Track day n00b - tyre pressures and suspension settings ??

[Simbo]

Hi Lee.

I previously asked for the same track-day tyre pressure advise.
'Toilet Duck' suggested 11 psi front and 15 rear (hot) and that worked well, also running the front suspension harder than the rear.

I didn't know about tyre compounds though?
It turns out that A048s for the track are normally 'soft' front and 'medium' rear.
My car's set up also wasn't the best and it was bloody scary.
It was transformed with correct tyres and when the set up was changed.

So enjoy Mallory.

[Peter255]

In general we do need to get to the bottom of recommended settings for Atom 2's and 3's on the common tyres choices (AD08 and A048), ideally for both wet and dry track work.

This is something the factory should be able to supply tbh. I realise people have preferences but a safe common setup would be good as a starting point for people to work from as they personalise their cars.

[Bruce Fielding]

[quote="Alex BS"]
And the handbook was written by Bruce! Ha ha. I'm chatting to Tom tomorrow. I'll confirm what is recommended for each type of tyre and report back.
[/quote]

Oi!

Cheeky! I made up all the facts in there myself with no help from the factory... (that's a total lie by the way)

Best advice:

1. Get down to Maplins and grab a £15 tyre thermometer.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/handheld-non-contact-thermometer-n75kh

2. Check that the temperature is even across the width of the tyre.
If it's over inflated, the middle will be hotter than the edges. Take some air out.  If the edges are hotter, then its under inflated. Put some air in. I would use high nitrogen air for stability - I find a 79% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen mix works best...

But yes - as answers above. Lower than you'd think. I run 12/14 on ANY tyre and then see what the hot temps are.

But a trackday is all about having fun and trying things out to see what happens in a safe environment. I would actually suggest that you go for extremes and see what the difference is between hard suspension settings and soft ones and change front to rear. And change the pressures just for the hell of it, too. That way, you'll learn the nuances and be able to make much better decisions yourself when it counts. Trackdays aren't just about raw speed and overtaking everything in sight. They're about knowledge as well.

[Twitter69]

Thanks everybody for the insightful and extremely helpful advice - can't praise this forum enough . . . always fast, sensible and helpful responses.

Just hoping the rain stays away for tomorrow now!

Cheers all,
Lee M.

[Bruce Fielding]

[quote="Peter255"]
>a safe common setup would be good as a starting point for people to work from<
[/quote]

The handbook IS just that.

There are so many factors - air temperatures, track temperatures, tyre choices, track conditions, road conditions - that definitive settings are impractical and likely impossible. The best advice is, on the road, take it easy and keep to speed limits. That way you won't go wrong following the handbook. On track, try different things and see what works works best. Part of the fun of owning an Atom is the adjustability of things that make a significant difference to the driving experience. Play with it and you'll see what works best for you.

[Peter255]

But I've heard many conflicting "Factory suggested" settings.

And the handbook seems to suggest the same settings for all tyres. Is that true?

For example I run a048's. The handbook suggests running 16-19 psi for road use (which I have been doing). BUT I have heard others say the factory recommend 12-14 psi on road (the same as track use).

Its a normal forum discussion tbh. I am no expert I just want to check what is recommended.

I am happiest (after some experimentation) with 12-14 (hot) on track. But I am now unsure for road use.

I am not complaining about the manual, just discussing what I have heard... 

[Bruce Fielding]

[quote="Peter255"]
But I've heard many conflicting "Factory suggested" settings.

And the handbook seems to suggest the same settings for all tyres. Is that true?
[/quote]

No problem.

The handbook can only refer to what comes with the car from the factory as standard. If you change the spec, or put your own tyres on, that would be impractical to detail.

There is only one factory suggested setting. Everything else is personal advice or hearsay, pure and simple (sic).

You seem to have found settings that suit you. That's great - I'd stick with them if I were you... (that's been my philosophy with my cars anyway)

[vernonjones]

I have done it all. Settings that work on track to the best of the Atom ability:

14F/13.5R PSi Cold.

F 1mm Toe out across axle - 1.o Camber
R 2mm Toe in across axle - 4.5o Camber

[Alex Brandon-Smith]

[quote="vernonjones"]
I have done it all. Setting that work on track tot eh best of the Atom ability:

14F/13.5R PSi Cold.

F 1mm Toe out across axle - 1.o Camber
R 2mm Toe in across axle - 4.5o Camber

[/quote]

In all fairness to vernonjones, he has spent a lot of time on track with the atom so you could do worse than take a look at his setup! Remember each car and driver is different ultimately though and part of the fun is finding out what works for you.

[Peter255]

Interesting. Harder fronts!

What about spring settings?

I am presuming this is for a048's? Or what tyres does this refer to?

Cheers

[vernonjones]

Hi all.


Yes it is all for the A048R's

Springs and ride heights are the last bit but honestly its really the last few 10ths.

Anyone interested in a club tuition day?

[phil4]

[quote="vernonjones"]
Anyone interested in a club tuition day?
[/quote]

Yep, all of course dependent on date, time, price etc.

[vernonjones]

I am £450 a day and I supply data, video and Radio comms for that. For an additional £200 I can bring my Atom mechanic along and do some settings changes trackside. You pay for your own track fees of course.

So if we aimed for 4-5 people that seems manageable.

[Peter255]

I am interested in a tuition day....

Alex!..... 

[vernonjones]

1.phil4?
2. Peter255
3.
4.
5.


I suggest Silverstone GP. Loads of run off for anyone who is chasing the last few 10ths and a great selection of corners.