C4 Alignments
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Find a mech who have been aligning Corvettes.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
From what I remember reading over the years here, the last place you want to go is to Firestone, Sears, Wal-Mart, or any of the chain stores. Some of these shops may do what's called a "Toe and go" which is nothing more then checking/adjusting front toe and do nothing else.
Find a reputable auto repair shop and ask if they have experience with 4-wheel alignments on Corvettes. OR go to the AAA website and look for AAA-certified shops in your area. Maybe ask members of a local Corvette clubs to see what shops they could recommend. Is there a Discount Tire shop in your area?
Many of the alignment racks in use now use computer-controlled adjustments and the system is loaded with OEM alignment data for most all cars on the road today. These systems will also provide a printed report of specs before and after an alignment.
How many miles are on the car? Are the ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, hubs, and suspension bushings original? If any of these parts are well-worn, you will not get an alignment that will be within spec or at least worth doing. But also be careful that a shop may try to up-sell suspension components to you when they may not be needed. That's why some of these chain stores should be avoided.
Find a reputable auto repair shop and ask if they have experience with 4-wheel alignments on Corvettes. OR go to the AAA website and look for AAA-certified shops in your area. Maybe ask members of a local Corvette clubs to see what shops they could recommend. Is there a Discount Tire shop in your area?
Many of the alignment racks in use now use computer-controlled adjustments and the system is loaded with OEM alignment data for most all cars on the road today. These systems will also provide a printed report of specs before and after an alignment.
How many miles are on the car? Are the ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, hubs, and suspension bushings original? If any of these parts are well-worn, you will not get an alignment that will be within spec or at least worth doing. But also be careful that a shop may try to up-sell suspension components to you when they may not be needed. That's why some of these chain stores should be avoided.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Prepare to get screwed like you've never been screwed before.... I'm guessing $1500 before they're done. Try a couple of small independent shops, most will give you an estimate before they do any work, and are familiar with race cars. Remember, there is nothing magic about a corvette, its just a car with 4 wheel independent suspension. Do get the 4 wheel alignment. I've been using a local Big O, but I wouldn't recommend just any Big O.
Last edited by zr1fred; Apr 26, 2014 at 10:51 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Just had my new 255-50-16s from Tire Rack mounted and balanced at Firestone. Told them to check the alignment while they were at it. Charged me $20 for the check. All spec's were within parameters and they provided me with a print out of the numbers.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
Prepare to get screwed like you've never been screwed before.... I'm guessing $1500 before they're done. Try a couple of small independent shops, most will give you an estimate before they do any work, and are familiar with race cars. Remember, there is nothing magic about a corvette, its just a car with 4 wheel independent suspension. Do get the 4 wheel alignment. I've been using a local Big O, but I wouldn't recommend just any Big O.
The one draw back to the independent shops is they may not have the latest Computer controlled equipment!
What I would be most interested in is what Toe, Caster, Camber (angles) work best for us, inside of the Min/Max allowable settings provided by Chevy? For both DD and Track use..
Just my two cents..
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
I just had my 91 Vette aligned at the local Big O.
The guy did a great job and took his time. He said, to bring it back if it pulls any because he said, it's difficult to align Corvettes.
I drove it to work and did notice it would pull very slightly to the right. I brought it back and another tech that used to work at a Corvette shop aligned it again. It took him another hour or so, but he showed me the alignment sheet and everything was much closer to 0...
I guess I was fortunate to have good techs align my Vette?...
The guy did a great job and took his time. He said, to bring it back if it pulls any because he said, it's difficult to align Corvettes.
I drove it to work and did notice it would pull very slightly to the right. I brought it back and another tech that used to work at a Corvette shop aligned it again. It took him another hour or so, but he showed me the alignment sheet and everything was much closer to 0...
I guess I was fortunate to have good techs align my Vette?...
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Why do you say this, Once a report is issued it's up to us to decide on what to do next..
The one draw back to the independent shops is they may not have the latest Computer controlled equipment!
What I would be most interested in is what Toe, Caster, Camber (angles) work best for us, inside of the Min/Max allowable settings provided by Chevy? For both DD and Track use..
Just my two cents..
The one draw back to the independent shops is they may not have the latest Computer controlled equipment!
What I would be most interested in is what Toe, Caster, Camber (angles) work best for us, inside of the Min/Max allowable settings provided by Chevy? For both DD and Track use..
Just my two cents..
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Prepare to get screwed like you've never been screwed before.... I'm guessing $1500 before they're done. Try a couple of small independent shops, most will give you an estimate before they do any work, and are familiar with race cars. Remember, there is nothing magic about a corvette, its just a car with 4 wheel independent suspension. Do get the 4 wheel alignment. I've been using a local Big O, but I wouldn't recommend just any Big O.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
From what I remember reading over the years here, the last place you want to go is to Firestone, Sears, Wal-Mart, or any of the chain stores. Some of these shops may do what's called a "Toe and go" which is nothing more then checking/adjusting front toe and do nothing else.
Find a reputable auto repair shop and ask if they have experience with 4-wheel alignments on Corvettes. OR go to the AAA website and look for AAA-certified shops in your area. Maybe ask members of a local Corvette clubs to see what shops they could recommend. Is there a Discount Tire shop in your area?
Many of the alignment racks in use now use computer-controlled adjustments and the system is loaded with OEM alignment data for most all cars on the road today. These systems will also provide a printed report of specs before and after an alignment.
How many miles are on the car? Are the ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, hubs, and suspension bushings original? If any of these parts are well-worn, you will not get an alignment that will be within spec or at least worth doing. But also be careful that a shop may try to up-sell suspension components to you when they may not be needed. That's why some of these chain stores should be avoided.
Find a reputable auto repair shop and ask if they have experience with 4-wheel alignments on Corvettes. OR go to the AAA website and look for AAA-certified shops in your area. Maybe ask members of a local Corvette clubs to see what shops they could recommend. Is there a Discount Tire shop in your area?
Many of the alignment racks in use now use computer-controlled adjustments and the system is loaded with OEM alignment data for most all cars on the road today. These systems will also provide a printed report of specs before and after an alignment.
How many miles are on the car? Are the ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks, hubs, and suspension bushings original? If any of these parts are well-worn, you will not get an alignment that will be within spec or at least worth doing. But also be careful that a shop may try to up-sell suspension components to you when they may not be needed. That's why some of these chain stores should be avoided.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 14
Prepare to get screwed like you've never been screwed before.... I'm guessing $1500 before they're done. Try a couple of small independent shops, most will give you an estimate before they do any work, and are familiar with race cars. Remember, there is nothing magic about a corvette, its just a car with 4 wheel independent suspension. Do get the 4 wheel alignment. I've been using a local Big O, but I wouldn't recommend just any Big O.
Since the front suspension is easy too look at, see if the upper and lower ball joints still have good boots over them as well as the tie rod end. Doesn't mean they are good, but if the boots are cracked and you can see the joints then you know you have problems.
As far as doing a alignment on a C4 its not that hard, its much eaiser that a old Chevrolet truck.
If you want to do the Firestone deal, take it to a store in a upscale area, they will have more experience in exoctic cars. Generally a Firestone Manager will give the alignment to someone who can do it, but like I say its no guarantee.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 7
From: Sanbornton NH
Brought my 96 CE to MacMulkins Chevy Friday. I figured the second largest Corvette dealer would know what they were doing. Cost me $99.95 out the door friendly staff and I now have piece of mind. Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,592
Likes: 13
From: USA
After a very bad experience at a local chain muffler shop, I will never go to a chain shop again.
When I was searching for a trustworthy alignment shop to do my car, I checked with a Corvette shop an hour away and went to the shop they use. Well worth the trip.
The shop was Dias Spring in Erie, PA.
When I was searching for a trustworthy alignment shop to do my car, I checked with a Corvette shop an hour away and went to the shop they use. Well worth the trip.
The shop was Dias Spring in Erie, PA.
Last edited by TimV SR; Apr 27, 2014 at 05:47 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 100
Likes: 20
From: Port St Lucie Florida
Just get a written estimate prior on the alignment 'turn-key'.
I was screwed by Goodyear a few months ago on a 4 wheel alignment. The shop close to my work uses that particular alignment machine that everybody raves about. Plus it's Goodyear, they are reputable right? I though what the heck. They did good work but I paid $150 above their already pricey alignment. I didn't have much fight in me since I was taking the C4 on a weekend getaway later that night and just wanted it done. This is exactly why I perform all of my own work for over 20 years....If I could handle the alignment, I'd do it myself.
.
I was screwed by Goodyear a few months ago on a 4 wheel alignment. The shop close to my work uses that particular alignment machine that everybody raves about. Plus it's Goodyear, they are reputable right? I though what the heck. They did good work but I paid $150 above their already pricey alignment. I didn't have much fight in me since I was taking the C4 on a weekend getaway later that night and just wanted it done. This is exactly why I perform all of my own work for over 20 years....If I could handle the alignment, I'd do it myself.
.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Just get a written estimate prior on the alignment 'turn-key'.
I was screwed by Goodyear a few months ago on a 4 wheel alignment. The shop close to my work uses that particular alignment machine that everybody raves about. Plus it's Goodyear, they are reputable right? I though what the heck. They did good work but I paid $150 above their already pricey alignment. I didn't have much fight in me since I was taking the C4 on a weekend getaway later that night and just wanted it done. This is exactly why I perform all of my own work for over 20 years....If I could handle the alignment, I'd do it myself.
.
I was screwed by Goodyear a few months ago on a 4 wheel alignment. The shop close to my work uses that particular alignment machine that everybody raves about. Plus it's Goodyear, they are reputable right? I though what the heck. They did good work but I paid $150 above their already pricey alignment. I didn't have much fight in me since I was taking the C4 on a weekend getaway later that night and just wanted it done. This is exactly why I perform all of my own work for over 20 years....If I could handle the alignment, I'd do it myself.
.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 324
From: Mid Ohio
I'm paying a Honda dealership w/a brand new Hunter road force tire balancer and brand new Hunter alignment lift $120 to do mine. They said it's normally $79 but C4s take longer than normal to align. After getting the quote I told them I had read that it took longer and thought the price was reasonable. (I know these guys and some of them came from higher end car makes where high quality balancing and alignments are the norm)