[Healeys] BJ8 Tractability

[Earl Kagna]

Jim - I agree with the others.  First, tighten the axle u-bolt nuts - that 
can easily cause 'throttle steer'.

I suggest that the front be set to zero toe in.  A competent shop can do it 
for you on an alignment  rack - just like a 'real' car.  If they say they 
require a programming setting to set up the machine, have them use the MGB 
specs which will likely still be in their database - it's almost identical 
to the Healey spec.  This will also check the other 2 front end numbers for 
you (which are not easily adjustable - they're built into the frame).

Let us know - Cheers, Earl

Earl Kagna
Victoria, B.C.
BT7 tri-carb
BJ8

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Sailer" <bj8Healey at msn.com>
To: "Healey List" <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 6:44 AM
Subject: [Healeys] BJ8 Tractability


Ok  Healey experts.  I am trying to solve something on my BJ8.

When I shift from one gear to the next under hard acceleration my car has a
noticeable pull to the right at the power-off moment of the shift. This of
course is most noticeable at a higher rate of speed.  It then seems to 
correct
once under load again so in a quick shift it simply needs momentary
correction. It is a nuisance more than a danger and may simply be a feature 
of
the car (living in Idaho there is no other Healey for miles for comparison 
and
it has been years since I had another).

My suspension is totally re-bushed with poly-bushes, is equipped with 
up-rated
front shocks and rear shocks converted to a convention (adjustable) style
shock (versus the lever).  I am currently running the rear shock at a soft
setting, which is no softer than a stock shock.  I have double/triple 
checked
the panhards to ensure they are tight on their bushes as this seemed the
logical culprit (I.e., rear relocating on acceleration/deceleration.   The 
car
otherwise tracks straight, corners well.

I did notice this winter that the toe-in does not appear correct. That is, a
string from front edge of the of front tire to rear edge of the rear tire 
(at
center of wheel) touches both edges of the rear tire (front and back) but 
NOT
the rear edge of the front tires, showing tow out.  This is about 1/2 inch 
on
each side.  It appears from the manual that there should be slight toe-in 
and
was wondering if this might be the culprit?  Thought would be appreciated.

Am driving my Healey hard these days on the Idaho/Wyo mountain passes (early
morning runs) and want to sort this before a local Grand Targhee hill climb
sprint (still 2 months away).

Thanks.

Jim Sailer
66 BJ8