[s-cars] Is 225 too wide?

[djdawson2 at aol.com]

Raising the rear will actually lower your caster reading.  S-cars have notoriously low caster readings, which only increases the problem.  0 to 1 on the caster is normal on an S-car.  2 to 6 is optimal for straight line stability.
 
Again, I will reemphasize that it is critical that all your suspension pieces are in good shape.  Also, when you align these cars, if you have a bit of toe in set in the rear wheels, you will also improve straight line stability.
 
Dave
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: sam at edgetoedge.co.nz
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Sent: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 9:32 PM
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Is 225 too wide?


I'm running standard height springs, however being an aging avant,  
the rear is down a bit which will be remedied with the addition of  
the Bilsteins which I'm having extra  snap ring grooves milled into  
as we speak (er um type). Up at the rear will increase the front  
caster and might be the whole problem sloved, yes?
Sam Clarkson
Edge to Edge
P.O. Box 27
National Park 3948
Ph 0800 800 SKI (754)
http://www.edgetoedge.co.nz

On 26/07/2006, at 2:08 PM, Fred Munro wrote:

> Hi Sam;
>
> My '94 S4 had mild tramlining issues (the car followed ruts in the  
> pavement)
> with the 225/50-16 Dunlop SP9000s on the OEM rims in spite of new  
> suspension
> components, numerous alignments, and 2B camber plates to correct  
> camber
> issues and dial in a bit more caster. There was no tramlining  
> whatsoever
> with the 205/55-16 Blizzak snow tires. The suspension was stock on  
> the car
> except for the Koni Sport shocks instead of the OEM gas charges  
> Boges. The
> car had an issue with alignment - I had to shift the subframe and  
> use the 2B
> plates to get the right side camber in spec and even then the right  
> side 2B
> plate was cranked to the limit.
>
> Enter the '97 S6. I swapped over the 2B plates, installed new  
> control arms &
> other bits, and the suspension dialed in with both plates right on  
> centre.
> No tramlining whatsoever even on heavily rutted pavement with  
> 225/50-16
> Nokian Zs on the OEM S4 rims (I prefer the 5-spoke forged over the  
> 6-spoke
> cast boat anchors).
>
> Wider tires are more prone to tramlining and some tire brands  
> tramline worse
> than others.
>
> Fred Munro
> '94 S4
> '97 S6
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
> [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Sam Clarkson
> Sent: July 24, 2006 11:22 PM
> To: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: [s-cars] Is 225 too wide?
>
>
> Hi Audiologists
> I blew out one of my snow tyres the other day (always a thrill!). So
> I put my summer 225/50x16's back on pending new knobblies. I
> immediately noticed how much harder the car is to drive on 225 vs 205
> tyres. It tramlines in the dry and aquaplanes in the wet. I put my
> new 205/55 Blizzacks on again today and the car is immediately far
> nicer. Iv'e had the alignment done and all is sweet. I'm not
> commenting on roadholding here as I'm not about to throw snow tyres
> hard around corners, but in a straight line they are clearly
> superior. Anyone else had this experience? I'm tempted to go to 205
> in summer too...
> 93 S4 avant
> from the correct hemisphere
> Sam Clarkson
> Edge to Edge
> P.O. Box 27
> National Park 3948
> Ph 0800 800 SKI (754)
> http://www.edgetoedge.co.nz
>
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> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
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>

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