just set my tracking to 1.5 degrees toe out so the car "tries" to self centre at SVA. Does this sound excessive ? I plan to wind it back to 0.5 to 1 degree toe in after the test.

You should be ok with those figures. Don't drive too far though unless you fit old tyres for the test.
The tester only has to notice a degree of self centering, this is open to all sorts of interpretations, but the guy who tested my car said if the steering wheel moves back towards the centre after being on full lock whilst moving, that's fine by him!

Marcus

yes, the tyres are going to be replaced post SVA, so not too worried about ruining them.

thanks

For anyone else who may be starting out, set the top ball joint further back when making the top wishbones (anyone got a drawing they can publish? I've lost mine).

This allows you to set proper amounts of toe-in while still giving plenty of self-centering.

(Bit late for Mr BigHammer tho'!)

David

My father recently had his car up to Gosforth for SVA (MK dedion chassis). The only way he could get it to attempt to self centre was with everything set to max. It looked odd but did attempt to self centre so past that bit of the test. Unfortunately the settings meant that part of the wheel was outboard of the arch and he failed for the arch not covering the wheel correctly! He had a shopping list of other things so has to take it back anyway. This time hes putting the geametry rioght as the self centering wont be tested second time out.

He also failed for extensive use of self stick cable tie bases - they can drop off when they get old leaving the loom unsecured - best to secure with self tapper screw as well.

IHTH
Darren.