Learning to tune. Where to start?

  • Thread starter iLex
  • 6 comments
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iLex

iLex

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gtp_iLex
Hi Tuners :)

I want to start tuning some cars, but have little experience in the matter.
Ofcourse I started by studying the guides made by Scaff, but now I am wondering which car to try to tune first.

My uneducated idea about this is that it would be best to start with a car that is relatively easy to tune. I would imagine that would be a car that reacts well and as expected to the changes made.
So what would be a good idea for a starting car? Is there a specific car that reacts well to tuning or is there a specific drivetrain that would be a good/easy start?
(I have little preference in terms of power/looks etc. but I do like to drive in cockpit view, so a premium would add to the fun :))

Or am I completely mistaken and should I just take a car I like and go for it?

Any other tips are welcome too, ofcourse.
Thanks in advance!

iLex
 
You should start with a normal (as in non-race) car that you like. Perhaps something that isn't too fast so that it's easier for you to "feel" the changes that you make. A FR car would be a good one to start with imho.
 
Yep, start with FR. If you want to see the effect of changes, make them exaggerated (lower the front some and raise the rear all the way for example to see how it can increase oversteer and body roll by raising the center of gravity) and you'll better be able to feel the changes in handling.

Don't use anything more aggressive than Sport Soft tires (preferably less) because they can mask suspension problems. Nurburgring makes a good test track. They did a good job modeling the bumpiness in a lot of sections, so if your suspension is too firm, it'll show (it'll skitter around turns).
 
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and logic.. so very helpful to me, and I'm sure to others who really wants to learn how to tune a car and get to enjoy it.. thanks again
 
Hi iLex,
I reckon FF is the best starting point, the LSD has less effect so you can concentrate on suspension tuning to start with. Also, turn all aids off except ABS, you need to feel what the chassis is doing without any electronic nannies in the way.

Try building up an Opel Corsa to 380PP on sports hard tyres, then compare your result to the 2 in the Seasonal Tuning Challenge.

Be careful using Scaff's guide, it is good for background understanding of how handling works in real life, but it can lead you astray in how things work in GT5. Best read through the "ultimate link collection" sticky here. Also, you might find the opening rant in my tuning guide (link in my signature) useful.
 

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