This question has always bothered me, but would it be beneficial to permanently adjust the driver side suspension to counter my weight? I'm asking because I know mazda went the length to keep the car balanced with the 50/50 ratio and all, so I wondered how the car would react to a permanent adjustment of about 165lb. compensation on the drivers side. I know some people who set their rear suspension a little stiffer to keep the car from dipping as much when they accelerate, so my question would refer more to balance/handling characteristics. Just a thought. If you have to, get detailed with the why's and why nots.

 

What about when you have passengers?

Are you only interested in optimal handling when you're alone in the car?

If so I would suggest cornerweighting the vehicle and getting true coilovers.

 

I wasn't really considering perfoming this, it is more of a 'what if' type hypothetical question.

The answer is yes, considering that I would be trying to achieve optimal BALANCE and handling while I was the only one in the car. (If balance translates inderectly into handling, I guess I'm just being redundant.)

Did you mean counterwheighing or cornerweighting? If you meant cornerweighting, I can only piece together what you mean, if you could explain a little more.

 

corner weight means that you take the car and plce it on scales at each corner(wheel) to find out axactly how much is distributed at each corner, then you change the preload on each corner to compensate for weight distribution.

 

Exactly. Damn it's nice to have you as a part of the board magicman. Amazing to see you getting to posts before me. hehe.

rishie

 

Thanks, this proves you can learn something every day on these forums.

 

Us autox/racing guys have the alignment set with the fuel at the level you like to run and our butt in the seat. Or, you can fill the seat with something that weighs as much as your butt.

That way when in "race trim" you're sure the tires are pointed where you wish.