I know that the "perfect" alignment doesn't exist, it's all down to personal preference.

I am getting into setting up my z for auto x and haven't really gone down this path before so have some general questions.

First what I have done to my z:

Z1 adjustable upper control armsKoni yellow shocksSwift SpringsRear camber arms + eccentric lockout.

Planning on:
Running square setup though I haven't decided on exact wheel/tire size.

I am wondering if it's probably best to start with a relatively mild alignment, something more aggressive than stock but not too crazy, and over time experiment to determine what I prefer.

Just wondering if my line of thinking makes sense here.

Also, anything else I should purchase suspension wise?

Thanks!

 

Good setup - although I couldn't tell you about what settings are optimal for AX (I'm not an autocrosser). But, a good place to start would be the maximum settings within the stock alignment ranges (from memory, you may want to double check with your alignment shop or on here)

Camber WITHIN the stock range - F: -1.3 R: -2.1,
Toe angles: 0.10 deg
Caster: ~8.8

Again, from memory, so double check.

You'll eventually likely want to dial in more front camber, toe, and caster; but get out there and see how your car does first. Also, you might want to check with your eventual tire mfgr to see if they have recommendations, e.g., a dedicated "Yokohama AX tire might like more camber" or something along those lines. You might also want to ask them about pressure recommendations and/or bring the chalk or shoe white to check your tires' amount of rollover at given pressures. Old school, yes, but gives you thumbnail guidance to help you sort out your optimal tire pressures (and alignment settings).

On your shocks, I'd start with a medium adjustment and dial that in at the course (or after) because Koni Sports are pretty stiff at neutral setting. Think about adjustable sway bars too... BUT.... check to see if they're legal in the class you are running. They may/may not be legal and you might only be able to change one or the other end.

Reason I say all this (conservative settings first) is this is an entirely streetable setup to save your tires. AX'rs may have different thoughts for sure but for a dual purpose car, these settings are good starting point.

Best advice: Don't be afraid to ask any other Z owners at the course to see what they're running. Half the fun is the friends you make at the track. I'm still in touch with a few of the Datsun guys I raced with. 40 years ago. Haha. Have fun!

 

I wouldn’t go less than -2.5 up front, and stay between 1.5 and 2 rear.

as you learn, camber will be used to fine tune the car to your driving.