I would like to get my 2001 convertible aligned, but find my current settings to sensitive to steering wheel movements. I feel like I am making small corrections constantly. I have the Z51 suspension and Yokohama AVS run flats. Below are the specifications my C5 was aligned to around June 2004. Are there settings within the green range that will make my steering less edgy and not compromise tire wear.

Thanks



Larger View of Current Alignment Specifications

 

There was a significant discussion with a large amount of information on alignments pecifications back in late October, early November, here or in the Tech/Performance section.

I had just pruchased my C5 and the fronts exhibited increased inner tread wear. I used to information to get my car aligned when I got new tires at that time. I suggest you do a search and see what you can turn up.

Bob

 

The FAQ sticky above and the one in Z06 have all the specs.

 

Wheel Alignment Specifications
RPO
Operation
Service Preferred
Tolerance

Front Alignment Specifications

All
Front Individual Toe
+ 0.04
+/- 0.10

All
Front Sum Toe
+ 0.08
+/- 0.20

All
Steering Wheel Angle
0.0
+/- 1.0

FE1 & FE3
Front Individual Caster
+ 7.4
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Front Cross Caster
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE1 & FE3
Front Individual Camber
- 0.20
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Front Cross Camber
Within +/-0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Front Individual Caster
+ 6.9
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Front Cross Caster
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Front Individual Camber
- 0.70
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Front Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

Rear Alignment Specifications

All
Rear Individual Toe
- 0.01
+/- 0.10

All
Rear Sum Toe
- 0.02
+/- 0.20

All
Rear Thrust Angle
0.0
+/- 0.10

FE1 & FE3
Rear Individual Camber
- 0.18
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Rear Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Rear Individual Camber
- 0.68
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Rear Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

 

Thanks, I know what the specs for runflats are, but is there somewhere in the green area that makes the tires not so sensitive to the road surface. If it is not the alignment that's causing this, maybe its a characteristic of the Yokohama AVS run flats.

NOTE: My C5 is not lowered and I don't autocross or run on any tracks.

 

Tthe size of the tires is what's causing this. Tires the size of even the stock C5 tires will "hunt" down any uneveness on the road, and track it. It's the nature of the beast.

With that said, you will probably need to go outside of spec to get the car to go as straight as possible. Stock alignments are usually set for best wear, and acceptable drivability. To get a car to run straight down the road, you've got to tweak it, often outside of factory spec. Most people don't notice, or aren't bothered by those slight adjustments you mention. Like you, I am a stickler for tracking as straight as possible, so I have some experience in this area. I also owned a C4, prior to my C5, which was exactly how your C5 seems to be. I took it to someone who was willing to do what it takes to get the car going straight.

Be forewarned, though. Usually, you will see more outer tire wear. But, if you're like me, losing a couple thousand miles of tread life or so is worth it. Also, note that many shops will NOT deviate outside factory specs, so you need to grill the prospective shop well. You'll have to ask if they would be willing to go outside of factory spec to achieve what you want. And, you'll need to make it clear as to what you want out of the alignment.

As an aside, other than the wandering, how do you like those AVS Sport Runflats? So far, you're the only person I've run across that has those, and I've been interested in them.

When you look at them from the back, are they as wide as the stock Goodyears? The Firestones are not nearly as wide. How does it ride over bumps compared to the stock tires? And, finally, Are they quiet?

Thanks.

 

Thank you !!, this is the feedback I needed.

Regarding AVS Sport Runflats, I have been very happy with them. I find I can push the car harder in the curves and they look very aggressive. I would say they are at least as wide looking from the rear as the Goodyear's. If I have time I will take a picture for you.

Regards,

Howard

 

I'm glad I was able to provide feedback that was helpful to you. I would appreciate seeing those pics from the back. It sounds like those AVSes are good tires!

 

Here you go I took this picture today.

 

Thanks for posting the pic. The tread design of those tires look alot like the Goodyear GS D3s I had on my C4. Very nice handling tire, even in the rain. Finally a nice performance run-flat that's probably quieter that the stock tires, and good in the rain, too.