Radius arms enquiry

[Ignatzcatz]

I know this might just be one of those 'how long is a piece of string questions' but I'm about to refit my radius arms and was wondering what sort of down angle should the arms be at rest when located onto the torsion bars. I hope to run the car quite low but a starting point would be very useful. And while you're at it, any info regarding the front arms would be well received too.

[40 scout]

From memory (dodgy!) jack the car up - spirit level on the flat door opening area above the cill, lenghtways - get the car level both sides.

Then use an angle finder on the rear spring plates (radius arms) I think for a lowish stance at the rear your looking for 15 degrees, can someone else please confirm as it's been a while.

Mines a bit low, too much neg camber, when viewed side on, the top of the rear arch obscures part of the steel wheel rim - I think ideally you need to see 1/2 to 3/4 inch of tyre here.

I going to lift mine up a bit soon.

For the front set up ave a look at the manual - plenty info in there

Would post a couple of pics but away soon.

Cheers

Steve

[58A - 71E]

Interesting one this...here's the Porsche info



but according to this thread

http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12947


Paul Smith suggested 15.75 degrees

With the car level at the inner part of the step sill.
(This about to get complicated)
When I say step sill, I mean where the carpet meets the ali just above the lower rubber seal.
The arms should be 15.75% for standard road height.
DON'T use the diemension in the original factory manuals as it is wrong.

I asume that you realise that you have different numbers of splines on the inner and outter. This allows for you to get spot on by turning the inner one way and the spring plate another.

Best of luck and remember,, free advise is but a phone call away

Happy New Year

Paul.

Fronts are a different story!

[Ignatzcatz]

Hey, you guys are gerrrate. You know where I'm off to.

[40 scout]

Wow - never seen the Porsche info before -

It's probably going to be a bit trial and error - pick the angle, knock a bit off for a lower stance (if you want) and try it.

It's worth eyeing both spring plates to make sure they are equal and having a decent angle finder.

After it's done prob best to drive it for a bit to let things settle down before making a judgement.

Too low, therefore neg camber = tyre eating machine!

Steve

[pauldvern]

If you have an iPhone or iPod touch you can get the clinometer app which is handy for setting the angles.

Paul

[Ignatzcatz]

Damn, I'm still in the steam radio magneto phone era. But the arms are both fitted and dangling down equally and at 15 degrees or near as dammit. Although I do want the car to be fairly low, I am running 16 x 6 Fuchs so this size will bring the height up somewhat. I'm onto the fronts now, and after a year of bodywork I am chuffed just to start bolting bits back on now. Thanks again folks.

[Mike Smith]

Remember that when you climb into the drivers seat you will lower the car

Add a pasenger and you lower it some more

Going on Holiday and taking the kitchin sink lowers it a little more

Also when you have it set - check the Bump Stops - how much suspension movement have you `Actually `got ?

If you run it with too much negative camber you will destroy the Fulcrumb Plates and require a gearbox strip down

`Your Pose can Cost you Serious Money`

[roy mawbey]

Steve,

That info is in the small booklet roughly 100mm x80mm named "tolerances and sizes" produced by Porsche for the 356 series. Has all the engine, gearbox, steering etc info in around 50 pages. Mine is in German and is around 45 years old. I believe copies are still available in the USA and of course in English.

Someone will advise about the booklet I guess. Also words of wisdom I reckon from Mike.
I realise you can do whatever you like to a 356 when its your property, but I personally just don't see the attraction of lowered cars, Sideways on, the 356 has imho a perfect visual and pratical geometry for driving on the roads of today. During the bad winter weather I hit I reckon a foot deep pothole in my BMW, the shock to the car and its parts was considerable what it might done to the 356 if it was very low I hate to think.

Finally guess I am getting old! I remember in 62 putting a virtual straight through silencer?? on my minivan with 850cc's it made no difference to the power, annoyed passers by and you needed earplugs but I loved it.
Would buy the a standard silencer these days

Roy