Camber Adjustment: One for track regulars

[Maverick]

To those that track their R8's regularly (thinking Harrison, Bodhii etc.).

Have you done any special adjustment to the camber to try to avoid excessive tire wear on the edges? Has anyone invested in specialist camber extending kits (I think PPI does one?)?

I'm expecting to do more track time this year, especially w/ VF Supercharger in place and more speed, short of investing in track specific tires (which I may do) I wondered what tips any of you had on keeping street tires in best shape.

thanks
Mike

[harrison]

No real problem with edges wearing excessively. Yet. My R8 seems just fine as it is. MAYBE the rear outside edges have roughened up a bit from just fooling around the neighborhood. I think mothertucker may have found it necessary to alter his settings.

[desperado]

I have left mine at the stock settings. Have worn out one set of track tires (Toyo R888) and wear was [edit: NOT] even across the tread. [see post below for update]

[gazza1]

Even wear for me as well and I run HR springs.

Don't push 10/10ths on the track(comfortable at about 8) thou so this would have influence on the edge wear.

[desperado]

OK, I mis-spoke (darn - yet again! ). I turned the R888s around on the rims at the mid-point of their life, as they were wearing more on the outside edge. The final result was even wear, but it took a little work to get it.

This is not an option if you are running a tire that is asymmetrical like the stock PZero. So, a camber kit would be best. I do know someone with a camber kit on their R8. I will ask him for more details and report back if I hear anything interesting.

[desperado]

I heard from my friend. The camber kit that he is using is made by PPI. He says it "made a tremendous difference and the car handled great". (Perhaps Bodhii has this as well, I don't remember if he has posted to that effect or not?) Anyway, here are the details:

Supplier: PPI Automotive Design GmbH
Part No.: 0R8350250400
Description: Front and rear camber adjustment plate and tie rods
Retail: $4,050 (as of Sept. 15, 2009)

Funny, I don't see any gold plating in the picture, do you?

[SteveR]

Holy crap! 4k for that?? I think I can live with a little uneven wear.

Can't you adjust the camber with the stock pieces to some degree?

[desperado]

Can't you adjust the camber with the stock pieces to some degree?

I believe Mother Tucker reported that negative 1.5 degees is the max without modifications.

[desperado]

Holy crap! 4k for that?? I think I can live with a little uneven wear.

Yeah that's what my friend said as well when he received the kit, and I agree. That's why I pay $60 to the tire shop to flip my track tires on the rim at mid-life.

However, in all fairness that's list. You'd have to talk to a PPI dealer to see what the selling price is. Also, consider that a set of new sneakers is US$1,500 and up*, and you go through them pretty fast on the track. AND, if it improves the handling, it may be worthwhile.

It would be interesting to get KfabR8's input, as I wonder if he could build something like these domestically for his R8 buddies....

(* checking tire rack shows a set of OEM PZeros are $1,532; heat cycled Hoosier R6s are $1,340; PZero Corsas, shaved and heat cycled are $2,136. You need to add tax, shipping, mounting and balancing.)

[harrison]

If KFAB (aka KMARSHALL) says get it I will. I don't think he'll say that though. Hey Desparado,think your tire guy can handle my tire changing for 60 Bucks all four? I pay 100.00 mounted,balanced and remounted. Doing this more and more on all our vehicles. Should I get my own tire machine?? \"/ It would pay for itself ,eventually !!