Can anyone explain to me what the coilover preload is really doing and how changing it would modify handling traits?

I've got a set of Meister Rs to go on the weekend, they come with "2mm preload set from factory". I plan to go moderately low but nothing ridiculous. Should I ask the garage to do anything with the preload?

 

No, don't mess with the preload.
If you want to lower the car, you use the other locking collars (can't remember which ones, but a youtube search will deffo show you).

 

Or ask Meister themselves. Probably best.

 

Cool - thanks guys. I'll leave it alone for now then, the lower collars are for the height. already sussed them out


Cheers

 

No then.

It's the minimum amount of force required to make the spring start to compress, or (and I think this is more important) the point where the spring stops expanding on rebound. Which is all to do with how well the car flies over bumps.

No I can't explain it to you either.

 

People often make the mistake of adjusting the preload to lower the car which also reduces damper travel.

2mm of preload will essentially keep the spring seated and prevent any noise or rattling around. Normally you set ride height with the damper body adjuster and then use the preload to set the car up on the scales to ensure its balanced correctly.

 

It's used to setup corner weighting - leave well alone unless a pro, with experience is doing a proper job.

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Roger that, thanks all.

Geo wise, after doing a bit of reading here I am thinking about trying settings of these:

Front Camber: 1°15'
Front Toe: 0°0'
Castor: 6°
Rear Camber: 2°00'
Total Rear Toe: 0°15'

 

Front camber of 1.5 would be better matched to the rear and reduce understeer.

15' of total rear toe is low, unless you have adjustable rear toe arms/polybushes in the toe arms. If the bushes are OEM, you'll have a very lively back end at 7.5 on each side.

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