Adjusting the adjustable suspension

[James]

I switched my Roadster Sport back to the factory settings when I got new tires. I like the more quiet and softer ride.

My rear Sport tires were bald at 6,000 miles. So I replaced them with the standard Tesla tires. The tire roll noise is much more quiet now.

I left my two front Sport tires at the Seattle store in case someone needs replacements. They still have plenty of life in them.

[Tdave]

I left my two front Sport tires at the Seattle store in case someone needs replacements. They still have plenty of life in them.

Ooo, I'll take them. Seattle, eh? That's far away.

[Tdave]

Just got finished with the suspension settings. Front shocks now at 6 (were at 4), rears at 7 (were at 5). Both sway bars have been set to 3 (were at 2). Ride is a little harsh which doesn't bother me. Dramatic difference. Turn in is much smoother and more predictable. Balance is much better. Feels very flat and settled.
I recommend this if handling is more important to you than ride.

What's the sway bar 3 setting? Is that looser (outside hole) for both front and rear? Or something different?

Also, do we yet have confirmation whether the a setting of 1 or 10 is the firmest setting?

[Webbie]

What are the two tires you mentioned?
I have the shocks cranked on all my cars, and set the tires a few pounds above normal, too. I just like a harder ride, no sway, better steering and handling,and I figure most roads are pretty smooth anyway. I doubt this makes any difference in tire wear. You are not likely to get more than 10-15K on Yokohama AD07s, especially if you autocross as I do. They sure are sticky, though.

[Webbie]

Sway bar setting three is wider, but I wouldn't call it looser. Shock settings go from soft at 1 to hard at 10. I confirmed that with the Tech here, and I can certainly feel that it's true, too.

[Tdave]

While I have my car in for repair, I'm having the following settings done:

1) Shocks all on 10, as they currently are.
2) Front sway bar loose (outside hole), as it currently is.
3) Rear sway bar back to middle position, was on outside hole.
4) One full degree negative camber front, half degree in rear.

I considered increasing positive caster, but without power steering, I really don't want to increase steering effort.

[Webbie]

I'm seeing even tire wear for now, so I elected not to change camber.
May do it later after a coupe of autocross competitions.
Let us know how you like it, now or after trying it awhile.
We are lucky to have such an adjustable car with such a
simple power and drive train, eh?

[Webbie]

And, why did you move the rear bar back to the middle notch?

[Tdave]

And, why did you move the rear bar back to the middle notch?

I'm scared of oversteer. That's what caused my accident. Granted, the rear tires were brand new with only 10 miles on them when it happened, so they were slick, but still. That scared the hell out of me.

[Webbie]

OK, I will watch out for it. Felt some understeer and front tire scrubbing before the change. Driving on too much dirt and snow so far to push hard and be sure. Will definitely test it in autocross in April --better there than on the road anyway ( Ooooops! .... No problem).