[Z06] Steering/alignment question...my first z06
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Johnson City NY
Steering/alignment question...my first z06
Hey guys, I just picked up a 2002 Z06 bright yellow with 6400miles on it last week. I love the car! I am coming from a 2000 coupe that only had 8k miles on it. My question is, when I was coming home and when I drive on the highway, I notice that the steering seems to wander a bit more than my old car did. The car has never been in any accidents and with the miles I can't see why it would be an alignment problem. Plus I am afraid to have anyone mess with the alignment anyway. Is this just the characteristic of a race car verses the normal suspension or is it something I should get checked. It is almost like it is just more sensitive to the curve or crown in the road. I was just concerned because it seems to take a bit more effort to drive than my old one, but I have to remeber this car isn't a cruiser. Thanks for your input.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
What you are experiencing is probably normal. The wider tires and more aggressive alignment will make it dart when in the ruts. Check out the FAQ at the top for the alignment specs. Go get them checked out and if you need adjustments and want to keep the Z06 specs demand that they are perfect and not "with-in range."
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
I agree with Maj Z06. The increased negative camber and wider tires do make the car more prone to crown on ruts in the road.
Given your car only has 6400 miles on it, the alignment is probably okay, but, having it checked certainly wouldn't help. Here are the alignment specs:
Z06 Specs:
Front Individual Toe: +0.04 degree +/- 0.10 degree
Front Sum Toe: +0.08 degree +/- 0.20 degree
Front Individual Caster: +6.9 degree +/- 0.50 degree
Front Cross Caster: within +/- 0.25 degree
Front Individual Camber: -0.70 degree +/-0.50 degree
Front Cross Camber: within +/-0.25 degree
Rear Individual Toe: -0.01 degree +/- 0.10 degree
Rear Sum Toe: -0.02 degree +/- 0.20 degree
Rear Individual Camber: -0.68 degree +/- 0.50 degree
Rear Cross Camber: within +/- 0.50 degree
Please note the large tolerances. For example, the front camber is -0.7 nominally, but is within spec from -0.2 to -1.2 as long as cross camber is within 0.25. I suggest being specific and not asking for something like the "stock alignment" but rather "I want front camber -0.7 degrees" which any good aligment shop should be able to hit within a tenth of a degree.
Enjoy the new ride.
Given your car only has 6400 miles on it, the alignment is probably okay, but, having it checked certainly wouldn't help. Here are the alignment specs:
Z06 Specs:
Front Individual Toe: +0.04 degree +/- 0.10 degree
Front Sum Toe: +0.08 degree +/- 0.20 degree
Front Individual Caster: +6.9 degree +/- 0.50 degree
Front Cross Caster: within +/- 0.25 degree
Front Individual Camber: -0.70 degree +/-0.50 degree
Front Cross Camber: within +/-0.25 degree
Rear Individual Toe: -0.01 degree +/- 0.10 degree
Rear Sum Toe: -0.02 degree +/- 0.20 degree
Rear Individual Camber: -0.68 degree +/- 0.50 degree
Rear Cross Camber: within +/- 0.50 degree
Please note the large tolerances. For example, the front camber is -0.7 nominally, but is within spec from -0.2 to -1.2 as long as cross camber is within 0.25. I suggest being specific and not asking for something like the "stock alignment" but rather "I want front camber -0.7 degrees" which any good aligment shop should be able to hit within a tenth of a degree.
Enjoy the new ride.
__________________
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Originally Posted by ital976
I have to learn not to be so **** about things lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 0
From: Ventura County CA
I'm willing to bet with only 6400 miles your Z has never had alignment. Almost all vehicles will suffer some kind of alignment issue over time. It would be well worth your time and money to get it checked. May not be out much, but it will be out unless the seller just had it done. Good luck either way you go.
