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C5 lowered; alignment question

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Old 01-21-2008, 02:34 PM
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chargedc5
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Default C5 lowered; alignment question

I just lowered my c5 on stock bolts and never cut out the rubber washers. Based on what everyone says I now need a alignment! When I take it in do I tell them to set everything up based on the stock alignment, zo6 alignment, etc, etc. Any suggestions welcomed. I do not road race however I do like corners as well as I do not want to eat my tires up do to the wrong pitch

Thanks
Old 01-21-2008, 04:10 PM
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34RedRage
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ttt
Old 01-21-2008, 05:02 PM
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hotwheels57
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The shop will do you any type of alignment you want. Tell them the type of driving you enjoy and let the tech do his thing. The Z06 oem factory alignment is supposedly a little more "aggressive" and might result in faster tire wear. My driving preference is along the same as yours.

Last edited by hotwheels57; 01-21-2008 at 05:31 PM.
Old 01-21-2008, 05:57 PM
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chargedc5
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Thanks!!
Old 01-21-2008, 07:25 PM
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Bill Dearborn
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Originally Posted by hotwheels57
The shop will do you any type of alignment you want. Tell them the type of driving you enjoy and let the tech do his thing. The Z06 oem factory alignment is supposedly a little more "aggressive" and might result in faster tire wear. My driving preference is along the same as yours.
I wouldn't let the tech choose the alignment settings. There is a great variance in alignment settings as the tolerances are wide. The alignments between 2 cars can vary widely and both can still be considered within spec. If you want a more responsive alignment go with the Z06 Service preferred settings with no tolerance from that spec.



Bill
Old 01-21-2008, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by chargedc5
I just lowered my c5 on stock bolts and never cut out the rubber washers. Based on what everyone says I now need a alignment!
Thanks
Mine was lowered on stock bolts all the way down, kept front bushings. no alignment done. after 3 yrs tires still wear evenly. lowering the car on stock bolts does not change any settings. it lowers the chassis closer to the ground.
Old 01-21-2008, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by chargedc5
I just lowered my c5 on stock bolts and never cut out the rubber washers. Based on what everyone says I now need a alignment! When I take it in do I tell them to set everything up based on the stock alignment, zo6 alignment, etc, etc. Any suggestions welcomed. I do not road race however I do like corners as well as I do not want to eat my tires up do to the wrong pitch

Thanks
I went with a Z06 Alignment on my lowered C5.. However.... Make sure you do not do that if you are still running Run Flats..

The High Camber will Tear the inside edges of the front tires up in no time! This is because there is very little sidewall flex to "give" in that area..
Old 01-21-2008, 11:56 PM
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Old 01-22-2008, 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by thetaxman
If you did alignments, like I do, you would know and I wouldn't have to explain.

Believe what you want
I do not do alignments, that is why I asked the original question because I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT ALIGNMNETS. All you gave was a sign to someone elses comments. If your not going to help why did you even post a reply!!!!!!!

If you are a professional at it or know what to do please EXPLAIN what I need to have done.

The ears that I posted meant that I was open to suggestions and to send it back TTT
Old 01-22-2008, 09:44 AM
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02gt350
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i lowered mine all the way plus did new shocks....no alignment was needed. its been 2000 miles, highway to, and no wear on the tires...i htink its just a preventative MAYBE insurance thing. I recommend all just watch the tires before you drop the money for an alignment. All of my c5 buds who have lowered has not done it either and all is fine
Old 01-22-2008, 10:23 AM
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Ttt
Old 01-22-2008, 05:05 PM
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Can't we have one technical discussion without the egos getting in the way?
Get an alignment on your car if you want...don't get an alignment on your car if you don't want.
It's your car to do with as you please!
Old 01-22-2008, 05:35 PM
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HD2HVETTE
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Well said hw57. However, a suspension system is designed to have a certain amount of camber change (gain or loss) as the chassis rotates thru a turn-the mounting points of the suspension (A-Arms) at the chassis move up or down, the spindle with the tire remains at relatively the same height. If the chassis is lower, the mounting points for the suspension are lower to the ground thereby changing camber settings at the wheel. A short explanation when suspension geometry is complex (and I am no expert on Corvette suspensions) but I hope I made sense.
Old 01-22-2008, 05:52 PM
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RichAshley-Black99
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I lowerd mine on stock bolts still have the bushings no cutting and the inside of my fronts are getting pretty worn so It looks like Ill need an alignment
Old 01-22-2008, 06:01 PM
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hotwheels57
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Originally Posted by HD2HVETTE
Well said hw57. However, a suspension system is designed to have a certain amount of camber change (gain or loss) as the chassis rotates thru a turn-the mounting points of the suspension (A-Arms) at the chassis move up or down, the spindle with the tire remains at relatively the same height. If the chassis is lower, the mounting points for the suspension are lower to the ground thereby changing camber settings at the wheel. A short explanation when suspension geometry is complex (and I am no expert on Corvette suspensions) but I hope I made sense.
Thanks for the explanation. I wasn't inferring that lowering didn't require an alignment. From what I've read here and other sources, in most cases it does require an alignment. My car did (camber) with stock bolts, intact bushings and down only 3/4".
My point (to the egos) was do with your car as you please, but don't criticize someone else for their choice on their car.

Last edited by hotwheels57; 01-22-2008 at 06:27 PM.
Old 01-22-2008, 09:19 PM
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One thing I do know for sure, tires aint cheap.
Old 01-22-2008, 11:28 PM
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chargedc5
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So basically I need a alignment. I was just wondering if I need to go for the z06 alignment or the standard c5 or if there is much difference between to two

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Old 01-23-2008, 02:28 AM
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Z06

I do my own to my own specs
Caster RF 6 and LF 6&1/4 ( keeps it straight , offsets road crown ) for track, go 4
0 camber all the way around
and front toe , 0
Rear toe-in a 1/16 to 1/8

Toeing in the rear tightens the car
Toe out the rear and you will be loose, good for short tight auto-x but way too dangerous for street or high speed.
Front toe-out will handle better but will shred tires, good for racing but horrible for street

If you lower too much you will need to bumpsteer the car ( go google it )
Old 01-23-2008, 12:05 PM
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Let's stop the squabbling in here or I'll have to lock the thread.
Old 01-23-2008, 12:06 PM
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Ashame some of the kids can't place nice and stay on topic. The thread starter thanks you for this!


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