the "UK" specs.

However, it seems that reputable specialists COG are in some cases actually setting castor angles under 6 degrees, whereas the "UK" spec is 6
Old 08-21-2007, 02:30 AM
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increasing the castor means more force to turn in to a corner; meaning more weighty steering (which may feel like more feedback) but a slower turn in.
Old 08-21-2007, 02:32 AM
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Look of the car bibles for more info on geo.

More casrot makes the car's steering heavier, since you need to lift the front more to turn the wheels. This means the car's steering has more friction too, which will reduce feel and makes it rubbery.

It also makes the car more reluctant to deviate from the straight line, with poor turn in.

Great for a motorway cruiser like a Krautwagen, I suppose.

If you want better feel, you need to get rid of the inertia in the electric rack (CR rack?) and the compliance in its rubber mountings. Lighter front calipers & wheels also reduce inertia.
Old 08-21-2007, 02:39 AM
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I'm with Nick, however:
the lower castor angles like mine, give better turn in, although some don't like the lightness it adds to the steering wheel.

The biggest downside for me, and why I'll probably wind it back to 6 from 5 30, is that it's screwing up the camber on hard turns. But this will only affect you if you REALLY push the car hard. And possibly don't have the optimal tyre pressures either.
Old 08-21-2007, 03:09 AM
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I hated it first, but I've completely changed my mind.

Not enough added front camber on hard turns?
Old 08-21-2007, 03:10 AM
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Yeah, I'm going to get my front camber increased at some point.
Old 08-21-2007, 03:15 AM
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Thanks for the replies to far.

Coming from a Lotus Seven type car, and driving in the Alps a lot, I think I do push the car quite hard, i.e. I can hear the tires in the turns.

For me, turn-in is fine, and among the best I know, but steering feedback and precision is lacking for me. I was hoping to cure this with more castor.


To re-state the original question more clearly:

What are COG trying to achieve by setting lower castor?


Thanks,
Marin
Old 08-21-2007, 03:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Marin,Aug 21 2007, 12:15 PM

To re-state the original question more clearly:

What are COG trying to achieve by setting lower castor?
quicker turn in!

If you want better steering feel then note Nick's suggestions, e.g. stiffer steering bushes.
Old 08-21-2007, 10:45 AM
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Marin,

My main gripe with the stock car was the same - steering feel/feedback. I've done the following so far:-

- Castor reduced to minimum tolerance (about 5
Old 08-21-2007, 10:49 AM
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[QUOTE=havoc UK,Aug 21 2007, 07:45 PM] I'm toying with the idea of stiffer steering rack bushes, but it's more


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