Miata Mailing List: November 1994, Message #11
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   From: mott@poly1.nist.gov (Peter Mott)
Subject: Alignment
   Date: Tue, 1 Nov 1994 11:32:36 -0500


A few questions on alignment.

I have noticed that when I am on a sharp, 270-degree freeway onramp,
the front end of the miata looses grip before the rear.  Generally I
am keeping a steady speed as I approach the sharpest part of the
corner, and then I get on the gas as the corner straightens out for
the acceleration lane.  I usualy take the ramp in 3rd, 4000-5000 RPM.
The front looses traction near the sharpest point.  Judging from
previous threads, this is "understeer" or "push"...right?

Given all that has been said about alignment here, I have decided to
change the car setup.  From previous posts, I have picked out the the
following settings: caster, max +, camber, -1.2/-1.0 F/R, toe 0/0 F/R.
Right now, my car has the stock alignment.  Assuming I change nothing
else, does anybody know if these settings will improve my understeer
on tight corners?

Also, I assume that the oversteer/understeer characteristics changes
with tire pressure. I have spend some time fooling around with tire
pressure, and I currently have 27 psi all around, to minimize highway
vibration at 64 mph.  (BTW, I noticed that the vibration gets worse
and occurs at higher speeds as the pressure is increased.)  Any
thoughts on how changing the tire pressure effects handling would be
appreciated.  Thanx.

Peter Mott
92B Mariner Blue