Prices paid for alignment?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 275
Likes: 2
From: Tucson Arizona
Prices paid for alignment?
So I took my '99 to the local Chevy dealer for alignment after rebuilding the suspension and installing Zo6 wheels. I gave them the specs that I wanted it set to. Just a bit aggressive but not that far from stock. I was the alignment man for the local Goodyear shop back in the early 80's so I know very well what it takes to align a simple double A-arm suspension.
The price of $120.00 for a 4 wheel alignment is steep but I figured that they *might* have to adjust the ride height so I said OK. They promised 2 hours and it would be done. I went back in an hour and they had not even gotten the car onto the rack yet. The service manager tells me that it will cost $300 because of the extra work required for the non-stock settings. I told her that it takes no more effort nor time to turn the cams a degree or two more than usual and that I would not pay extra. I took my car and left. I can dig out my old alignment gauge and do it myself for that rip-off price. I'll make it perfect rather than close as well.
What do you guys pay?
The price of $120.00 for a 4 wheel alignment is steep but I figured that they *might* have to adjust the ride height so I said OK. They promised 2 hours and it would be done. I went back in an hour and they had not even gotten the car onto the rack yet. The service manager tells me that it will cost $300 because of the extra work required for the non-stock settings. I told her that it takes no more effort nor time to turn the cams a degree or two more than usual and that I would not pay extra. I took my car and left. I can dig out my old alignment gauge and do it myself for that rip-off price. I'll make it perfect rather than close as well.
What do you guys pay?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Around $90 after lowering on stock bolts by a recommended alignment shop, about 6 years ago. I would asssume anywhere from 80 - 150 would be in the ballpark. You did the right thing by leaving. That's B.S. after being quoted a price beforehand.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16,574
Likes: 13
From: Winfield IN
The local dealer couldn't do mine because they were concerned about getting a lowered (-3/4") car up onto their elevated alignment rack. They even tried it with lumber. I appreciated their concern and honesty.
They referred me to a local old time shop with a "pit" that normally does commercial vehicles. The shop also did many lowered performance vehicles. The price for a four wheel alignment was $89.95 and it needed it even with just the 3/4" lower adjustments.
They referred me to a local old time shop with a "pit" that normally does commercial vehicles. The shop also did many lowered performance vehicles. The price for a four wheel alignment was $89.95 and it needed it even with just the 3/4" lower adjustments.
$89.95 and I second finding a place with a "pit."
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
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From: Belleville Mich.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
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Here in the Bay Area, about $120 is typical for a 4 wheel alignment. However, if there are shops that do much more precision work and have people that are experts on understanding race alignments. They typically charge $240. That being said, if you find a competent shop that charges $100-$120, just bring them your desired specs, and they should be able to do what you want.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
not everyone's favorite place but Firestone stores have a lifetime alignment warranty for $135, and you can have it aligned any time you feel like it. But, you may need to take some helper ramps to get the car on their setup, although, some stores use a pit. If you are into coilovers and changing your ride height experiments this is the way to go financially.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Have the firestone alignment on two of my cars.
My second car has been aligned 7 times, only 1 satisfactory.
They can make the Corvette drive straight, but can't get the steering wheel right.
They have no clue what they are doing.
My second car has been aligned 7 times, only 1 satisfactory.
They can make the Corvette drive straight, but can't get the steering wheel right.
They have no clue what they are doing.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I hope being 2400 miles east of you solves that problem
Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
We have a semi-local (hour drive) shop in that does a lot of higher end cars. Porsche, Lotus, Ferrari's... They charged me $145 but they use all state of the art equipment and they will send a tech out with you after the alignment to make sure everything is spot on.