Suspension Tuning Guide for High Performance Vehicles

This suspension tuning guide will help you identify possible handling issues and apply proper resolutions. Follow the guidance closely and make one change at a time for best results. Be sure to take note of the base line alignment specs listed below. A modern, high performance alignment will greatly improve your driving experience and make your car easier to drive at speed.
If you have any doubts about particular tuning changes, feel free to give us a call — or better yet, seek us out at an upcoming high performance driving event. We will be glad to observe your car’s performance and make tuning suggestions.
Click HERE to download a PDF copy of the Suspension Tuning Guide
Suspension Tuning Guide
TIRES | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Understeer = Push | More front tire pressure | |
Less rear tire pressure | ||
Oversteer = Loose | Less front tire pressure | |
More rear tire pressure | ||
Try to get tire temps within 10 degrees across the face of the tire. | Excessive center tire temp | Less tire pressure |
Excessive edge tire temp | More tire pressure | |
CAMBER | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Understeer = Push | More negative front camber | |
Less negative rear camber | ||
Oversteer = Loose | Less negative front camber | |
More negative rear camber | ||
Excessive inside edge tire temp | Less negative camber | |
Excessive outside edge tire temp | More negative camber | |
TOE | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Corner ENTRY understeer | More front toe OUT | |
Consistent understeer | More rear toe out | |
Corner ENTRY oversteer | More front toe IN | |
Consistent oversteer | More rear toe IN | |
Poor straight line stability | More front toe IN | |
More rear toe IN | ||
CASTER | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Poor straightline stability | More positive caster | |
A good alignment base line is: | Camber -.25 to -1.5 degrees Caster positive 6 degrees or more | Toe 1/8” toe IN street ¼" toe OUT track |
SPRINGS | Handling Condition | Resolution |
We have an excellent spring rate calculator online: | Understeer = Push | Less front spring rate |
Spring Rate Calculator | Oversteer = Loose | More front spring rate |
Less rear spring rate | ||
SWAY BARS | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Understeer = Push | Less front bar | |
More rear bar | ||
Oversteer = Loose | More front bar | |
Less rear bar | ||
SHOCKS | Handling Condition | Resolution |
Corner entry understeer = Push | More front compression | |
More rear rebound | ||
Corner entry oversteer = Loose | Less front compression | |
Less rear rebound | ||
Corner exit understeer = Push | More front rebound | |
More rear compression | ||
Corner exit oversteer = Loose | Less front rebound | |
Less rear compression | ||