Trying to sort out my track setup for a 95 TT

[rmp459]

I have a 95 TT w/ super hicas and I am trying to get a neutral suspension set up for like hpde1/2 events. Looking for any advice - not currently willing to delete the hicas, and confirmed that it is working properly w/ visual tests and datascan.

I ran on NJMP lightning a few months ago and really had a hard time doing a few things:
1) Could not really accelerate hard out of corners without rear feeling like it wanted to come loose
2) Sometimes hard to let the car track out, probably inexperience. (possible understeer?)
3) Hard to maintain traction in tight low speed corners without taking it easy. (Spun it once - rear came out on me)
4) Could not keep up with other cars in high speed bowl. (~70-75mph, sweeping banked turn)

All in all I am finding this car quite difficult to drive fast on the track... I feel like im constantly combating traction issues.

As for my setup:
- Powertrix SS Coilovers 8/6 (set 8front, 6-7 rear)
- Stillen Sway Bars (Soft Front, Middle Rear)
- Powertrix Fucas/Rucas/Tension Rods
- Subframe Spacers
- ES Bushings
- Front - -2.1 Camber, 0 Toe, 9.4ish Caster
- Rear - -1.6 Camber, and a little toe to zero out the thrust angle IIRC.
- Car is dropped ~1.75-2 inches
- Wheels are 18x9.5 +35 all around w/ 255/35 Front, 275/35 Rear
- Rubber is Michelin Pilot Super Sports

Any ideas ?

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Sounds like you have a solid setup. Personally I would have run the same size tire all around for neutral handling.

I personally eliminated the HiCAS on both my TTs. First one because it scared the s*** out of me in a sweeping on ramp, second one came with an NA rear end so I didn't have to do anything. The first one I drove it on NHMS in New Hampshire in 2003 after eliminating the HiCAS, and had none of the issues you describe. That track has a bowl as well, 50mph-ish, IIRC, and it pulled strong and tracked straight. 245/275 Bridgestone S-03 18s as well, not even semi-track tires like the MPSS you run.

I don't know anyone who tracks their car and has HiCAS maintained. Sorry I don't have any other helpful suggestions.

[nghtrain88]

+1 on the HICAS elimination. If the rear end tends to break loose you might try stiffening the front sway bar tension a tad. I also highly recommend Hankook Ventus V12 tires, tons of grip.

Do you run at NJMP often? I've had my Z on Thunderbolt a couple times but never Lightning. Planning on attending the July 29 track day which I believe will be on lightning

[ThisIsSparTTa]

I'd be jealous of that setup. I'm no expert, but when I took my TT to the local Z shop when I was buying it he pointed to one of the bushings on the rear wheel setup and said a lot of times those will go bad and people think they have a problem with HICAS when really its a simple fix. I was 100% a noob then, and still like 90% a suspension noob now, so I can't tell you which part he was talking about, but may want to see if anyone has similar ideas.

Also, there's a big long thread on the front page of TT.net right now with someone having similar problems at the track (although there's is basically stock suspension).