When it comes to suspension geometry, few adjustments matter as much as toe alignment. Toe determines how stable your car feels at speed, how quickly it turns in, and how evenly your tires wear. For racers, drifters, and even DIY mechanics, toe plates are the simplest and most effective way to measure and adjust toe at home or at the track.
>> Pick up your set of SLR Toe Plates here <<
What Are Toe Plates?
Toe plates are flat, precision-cut aluminum or steel plates that you place against the sidewalls of your car’s tires. By running two tape measures across them, you can quickly and accurately measure toe-in or toe-out without needing an expensive alignment rack.
At SLR Speed, our toe plates are designed for drifting and racing applications where fast, repeatable alignment checks are critical between runs.
Why Use Toe Plates?
- Accuracy: Provides reliable measurements without expensive machines.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to transport to track days or garages.
- Speed: Quickly check and adjust alignment between runs.
- Cost-Effective: A one-time investment saves hundreds of dollars in shop visits.
Toe plates are especially popular among drifters and track day drivers, where alignment changes can dramatically affect performance. In drifting, more front toe-out sharpens steering response, while subtle rear toe-in can improve stability at angle.
How to Use Toe Plates – Step by Step
Step 1: Park on a Level Surface
Ensure your car is parked on a flat, level surface to avoid inaccurate readings.
Step 2: Place Toe Plates Against the Wheels
Stand the toe plates vertically against the outer sidewalls of your front wheels. Make sure they are flush and not resting on any tire bulge.
Step 3: Attach Tape Measures
Run one tape measure across the front of the plates and another across the rear. These should be at the same height to avoid measurement errors.
Step 4: Read the Measurements
Compare the distance between the front and rear tape measures:
- If the front measurement is smaller → you have toe-in.
- If the rear measurement is smaller → you have toe-out.
Step 5: Make Adjustments
Adjust your tie rods (or rear alignment arms, depending on vehicle setup) until your desired toe setting is reached.
Step 6: Recheck and Confirm
After adjustments, re-measure to confirm accuracy. Always double-check before heading to the track.
Ideal Toe Settings for Different Applications
Toe settings vary depending on your driving style:
- Street Driving: Neutral toe for stability and even tire wear.
- Track Racing: Slight toe-out in the front for sharper turn-in response.
- Drifting: Aggressive toe-out up front for control at angle, mild toe-in at the rear for stability mid-drift.
Every driver and car setup is unique, which is why toe plates are so valuable: you can test, measure, and adjust until you find what works best for your build.
SLR Speed Toe Plates – Built for Drifting and Racing
The SLR Drifting & Racing Toe Plates are CNC cut for precision, lightweight for portability, and designed to withstand years of use. Whether you’re a weekend racer or a Formula Drift competitor, these plates ensure you get alignment right every time.
