Corner Balancing

[jcaspar1]

I am going to have my snake aligned and am wondering what corner balancing is and how it is done. My best guess is that corner balancing results in equal weight being applied at each of the tires. How is this done (suspension adjustment?) and is it worth the $$ for a Viper that sees mostly daily driving with 2-3 track events and 3-4 drag strip days a year?

 

[MtHam ACR]

Jeff,

Corner weighting attempts to equal the weight distribution of the RF/LR with the LF/RR assuming the weight of the driver in the seat. If you are doing a high performance alignment (agressive negative camber, for example), it is usually a prerequisite to assure the characteristics remain constant for either direction during hard cornering.

If you're doing a full-tilt alignment with handling the ultimate goal, I don't think the incremental cost is out of line. For a guy that runs a few track events a year, is it going to shave a second a lap? I doubt it. I can't imagine there would be a benefit for the quarter, but this isn't my realm.

The good thing is you only need to do it once, assuming you use the same shop and that your car doesn't change too much between alignments.

Good luck,

Eric
01ACR

 

[LTHL VPR]

Jeff-
Good question. Corner weighting is done using scales on all 4 corners. By adjusting suspension settings, ride height, and sometimes the use of shims, the car can be properly set for the driver's weight. It works great, but I personally think it is not be necessary for a primarily street driven car. It takes awhile to get it set up properly and may be costly depending on your budget. I would be more than happy to spend some time with you discussing your options to make sure you are heading down the right path to meet your goals. You need to make sure you set the alignment up with the proper settings for your needs. And there are benefits and drawbacks as well.
We have done performance alignments and corner weighting on many of our customers' Vipers. They were all able to feel a noticeable difference. It may make sense to search the archives. In fact, Chad (illy) lives up in your neck of the woods. Try and meet up with him for a ride. I think you'll be impressed with how we set up his car.
We're not too far away from you. If you need our help, let me know.
-Wayne (LTHL VPR)