Friday, March 9, 2012

Measuring Ride Height

Setting ride height is especially important to ensure your car handles correctly. Ride height is crucial when setting up your car. Lightweight cars are very sensitive to proper set-up and the right height is a key criterion that should be managed carefully.
First, pick a spot to measure from. The best spots to measure ride height on a Lotus are from points A and B shown in the above picture. Make a mark where you measure the first time, so you can check the same exact spot each time thereafter. Being precise in your measurements matters and the little details are key.

We measure ride height with a telescoping gauge. When measuring the gauge, use a digital micrometer if possible, as this is much more precise than a ruler. Above, you'll see a picture of the front of the car, and as you can see, in this position it is very easy to access and not touch the car.

This is the point at the rear of the car where we measure. Once again, it is in a spot that is easy to check and where you're not at risk of touching the car.

This can be a long and tedious task. Be patient. Remember, details and precision matter when setting a car up for the track. We believe that the correct setup is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you have a fast car.
Here are some other tips as you plan on setting your ride height:

  • Make sure tire pressures are set at your preferred track pressures
  • Make sure your suspension is settled before checking anything
  • Try not to touch your car after settling it
  • Fill up your fuel tank so that it is full

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