As mentioned above (keeping the engine stuff separate), I was at the track again today and drove two 15 min sessions.
Before going, I went to my alignment shop and had camber increased from -2.5 (2˚30") to -2.75 (2˚45"). Also, I had my slight front toe-in changed to slight toe-out.
Optimally, I would have preferred to change only one parameter at the time. But with time and cost constraints one has to compromise. Now I can only speculate which change led to what, and that annoys me. But trying my best not to get hung up on details (which we already have established is an issue for me
), the good news is that it had a major positive effect on both handling and tire temperature.
I was a bit wary driving off. Because frankly toe out feels weird at first! When going on a normal straight road, it feels unpredictable. And I started to have second thoughts.
Arriving 1 1/2 hours early I decided to go to the Nordschleife to have a look and send @
Iceman a photo of Döttinger Höhe (the main straight) in beautiful sunshine.
Strangely there weren't that many people there and I was tempted to do a lap. But I chickened out (again) due to the alignment changes.
Over to the Grand Prix circuit, I went... Man this is a luxury to have such a choice.
The first session was an absolute disaster, with a mix of bikes and cars. Also, I was expecting them to send the bikes out separately so I wasn't prepared as we were sent off. So no video. Dodging bikes and other confused drivers don't make for the most interesting video anyway. I had to drive strange lines and had several ABS stops which I think fucked up my temperature data.
The second session was a lot better, as they had separated the bikes into their own session. The unpredictability of the toe-out going straight, transforms as the wheels are turned. Gone is the pushing over my left front wheel. Once the car is turned in, the toe out acts completely opposite. Now it adds a surefooted feeling like the outside tire is stuck in an imaginary groove that pulls the car around - predictably.
There is still understeer, but it has greatly diminished. Like if throwing the car into the turn and still if going too early on the throttle. That's fine too, as the car doesn't feel scary that way. At low speed, turning in, the rear feels more lively. This is just what I wanted!!
Tire temperature looks good too:
Code:
August 23rd:
-2.8 Camber, 0.5 mm toe-out
Session 1:
35-39 Cold approx tire temps
Front:
2.15 2.15 Cold pressure
2.54 2.46 Hot pressure
64 67 76 72 66 62 Hot temp O M I I M O (left to right)
Rear
2.15 2.15
2.48 2.45
61 62 65 64 61 57
Session 2:
30-33 Cold approx tire temps
Front:
2.12 2.04 Cold pressure
2.45 2.35 Hot pressure
62 60 66 61 57 56 Hot temp O M I I M O (left to right)
Rear:
2.17 2.10
2.46 2.40
54 58 61 59 56 52
First session, the front insides got a bit too hot. My guess is that it's caused by the ABS braking?
Second session, it looked pretty good but some fine tuning needed. Also I am getting better at using the Alfano Tyre Control, so I think these temps are the most reliable.
Now I have a basic setting I can use, instead of setting the pressures blindly. Next time I will start out with 2.2 Bar cold in the front and 2.15 in the rear. I am still suprised at the fairly high pressures.
A thermometer with a needle probe is, in my opinion, a
MUST-have for anyone who is tracking and wants to know what their suspension and tires are doing. The Alfano makes it very easy.
Ohh, and the lap times (with traffic) of second session:
2:40.45
2:40.86
2:41.85
2:40.75
I am very happy with the consistency, and that making changes doesn't
cost me time. Also, I don't expect doing a few changes will magically make me 5 seconds faster. In fact, I don't even think one is necessarily better than the other... But it
feels better.
