(Hypothetically)
.
Suspension question....
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
Suspension question....
Okay, let's just say that I was at a roadcourse and that I came into a 90* right hand turn a little too hot. Now lets say that I spun the car into the grass (no wall or curb and the grass/sand is relatively level with the pavement).
Now I've heard that Corvette suspensions are pretty tough, but with all the forces of a spin (once clockwose and twice counter-clockwise), what suspension damage might a Corvette sustain?
Let's also say that said Corvette drives relatively normal, but pulls to the left after this hypothetical encounter.
If one were to take this Vette into an alignment shop, how bad should one expect things to be?
Now I've heard that Corvette suspensions are pretty tough, but with all the forces of a spin (once clockwose and twice counter-clockwise), what suspension damage might a Corvette sustain?
Let's also say that said Corvette drives relatively normal, but pulls to the left after this hypothetical encounter.
If one were to take this Vette into an alignment shop, how bad should one expect things to be?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
I did something pretty similiar, and noticed feathering on the fronts not too long after that, which I'm pretty sure was not there before the track event. Got it aligned, and it had negative toe on one side and the camber was also off quite a bit (can't remember if that was the same side or not tho) I didn't think a spin like i did would hurt it, but it may have contributed.
Read up on what your stock alignment specs should be, and how you might want to set it for track and or street use.
Read up on what your stock alignment specs should be, and how you might want to set it for track and or street use.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
Yeah, I'm going to have it aligned to VBP advanced street specs. I've read through the manual looking at the specs and procedures for aligning the car (actually doesn't seem that complicated) and I also looked at the car for blatently bent 
control arms, tie rods, etc, but I didn't see anything obvious.
I just didn't want to be in for any "suprises" at the alignment shop.
Oh, BTW... a local Corvette club member suggested having the car aligned at Belle Tire (a chain) because they have some of the latest computer equipment. Anyone ever use Belle Tire for alignments?
control arms, tie rods, etc, but I didn't see anything obvious.I just didn't want to be in for any "suprises" at the alignment shop.
Oh, BTW... a local Corvette club member suggested having the car aligned at Belle Tire (a chain) because they have some of the latest computer equipment. Anyone ever use Belle Tire for alignments?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
Not sure how **** you might be about your alignment, but I went to Goodyear (since they could do my SS to my specs) with specs in hand and they allowed me to hang out in the garage while they did it. I also stuck around because I wanted my weight in the seat when they adjusted the camber. They also had a brand new Hunter alignment system which used lasers for measurements, very cool setup actually.
Also, I got mine aligned for around $90, not bad considering some "Corvette" shops around here charge closer to $200 for the same thing...
Also, I got mine aligned for around $90, not bad considering some "Corvette" shops around here charge closer to $200 for the same thing...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Spin on pavement without hitting anything and you won't hurt anything. Dirt is another matter, since you can catch a wheel.
You've bent/moved something, but probably not so bad that it can't be adjusted out by the shop.
Larry
code5coupe
You've bent/moved something, but probably not so bad that it can't be adjusted out by the shop.
Larry
code5coupe
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Race Director
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Hypothetically you could use Tide with stain-fighter just in case your hypothetical drawers were sullied during the incident. 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 310
Likes: 48
From: Lafayette IN
Before taking your car to any alignment shop, try asking around to see if there are any satisfied customers. I've run into way too many alignment shops, some with the "lastest equipment", who can not align worth anything.
At a previous job (dealing with large vehicles aka Motorhomes), you would not believe the number of shops around the country who claim they can perform alignments, but have no training and have equipment way out of certification.
Supposed alignment shops that can not align (or do a crude job) and no body can actually balance a tire anymore are two of my biggest peeves.
At a previous job (dealing with large vehicles aka Motorhomes), you would not believe the number of shops around the country who claim they can perform alignments, but have no training and have equipment way out of certification.
Supposed alignment shops that can not align (or do a crude job) and no body can actually balance a tire anymore are two of my biggest peeves.