Rear toe in

[batfish]

I am setting up the suspension on my Elan race car. The Lotus spec for a 26R states 3/8 total, can anyone confirm that this is correct or let me know what toe in they are running on the rears.

regards

Andy

[twincamman]

Hi Andy --- I try for 3 /16 th each side at rear and 1/ 16th a side in the front ---that is what I attempt to run on my car --- but with string its tough to get 32 nds of an inch but for the street it doesnt matter much as I NEVER go over the speed limit and if it happens its not fast enough to notice . a lazer set up may work better for you ----ed

[toomspj]

I go for about 3/32" - 1/8" toe in each side. I keep both sides the same. Most important thing is to ensure that there is no play in the rear suspension which leads to rear wheel steering and a most unstable car.

I suspect the optimum value depends on your actual car and the tyres you use.

Paul

[elj221c]

The Lotus spec for a 26R states 3/8 total, can anyone confirm that this is correct or let me know what toe in they are running on the rears.

That is the information that I have for an S1. I assume it is the same for an S2.

[batfish]

Thanks all for your replies.
We are setting it up using lazers. The mechanic helping me questioned the amount of toe in as he thought it was high compared to the toe in he sets on other race cars, he usually works on Sports 2000 Tigas and Royales.

regards

Andy

[elansprint71]

I was talking with Pat Thomas, the Elan racing guru, on Friday at Race Retro and asked him how much I should toe-in my adjustable rears (road use only) he said 1/8" each side and told me exactly what ED has posted above, under squat the wheels toe out.

[batfish]

Mike who looks after Malcolm Rickets and Sean Walkers race Elans sent me an e-mail back in Decemeber and said that 3/8 is a good starting point, he often runs more as Elans respond well to lots of rear toe in and lots of rear toe in enables you to brake deep into the corner. The best set up depends a lot on your driving style.

regards

Andy

[elansprint71]

Mike who looks after Malcolm Rickets and Sean Walkers race Elans sent me an e-mail back in Decemeber and said that 3/8 is a good starting point, he often runs more as Elans respond well to lots of rear toe in and lots of rear toe in enables you to brake deep into the corner. The best set up depends a lot on your driving style.

regards

Andy

This makes sense I guess; if you lower the stance of the car for racing,the rear will start to toe out; therefore more toe-in required as a starting point?

[elansprint71]

I was talking with Pat Thomas, the Elan racing guru, on Friday at Race Retro and asked him how much I should toe-in my adjustable rears (road use only) he said 1/8" each side and told me exactly what ED has posted above, under squat the wheels toe out.

Well, this post made sense before Ed subsequently edit his quoted post; twice. Unfortunately the forum software records the time of Editing.

[rgh0]

The toe out in the rear occurs due to suspension loads not geometry. Brake loads cause toe out and spring thrust cause toe out as spring load increases in roll. The bushes and the lower arm deflects under these loads and toe out results unless enough toe in is preset.

A total of 3/8 ths is probably more than you need if have more rigid bushes than the orginal 26R. But then tyres are better and spring loads higher than then also.

Personally I run 1/4 inch approx total ( 1/8 inch each side) but I run a relatively soft suspension and have to run tyres with relatively limited grip in my class here in Australia so toe out cuasing loads are lower than some have I suspect.

cheers
Rohan