Need info on alignments and alignment machines
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
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From: Nashville TN
Need info on alignments and alignment machines
I need to get an alignment to Z06 specs, but know nothing about alignments and alignment machines. I have been quoted prices from $70 to $150. I have been told that certain machines (Hunter DSP) use a laser and give before and after printouts. Others have told me that the calibrations of those those machines are sometimes off, and to just use someone who has experience with the regular light beam machine that doesn't give printouts. 
Anyone have any advice??
Anyone have any advice??
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 1g1yy
I need to get an alignment to Z06 specs, but know nothing about alignments and alignment machines. I have been quoted prices from $70 to $150. I have been told that certain machines (Hunter DSP) use a laser and give before and after printouts. Others have told me that the calibrations of those those machines are sometimes off, and to just use someone who has experience with the regular light beam machine that doesn't give printouts.
Anyone have any advice??
Anyone have any advice??
While the hunter has been known to be off, that is a lot less common than some folks would have you believe. Have it alighned whereever you feel comfortable and just make sure to drive the car soon after on all sides of the road and in all conditions so that you can take it back for fine adjustment if need be. The nature of this beast and the complex configuration of the suspension is such that it is not unusual to have to have an alighnment fine tuned. Just make sure that whoever you use is willing to tweak it for you if need be. Good Luck
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Thanks bobs,
Yes I have a new set of Z16 wheels, F1 SC tires, Hotchkiss bars, and it has been lowered a bit over 3/4 inch. Except for the wheels and tires, the other changes have been in place for almost two years. I have never had it realigned and even now with the new wheels and tires it feels great and tracks straight. What should I look for, or pay particular attention to, to know whether it needs tweaking? Thanks
Yes I have a new set of Z16 wheels, F1 SC tires, Hotchkiss bars, and it has been lowered a bit over 3/4 inch. Except for the wheels and tires, the other changes have been in place for almost two years. I have never had it realigned and even now with the new wheels and tires it feels great and tracks straight. What should I look for, or pay particular attention to, to know whether it needs tweaking? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by 1g1yy
Thanks bobs,
Yes I have a new set of Z16 wheels, F1 SC tires, Hotchkiss bars, and it has been lowered a bit over 3/4 inch. Except for the wheels and tires, the other changes have been in place for almost two years. I have never had it realigned and even now with the new wheels and tires it feels great and tracks straight. What should I look for, or pay particular attention to, to know whether it needs tweaking? Thanks
Yes I have a new set of Z16 wheels, F1 SC tires, Hotchkiss bars, and it has been lowered a bit over 3/4 inch. Except for the wheels and tires, the other changes have been in place for almost two years. I have never had it realigned and even now with the new wheels and tires it feels great and tracks straight. What should I look for, or pay particular attention to, to know whether it needs tweaking? Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 0
What allen said is exactly correct, the main difference is in the camber, the way to tell is if you look at a stock set C5 coupe the front wheel is much closer to the front of the wheel house than the rear. Now if you look at a Z-06 or a car with Z-06 size wheels and tires you will notice a much mor centered in the wheel well. This not because of the diameter of the tire but rather the width of the tire. If it weren't set that way, the outside edge of the tire would rub the wheel well whenever the wheel was turned to the lock. This is what happened top me and it took several trips back and forth to the alighnment shop to find the cause. Good Luck, and keep us updated 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
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From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by lager99
So are you supposed to give the alignment shop a spec?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
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St. Jude Donor '06
Interesting...I see on my printout that it says Chev, 2003, Corvette, FE1 & FE3. I wonder what the FE1&3 are? My toe is 0.04/0.02, camber is -0.11/-0.32.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
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From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by lager99
Interesting...I see on my printout that it says Chev, 2003, Corvette, FE1 & FE3. I wonder what the FE1&3 are? My toe is 0.04/0.02, camber is -0.11/-0.32.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by lager99
A ZO6 should be spec'd for the Z51 suspension...correct?
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by allanlaw
I think the Z has different specs since it's a different shock, spring, front sway bar, tires, etc.
The toe in is way different.