Autocross set-up

[Silver 1999 ACR]

I was looking though the Service Manual(1999) and ran across a section talking about Sport Shims (page 2-17).
I would like to try some autocross/solo events and what I like to know is:

1. Can I remove the shims at home and then drive to the event (about 60 miles away)
2. Take a jack and tools with me and the remove/replace the shims at the event.
3. Take them out and forget about them.
4. Don't mess with it unless I losing events by .5 seconds.

What do you guys do??
Thank for any advice.

 

[1TONY1]

I always remove the shims. It will put some uneven wear on the front tires, but if you just do the drive every once in a while you won't know it. You could do it at the course...the key to doing it quick is a 1/2" extention with a wobble end on it....a cordless impact also helps. I have done it both ways. Good luck.

 

[SNKEBIT]

Do gen.1's have those shims???

 

[Randy]

Gen 1's have the shims, also.

As far as tools, I'd also recommend a LONG extension (on the order of at least 18") to get the wobble end out of the wheel well.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Don't forget, when you remove the shims, you have to re-do the toe. As the tie rod is ahead of the knuckle, taking the shims out should add a lot of toe-out.

 

[1TONY1]

Don't forget, when you remove the shims, you have to re-do the toe. As the tie rod is ahead of the knuckle, taking the shims out should add a lot of toe-out.

Maybe "should" do the toe, but you don't have to. I never have.....maybe it's something I should look into....using home alignment gauges. It has to be quick and simple.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

A lot of toe-out would be OK for AX, but interesting for the ride to get there. I thought it was like 1/4" of toe out?

 

[1TONY1]

A lot of toe-out would be OK for AX, but interesting for the ride to get there. I thought it was like 1/4" of toe out?

Would there be any autocross gains in bringing it back in ? The car does wonder around more with the shims out.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

If the AX is on a rough or uneven surface where the wandering hurts, or it wanders/wiggles under heavy braking it might be better to adjust toe, even if it's a crude "1/4 turn per side" thing to get back in the ballpark.

 

[Fast Viper Dan]

If the AX is on a rough or uneven surface where the wandering hurts, or it wanders/wiggles under heavy braking it might be better to adjust toe, even if it's a crude "1/4 turn per side" thing to get back in the ballpark.

The toe out is just right for track or auto cross. The car will drift around on the street. I would take the tools with you along with a jack and remove the shims at the track. Replace them before your drive home as well. You might want to try this at home on one side just to get the hang of it. You will also know what tools you need.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

We're getting into driver preference here, but I think it could be a lot of toe out for track use. I've understood Gen 1 and Gen 2 front suspensions to be the same geometry, although different materials, and it takes a moderate amount of readjust it. Try it first...

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Found my notes - to counteract the toe effect of the shims is 1.75 turns on each tie rod (on each side.) Removing shims will cause toe-out.