Porsche Control Arms Upgrade: Track-Ready Camber & Grip
Porsche's high-performance GT models are engineered with precision, but for track enthusiasts and spirited drivers, enhancements can unlock even greater performance. One such upgrade is the replacement of stock inner lower control arms with extended aftermarket variants. These control arms allow for more extensive suspension adjustments, vital for achieving the optimal handling characteristics desired in competitive or aggressive driving scenarios.
Factory Design and Its Limitations
In their factory configuration, Porsche GT cars feature a two-piece lower control arm system. Adjustments to the front camber are achieved by adding shims between the inner and outer sections of the arm. While effective, the factory design limits how much camber can be dialed in due to the restricted length of the bolts and the amount of threading available. This constraint becomes especially noticeable on the track, where precise alignment can be the difference between peak performance and compromised handling.
The Aftermarket Solution: Dundon Extended Inner Control Arms
992 GT3/RS Rear Lower Control Arm Pair Complete
Aftermarket manufacturers offer inner control arms that are up to 20 mm longer than the stock versions. These extended arms allow for more aggressive negative camber without the use of excessive shims. This adjustment is crucial for optimizing tire contact with the road, especially during high-speed cornering and when navigating tight circuits.
Extended inner control arms are precision-engineered to maintain or improve structural integrity despite their increased length. They often come with enhanced materials and finishes to resist corrosion and wear, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Performance Benefits
Enhanced Camber Adjustability: With longer arms and more room for shims, drivers can finely tune their camber settings for better handling. This is especially useful for drivers who frequently switch between street and track setups.
Increased Track Width: Extending the arms widens the vehicle's front track, which distributes cornering forces more effectively and increases front-end grip. This leads to improved balance and confidence when pushing the car to its limits.
Reduced Understeer: Better front-end bite translates to a more neutral handling balance and less understeer, allowing the driver to maintain higher speeds through corners.
Considerations and Compatibility
Installing extended control arms affects other suspension components. Specifically, longer tie rods are necessary to maintain proper steering geometry. If the geometry is not corrected, steering precision can be compromised. Most suppliers offer complete kits to ensure compatibility and ease of installation.
Additional components such as bushings and ball joints may also require inspection or replacement when upgrading control arms to maintain suspension cohesion and reliability.
Impact on Tire Wear and Longevity
Aggressive driving leans tires, especially during hard cornering. Without sufficient negative camber, this results in excessive wear on the outer shoulder. By using extended control arms to increase camber, tire wear is more evenly distributed, preserving tire life and improving performance. Proper alignment after installation is critical to ensuring these benefits are fully realized.
It is also important to monitor tire temperatures and wear patterns after installation. Uneven tire temperatures across the tread can indicate alignment issues that need to be addressed.
Testing and Model Compatibility
These components are rigorously tested on tracks under both amateur and professional drivers. The parts are designed not only for theoretical improvement but are validated through real-world performance and durability tests.
Upgrading to extended inner lower control arms is a valuable modification for anyone looking to improve their Porsche's handling characteristics. With benefits like increased camber, improved track width, and better tire wear, this upgrade is ideal for track days and spirited road driving alike. Proper installation, alignment, and supporting components are key to unlocking the full potential of this suspension enhancement.