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I upgraded my car (including suspension) to handle the engine.
The suspension mods include:
C5 Z06 speedlines w/305 tires, C6 Z06 shocks, Metal End-links, new Wheel Bearings,Axles,not to mention the suspension itself was out of the car during the build.
My question is what does “4 corner balancing” and a full alignment technically include ? Should I corner balance ?
I hope I can really “tell a difference” on the road after it is done. Car seems fine, but it has never even had an alignment and I just slapped all these parts (and engine)in a 2000 FCR.
It seems to sit high for sure not sure if they can/should lower it (?)
i am going to West End Alignment here in So-Cal and they are evidently the best at what they do.
Corner balancing and alignment are two different things. Def recommend getting an alignment after suspension work, practically always. I have attached Pfadt's C5/C6 suspension guide for reference.
Corner weighting is a racing technique, setting the ride height at each corner, to the best of the setup of the car, so the weight is the most evenly balanced on the tires (with driver). You prob *won't* notice this on the street, however improves handling/balance at the track (or AX).
Yes, you can adjust your ride height stock, using the suspension 'bolts' on the leaf springs. That's about the extent of my knowledge about the bolts, but it is common, and easy to implement relative ride height.
Thank you, indeed it does. I spoke to the shop and will be getting it done Friday morning.
Evidently beyond alignment and corner balancing they can get super dialed in with “shimming” but that is probably unnecessary as I do not track the car. They asked if I had the original leaf springs.
I've not heard of specific 'shimming' for these cars, not sure what that refers to. I'm hoping it doesn't have to do with setting ride height or corner balancing, because you can do that with the factory leaf spring bolts, no other mods needed, unless sometimes people purchase 'longer' bolts to lower it even more. Hmm interesting
Evidently Darin at West End is the “go-to” in So-Cal. He seemed very cool/knowledgeable when we spoke. Folks rave about his talent so I am excited to see what he does.
I have to believe this thing is out of whack six ways to Sunday, being a heavily modified 2000MY that has never seen an alignment rack to begin with and has the a-for mentioned modifications to help manage the power of the new engine.
When the C5 corvette was in the final stages of being manufactured, GM had the car corner balanced to set the ride height at the factory before it went to the final testing process. If you lowered you car by changing the ride height equally in all 4 corners your more than likely have not offset the corner weight. For those who competitively drive their Corvette, they do the corner weighting with the driver in the car or an equivalent amount of weight in the driver seat.
So shimming did not come up again (I am not a hardcore/track guy) but West End Alignment is the best. Very technical, very precise, very cool. My input was only to have it be predictable and be safe. Car weighs 3,090 lbs with 4:10’s.
Chris took about 3 hours dialing may car in based on my usage. The car handles wonderfully and now I understand the value. Today driving it home was the first time after all these mods that I could tell “ohhh......I really got something here !” Now that it is smooth as glass, corners on rails and seems “planted” the car is a joy....not “loose and scary”.
So shimming did not come up again (I am not a hardcore/track guy) but West End Alignment is the best. Very technical, very precise, very cool. My input was only to have it be predictable and be safe. Car weighs 3,090 lbs with 4:10’s.
Chris took about 3 hours dialing may car in based on my usage. The car handles wonderfully and now I understand the value. Today driving it home was the first time after all these mods that I could tell “ohhh......I really got something here !” Now that it is smooth as glass, corners on rails and seems “planted” the car is a joy....not “loose and scary”.
Nice! Glad it's working out well..
Interested in what specs they finalized if you have them handy.
10/4. Below is the corner balance but they did a lot more.
I did not request the camber/toe in numbers, etc....I am running a non OEM set-up so I put myself in Chris’s hands completely and they can manage from here out.
Car is perfect I will say. More confident and planted. I can paint a trail of “11’s” on the street banging into 4th gear now. Before it would get squirmy between 1st and 2nd, I did not have confidence to even bang into third under throttle.
It is more than just that......but that does illustrate (to me) an improved suspension/balance. I got a lot of torque to manage.
Corner Balance & Alignment (?)
