RobG03Z06

I used the search funtion, but only found one recommendation....I had my '03ZO6 lowered more and I want to find a place to have the rake, corner weights/balanced and alignment done. I'm not looking for the best price...I'm looking for the BEST shop to have the work done that KNOWS Vettes.

I live in Sugar Land, and would like to find a shop in the Houston/Sugar Land area that "specializes" with proper alignments and handling adjustments.

Thanks for your help.


Rob G.

Busa196

The only place I would bring my Vette:

Southwest Alignment
8648 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77063
(713) 783-5282

They were the only ones out of about 5 shops that would align my C5 because it was so low. They did an outstanding job and the total cost was about $100- all 4 wheels. Several other Vette owners have been there as well and will chime in

They probably can't help you with the handling adjustments, but they're the best for the alignment.

RobG03Z06

Thanks for the reply...I'll give 'em a call.

houston-T

Agreed 100%, Greg is the only one that will ever touch any of my cars!
Peter

RobG03Z06

Thanks for the reply...looks like the right shop for my ride as well.

RobG03Z06

Just a follow up...went today to get the ride aligned at SW Alignment.
I gave Greg a copy I printed with alignment specs I pulled up on this site:

Left and Right Front:
Camber:Specified Range: -1.2 to -0.2 Optimal: -0.7
Caster:Specified Range: 6.4 to 7.4 Optimal 6.9
Toe: Specified Range: 0.15 to 0.25 Optimal 0.20

Left and Right rear
Camber:Specified Range: -1.2 to -0.2 Optimal: -0.7
Toe: Specified Range: -0.06 to 0.05 Optimal: -0.005

The numbers he did was:
Front Caster:7.0 and 7.4
Front Camber: -.08 and -.08
Front Toe: 0.4 and 0.4
Total Front Toe: 0.8

Left and Right Rear
Camber: -0.9 and -0.9
Toe: 0.4 and 0.4

Are these numbers similar to what your specs are? I told him the car is for the street and also "spirited" driving, but not taken to the track. My toe numbers for both front and rear aren't close to the "optimal" specs.

bradb

Those toe numbers look wrong. I would ask for zero toe rear and very slight toe-in at front.

RobG03Z06

Thanks...I was araid of that. Paid $95.00 and wasted 2 1/2 hrs of my time. Now to find a competent alignment shop in the Houston area that KNOWS how to work on Vettes.

bradb

Call him, explain you are not satisfied and ask him to get it right.

xrcrx

I would ask for a refund or have it redone. If you don't get satisfaction call Josh at West Pearland Goodyear 281-485-9302. Don't talk with the other guys-it's Joshes place, tell him that Eric had you call and you have a Vette.

RobG03Z06

LOL...he seems like a nice guy...but quite frankly...I don't think he has a clue how to align a Z06. I gave him a printed copy of the "optimal" specs from this site and he didn't use 'em...he was too busy talkin' on his phone while trying to work on my car. I really don't want him touchin' my ride again. He stalled it twice in the parking lot tryin' to take it for a test drive. Guess the Textralia clutch is too much for him to handle.

bradb

Rob,

Check out this friend of mine who is a superb technician.

GasHead Motorworks
Clint Host
713-302-1168
His shop is located near i-10 and Beltway 8.

Clint has a Hunter laser alignment machine and scales to do a race or street setup for you. He is thorough and will take time to get it spot on. Clint's been crew chief for a road race team in the past and understands the show, so to speak.

Tell him Brad sent you.

00Nassau

I have had several alignments done at Corvettes of Houston and have always been happy with them.

RobG03Z06

Just a follow up...I called the shop this morning to have him correct the alignment.(figured I might as well have him correct his error since I paid for it) New corrected #s:

front left and right camber -0.79 and -0.79
front caster 6.66 and 6.87
toe 0.20 and 0.21

rear left and right camber -0.75 and -0.69
toe 0.01 and 0.01
total toe 0.02
thrust angle 0.00

FWIW, ALWAYS ask for a printout of the #s, never assume it's done right. Too much toe would have quickly worn out my Nitto 555 R2 tires....

RobG03Z06

Thanks Brad, I will definately give him a call and check out his shop.

bradb

Rob, I have to warn you. Clint's shop is in a warehouse where a lot of people store their race cars and transporters. There is no showroom, waiting room and cute secretary. What happens there is good, precise work on your car by a trustworthy craftsman... so, it had a lot going for it in my book.

Oh, good job on getting that alignment redone. You are right, it would wear your tires quickly.

RobG03Z06

Thanks Brad....all I want is a shop that takes pride in their work and gets it done right (hopefully the first time). It's gettong harder to find a "trustworthy craftsman" that is precise in his work....they are worth their weight in gold.

Tom/99

What do they charge? Thanks.

Busa196

Man, I feel like the a-hole now. Sorry Rob. They've always done me well, but the last time I used them with my Vette was at their old location and some guy with an English accent aligned my car....and he definitely knew what he was doing- Greg has never aligned my Vette....only my Avalon.

RobG03Z06

LOL...no problem. They apparently do alot of Vettes, but I hope for the Vette owners sake they get an actual printout of the specs. I've got a feeling there are alot of Vettes drivin' around town that have WAY too much toe, well more than the specs from GM recommend, and are not aware of it until they notice early tire wear and by then, it's too late...the tire is ruined.