Camber plates necessary?

[pandaiswong]

So, I've been doing some research into which route I want to take with my suspension. I don't plan to go too low, actually, higher than my 325 sits right now. Currently, my car has H&R race springs and 15mm drop hats in the front. Unknown blue springs in the rear. I think I've settled on GC adjusters and KYB AGX camaro/MR2 shocks and struts. I haven't decided on the spring rates yet, but I figure they'll be able to tell me what I need. Do I need to run camber plates with this setup?

[mitchlikesbikes]

the need for camber plates is pretty dependent on ride height and what you want really. my car is on stock suspension with vogtland springs (probably about the same drop as your current setup) and the camber is pretty much perfect. not an illestcanibeatfuckthesetires amount, but enough to help the handling and look good. the closer you get to stock, the less camber you will have.

so long story short, do you NEED them? probably not. but if you want the extra adjustment and ability to dial it in, and have the $$ for it, why not?

[pandaiswong]

That's the answer I was looking for. Thanks man.

[RedReplicant]

As a side note, GC Race plates versus stock strut mounts is nearly an inch difference stack height wise.

BTW, I live up in Scottsdale and have the KYB setup, GC coilovers, etc that you're looking to run and you're welcome to drive it if you're ever in the area.

[pandaiswong]

Thanks man, I appreciate the offer. Out of curiosity, what size wheels and tires are you running Red? I'm currently running 205/50r15's on some unknown model ESM wheels. Part of why I'm redoing the suspension is so I can put my IS front lip back on without it ripping off when I back into the street.

[RedReplicant]

I'm running the E38 Style 5 wheels which are 16x8 +23 then I've got 18mm 42Draft adapters for 4->5 lug bringing it to a 16x8 +5 square setup. Tires are 205/45 Sumitomo HTR Z II.

[Bearmw]

Not sure how much of an actual drop on a Alpina 325i was but it couldn't have been excessive and they chose to use extra camber mounts (at least on the verts) so it must have shown a benefit even (or especially) with the tires then available.

[dmmai]

... ... I don't plan to go too low, actually, higher than my 325 sits right now. Currently, my car has H&R race springs and 15mm drop hats in the front. ... I think I've settled on GC adjusters and KYB AGX camaro/MR2 shocks and struts. I haven't decided on the spring rates yet, but I figure they'll be able to tell me what I need. Do I need to run camber plates with this setup?

Interesting approach, I've not seen this arrangement before.

I'm running the H&R Cup Kit on my 325is with IE adjustable swaybars and GC camber plates.
My reason for the plates was contact patch control during track days and auto-x. Were this car only a daily driver, I wouldn't have spent the money for camber plates. For normal street service they have limited application (as long as your car isn't trying to go positive).
An exception, for those inclined to pound as much wheel/tire under the fender as possible, plates can help tuck over-sized, ballooned tires. This approach (deep negative camber) of course, comes with substantial drawbacks.
It all really comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
I admit though, the look of a little negative camber is kinda sexy ...

Either way, let us know how the project comes along.
Good luck and have fun.

[pandaiswong]

I probably won't get the camber plates. I don't see any track time being in the near future. Just some spirited driving around town. I guess if I do decide to track it, I can always add them later. Thanks for the input.

[Som]

On a separate, unrelated note...

...what does it mean to "beat fuck" tires?

Som

[pandaiswong]

I think it is "illest can i be at a fuck these tires" height.