Alignment and handling for autocross event.

[Ben Swann]

I plan to Autocross the avant this weekend, as it is my most sorted car and I think it would be interesting to see how well this typically understeering beast can be made to get around the course.  Actually, I find it handles quite well even compared to some of the more nible vehicles - just power through the curves - anyhow..

Currently I have H&R springs(about .75" lowere than stock) with Bilstien Sport in front and Koni Yellow in the rear.  I may swap out the slightlyu oversize Yokahama AVS db2 225 VR 60 tires on Stock BBS wheels for some TSW 16" wheels with some BFG 225 VR 50's I piked up recently - these are a little shorter than the 225/60VR15 setup.

After I rebuilt the front end - all new rubber bushings along with the strut mounts and hardware, I never had it aligned and things have been well with no tire wear and handling seems fair to good, and aliignment probably is in or near spec. anyway, but ...  I'm contemplating getting it aligned just to be sure, and so the question is -

What would be a good optimal set of specs. for the alignment person to attempt for the use of combined autocrossing, but not wanting to be too darty on the highway?  I don't want to have to get the car re-aligned after the event, and would rather it do poorly in the autox than to lose it in the rain - very stable at highway speeds in inclement weather, but perhaps some impreovement could be had there too.

If needing to deviate, should there be more tow in/out?  Front? Rear?  How about camber,  I'm willing to sacrifice the tires a little for payback in handling, but don't want to be eating tires either.

Since there is no tire wear, should I just let things be as they are, or is it likely I'll get my $100 worth from the 4-wheel alignment job?  Any other suggestions appreciated - this will be my first AutoX event.

Ben