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Author Topic: accounting for the driver in setup  (Read 1657 times)

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Offline SeLFMaDE

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accounting for the driver in setup
« on: September 27, 2009, 07:19:41 PM »
This may be a stupid question, but it's been on my mind lately. Is there any benefit to be had by setting the suspension and the alignment to account for the driver's weight?

Here's why I ask. 90% of the time I am the sole person in my car and I'm satisfied with the setup for the most part. Anytime there's another body in the car that weighs more than 80lbs I can feel a significant difference in how it rides and handles. That got me wondering because anytime an alignment has ever been done, there isn't anybody in the car. Also, everytime I have examined the suspension and stance, there isn't anybody in the car.

I range from 200 - 220 pounds. If the car is neutral without me in it then it must be biased to some degree with me in it. And if I can feel a difference when another person half my weight is in the other side of the car then what could expect if I had the alignment and suspension changed to account for just my own weight since I am the only passenger most of the time? Big difference? Worth experimenting or no?
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Offline snaponbob

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Re: accounting for the driver in setup
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2009, 08:05:18 PM »
I have my car aligned without me in it, and then got in the car to see what the difference is. Not even .1 degrees, so I just left it as it was. And I go about 200 pounds dressed. BTW, I have done this with stock springs and 450s. No difference. The passenger changes the "feel" of the car because the weight has increased. The alignment change is insignificant.
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Bob Buxbaum
snaponbob AT comcast DOT net
2007 Redline, Revalved Konis, Crazy alignment
FE3 front and Z0K rear bars, owner installed pwr lock buttons
catless downpipe, SP custom exhaustWester's tune
racing springs and adjustable perches
DDM ProBeam & Tower brace, CCW 18x11 wheels for racing

Offline DrJones

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Re: accounting for the driver in setup
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2009, 06:41:07 AM »
When ever we do a "Proper" alignment we put ~200 lbs of watersoftener salt bags in the drivers seat.
The weight is a more important when corner weighting the car, but it will effect both a bit.
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2007 - GXP - White
F-Prepared - Crazy Monkey Racing
Westers Garage/Norms Fiberglass/AVON TYRES

lil goat

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Re: accounting for the driver in setup
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2009, 07:19:06 AM »
Mine was aligned without me in it, but corner weighted with me in it (thanks DDM) I notice a difference with a passenger for sure, my son is the most common passenger he is about 225. The car seems a bit heavier  :D. In theory I guess depending on weight you should add some air to the rear tires. I am just now learning how critical tire pressure is on our cars, can make a huge difference especially if you are running other than stock tires.
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