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Poor man's front camber adjustment

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Old Mar 11, 2007 | 05:56 PM
  #1  
broohaha's Avatar
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Default Poor man's front camber adjustment

Tried to do a quick search on this, but with no luck. So apologies if this has alrady been documented. I got a tip from a long time Auto-crosser on how to get some extra neg camber on the front without installing any aftermarket parts. I race in B-Stock, which doesn't allow for any camber kits.

It's an extremely easy mod if you're interested in getting some extra neg camber in the front for better turn-in capability, but with probable increased tire wear.

Basically there is some room for the square bolts that tie into the U-shaped upper control arm. Put the front up on a stand, loosen the 2 bolts on each side of the control arm. You can access the square bolts via the engine bay. (One is within each plastic compartment - battery and brake.) Mine were aligned towards the outside of the car - implying relative positive camber. Once the bolts are loosened, you can jam a narrow screwdriver in the bracket to push the bolt as towards the center of the car. Use your jack to apply some upward force to the suspension, and then tighten up everything per the service manual. Remove screwdrivers... Repeat on the other side.

Going to get the alignment checked/done this week. If people are interested, I'll post pics. And give the final numbers.

I'm not an expert on this, so I'll expect I'll hear some flaming responses. This comes from a guy with 19 years racing (and now has a Z.) However, follow this at your own risk (to tires and otherwise.) I was simply trying to get some more neg camber while still being able to race in the stock class.
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Old Mar 11, 2007 | 06:10 PM
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Pretty cool, pics would be nice. Id like to get some free + camber, as I dont autocross or road race and Im sitting at -2 degrees Think it would work the other way or is it set to full + ?
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Old Mar 11, 2007 | 07:46 PM
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How much did you get as a result in your stock car. I want to add as much negative as I can in my stock G35 as well.

BTW, it should work fine in both directions. This is a common trick on strut cars. Loosen bolts, move the direction you want, tighten bolts. I can get about .75 change on most FWD Sentras using this technique. I typically use it to balance differences L/R as well.
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Old Mar 11, 2007 | 08:04 PM
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I am VERY interested in your results!
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 05:35 AM
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I'm just fixated on your join date and post count.... mega-ultra lurker!!!
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 01:28 PM
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^ some people have better things to do... not us though

+1 waiting on alignment results.

ChiShi
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Alberto
Pretty cool, pics would be nice. Id like to get some free + camber, as I dont autocross or road race and Im sitting at -2 degrees Think it would work the other way or is it set to full + ?
when I had originally brought my g35 for an alignment, I was told the fronts are set to maximum +, which is why a kit is needed for the front. The rears have a little bit of play, but not enough to make a diff.
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Old Mar 12, 2007 | 02:02 PM
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Alberto you're at -2 degrees in the front? That seems like a lot without being slammed.

Last edited by Nihilation; Mar 14, 2007 at 11:19 AM.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 10:58 PM
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Its not just height, offset also changes camber.
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Old May 17, 2007 | 06:12 AM
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Sorry for the delay here. I've been slammed with work. This isn't my daily driver, so don't kill me here, but I haven't done my alignment yet. I plan on doing it before the next event.

Had an event in late march - got 2nd after a national champion, so I feel pretty good about the change.
A noticable improvement on turn in, but nothing earth shattering.
Less plowing when coming into a turn too hot.
No noticable 'twitchiness'.

An alignment is definitely needed though to have this tweak fully appreciated. I plan on dropping it off this weekend.

No guarantees on pics before then, but I will make an effort to get some tonight. (Figure most folks want the resulting specs.)

Demon Z - pretty damn good insight. Unfortunately, with a 9 month old and crazy work schedule, I'm usually doing SWAT missions on the boards looking for specific topics rather than browsing.
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