Setting up adjustable front control arms

[CrookedCommie]

Hi, looking for some suggestions on setting up the AKG control arms. Below is a picture of a mocked up pass (right) side one - I have been told to start by setting the A length to stock control arm 14.5".

What is the best way to measure the wheel centerline with the stock control arm on the car, so I am able to set length B back to that position?

Idea I've had so far is to run a straight edge from the two front bolts on the stock control arm, mark the edge on the subframe, then turn rear rod B until I reach that same position. Curious if anybody has a better way to measure the position of the hub relative to the subframe so as to verify it is back to the same position.

Once on an alignment rack I can have the tech turn them a bit more if necessary to bring the caster back to the old setting.

Appreciate any input,
-Rudy

[foolio]

Subbed…I didn’t even know they offered these. Thinking I will need to replace my front control arms before long and these might be a good candidate.

[CrookedCommie]

AKG also got back to me and verified that once you set length A, install rear rod, set the length, then verify caster back to what you had it before on the alignment rack. I'll keep this thread updated once I make some progress and how they work on track.
-Rudy

[bigjae46]

I'd be interested to see how these work out.

[CrookedCommie]

I installed them, but ran into one small issue, the rear track rod did not work with my wheel and suspension setup, so AKG sent me a 12 inch track rod (the kit came with a 13"). I adjusted that one to have the wheel just tuck into the rear fender when turned. On the alignment rack we set the caster back to 7.5 degrees.

I ran Falken RT660's on track, initial impressions are amazing. The car does not understeer anymore. Going through carousel at Mid Ohio is brilliant now. I had to cut the weekend a bit short as we must not have tightened one of the track rods well enough, and the nut backed out. I'll be redoing the alignment and really locking them in place, and then using torque paint to make sure they stay locked in.

AKG support is amazing and they were very helpful. I also installed their bump steer tie rods at the same time. The through bolts are massive 12.9 and the hardware fit well into the hub and subframe.

I will likely refresh the hardware every few years. These are track parts and will time out on slicks.

[Jersey_M3]

What is the weight difference between these and stock?

[S14]

Why did you choose these AKG ones over other options like the SLR race setup? I've looked at both for years on other platforms but have never pulled the trigger.

[CrookedCommie]

What is the weight difference between these and stock?

I didn't weigh them, since that wasn't the primary motivator of getting these, but AKG lists these at 14 lbs.

Why did you choose these AKG ones over other options like the SLR race setup? I've looked at both for years on other platforms but have never pulled the trigger.

These have no welds, the SLR is still welded similar to the BW and VAC.

[Weste46]

Are these still working well for you? Just found them as an option on these cars and am curious. I run at Mid-Ohio a couple times a year with NASA Great Lakes and know the fight in Carousel.

Do you think the reduction of understeer is due to the camber gained from these, or do they have an inherent roll center correction? I've been running the SLR Mini Kit for a while for roll center correction, but would like to be able to adjust the lower arm for camber and caster as well.

[CrookedCommie]

Only ran them for a limited time before the car went into a concrete wall at 60mph. The new build is getting another set though, as well as the AKG bump steer tie rods.

[Weste46]

Only ran them for a limited time before the car went into a concrete wall at 60mph. The new build is getting another set though, as well as the AKG bump steer tie rods.

Glad you're alright!

[Feffman]

.....Do you think the reduction of understeer is due to the camber gained from these, or do they have an inherent roll center correction? I've been running the SLR Mini Kit for a while for roll center correction, but would like to be able to adjust the lower arm for camber and caster as well.

I run the Bimmerworld version of the control arms and can attest they too work very well. I feel it's because the roll-center has been corrected with the lowered cars.

Feff

[CrookedCommie]

This looks like another interesting option as well, and keeps the stock aluminum arms. Haven't heard anyone using it though.

https://mrtengineering.fi/products/bmw-e30-e36-e46-roll-center-bump-steer-kit?variant=40596564672701