If race ARB’s started out at 0/0, how would one determine a reasonable starting point when tuning? What traits does a car have if the ARBs are set too low or too high (but balanced OK for over/understeer).
I usually set them at 10F/10R while I’m working on initial settings for the rest of the suspension (most cars seem to do OK at 10/10, even if it isn’t ideal), then lower them to 5F/5R when I actually start tuning the ARBs themselves. I tune the overall settings first (keeping front and rear the same), then dial in front/rear balance once I’m happy with the overall.
Without going into a ton of detail (most of which I can’t remember anyways), having your overall ARBs set too soft will reduce peak grip due to body roll, but having them set too high will reduce peak grip due to excessive weight transfer. There’s a sweet spot somewhere between those where the car will have the best possible grip. The trick is finding it without a dedicated skid pad for testing. I use the long, steady sweeper on Maple Valley Short - Reverse for my ARB tuning. You will also notice the car “kicking” off bumps and curbs if you set them way too stiff, but you’re usually well past the point of peak grip by that point.
2 Likes
Thanks!
Start them at 19 front 15 rear. Slighty softer on rear to stabilize and If the car understeers switch them around. Thats a good starting point for a balanced setup. For more aggressive 40,40 works really well on RWD and on AWD cars 1,40 works well to get the most turn in
1 Like