Ariel.Club Forum

I recently bought some suspension tools for use in the garage--Corner weighing scales!
For more info on what this stuff does, check out my blog on the [url=http://"http://garagewoolery.com/"]Garage Woolery[/url] website.  Last night I added to the set by getting some turn plates for the rear, too.  That way I can do front AND rear alignments without having to raise the car at all.

[img width=800 height=394]http://garagewoolery.files.wordpress.co ... erview.jpg[/img]

Now all I have to do is buy a camber gauge and toe adjusting tools (currently borrowing them). 

Nice! Same scales I have,but mine don't have those nifty adj. stands.(or the gunbox case )  If I had to do it over,I would get the wireless setup. For the amount I use them,the cords are OK..but still a pain.

I spent hours corner weighing my car...with the fuel load and driver load in place.I got everything within 30lbs,including diagonals. Car sat nice too.I was so happy...   First time on track.... I hated the way the car handled, ....and I jacked the nose back up about 1/2" over what was optimum (on the scales).It's still  diagonally close, but the ends are off. Same thing happened on my Miata track car. Funny how things work like that.   Make sure you start a log book and use it. When you find a setup you like,stick to it no matter what you are told is "right" ..

Thanks for the tips!  Will definitely use them.

I just bought a set of similar scales too.  Found them on ebay for $400!  Mine didn't come with those slick adjustable pads, so I made my own out of wood.  I'm now using them to dial in the Spec Miata's setup, getting it ready for the race season.

The other setup tools I would suggest are simple: a probe tire pyrometer and a good notebook.  The better you keep records the easier it will be to make progress.  I've found that looking back at tire temps, lap times, etc from months or years earlier are sometimes extremely helpful.  Also, if you keep track of every session the car runs on a track, its easy to keep track of wear items, oil changes, tire life, etc.