alignment
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
alignment
I lowered my C5 on stock bolts and need to get an alignment. Do I need the back wheels aligned? Also will I aspect to have any issues with it getting aligned properly (ex.needing to drilling extra holes to align)?
Thank you,
Scott
Thank you,
Scott
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Eh, it is pretty much a crapshoot. I don't think an alignment is completely necessary as most will say here, but to be on the safe side it is a good idea to do it.
When my vette was lowered on stock bolts I had it aligned. It was off 1/4 inch on either side. It was subsequently lowered again when my bushings were cut and I have not had it aligned. As far as I can tell there is no uneven tire wear, but the car does feel a little unstable over 125mph. I don't know for sure if this is due to the alignment being off.
When my vette was lowered on stock bolts I had it aligned. It was off 1/4 inch on either side. It was subsequently lowered again when my bushings were cut and I have not had it aligned. As far as I can tell there is no uneven tire wear, but the car does feel a little unstable over 125mph. I don't know for sure if this is due to the alignment being off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
Get it aligned, no extra holes or mods will be needed. While you may get away without doing so, why? It WILL be off from ideal, and why not have performance vehicle up to spec?
The isntability that icemanskis is experiencing may be due to aerodynamic effects. The C5 was designed to have some rake (lower front than rear) to assist in downforce and prevent pressure buildup under the car. many many pictures I see of lowered vehicles here lower the rear ALOT. If the rake is lost, this is exaclty what you will feel - higher speed instabilty or 'float'.
HTH.
The isntability that icemanskis is experiencing may be due to aerodynamic effects. The C5 was designed to have some rake (lower front than rear) to assist in downforce and prevent pressure buildup under the car. many many pictures I see of lowered vehicles here lower the rear ALOT. If the rake is lost, this is exaclty what you will feel - higher speed instabilty or 'float'.
HTH.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 228
Likes: 3
From: Va Beach VA
Just do it and get it checked. I did, it wasn't too bad, but you want the best setup and conditions for your car. Also make sure it is level left /right after you do it. Check after a couple of days and some miles on it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Thanks for everyones input. I lowered my C5 as low as it could go on stock bolts and the rear ended up being lower than the front. Should I raise the rear up a little to make the rear ride higher than the front?
Scott
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,627
Likes: 143
From: Goodyear Az
You want ~1/2" of rake. I recently had my car aligned and FYI, it was $160 for a LIFETIME (as long as *I* own the car) alignment at my local Goodyear Tire store. Hunter laser alignment, before and after specs. Very nice, and I plan to have it checked/aligned every year.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by yellow01
Get it aligned, no extra holes or mods will be needed. While you may get away without doing so, why? It WILL be off from ideal, and why not have performance vehicle up to spec?
The isntability that icemanskis is experiencing may be due to aerodynamic effects. The C5 was designed to have some rake (lower front than rear) to assist in downforce and prevent pressure buildup under the car. many many pictures I see of lowered vehicles here lower the rear ALOT. If the rake is lost, this is exaclty what you will feel - higher speed instabilty or 'float'.
HTH.
The isntability that icemanskis is experiencing may be due to aerodynamic effects. The C5 was designed to have some rake (lower front than rear) to assist in downforce and prevent pressure buildup under the car. many many pictures I see of lowered vehicles here lower the rear ALOT. If the rake is lost, this is exaclty what you will feel - higher speed instabilty or 'float'.
HTH.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,218
Likes: 1
From: Cresskill NJ
Originally Posted by scott forbs
Question, what does corner weigh mean?
They put a scale under each tire, and by comparing the weight at the different corners they use the ride height to adjust the weight balance of the car to get it to where it should be.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
Originally Posted by scott forbs
As far as the 1/2" of rake. Is that measured from the top of the tires to the wheel well or from the ground to the wheel well?
If you look up under behind the front wheels and in front of the rear, you will see cutouts in the rocker panel where there are holes for the shipping hooks. Near these holes there is a bit of frame exposed. Measure there to the ground.
don't trust body panels. They can be off more than you'd believe.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Originally Posted by scott forbs
As far as the 1/2" of rake. Is that measured from the top of the tires to the wheel well or from the ground to the wheel well?
When you lower your car, the camber will go more negative and the front toe will go in, rear toe will go out. It is a good idea to get it aligned after lowering.
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