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I'm having new tires installed on our 2015 Z51 early next month.
The shop can certainly make sure that the alignment is set to stock factory specifications, but are there different specs to use for a car that will never see track usage, that might either improve day-to-day handling and/or lengthen tire life?
Any qualified and experienced alignment technician will know how to align your car for optimal tire wear, while maintaining good handling characteristics. A Corvette isn't much different from any other car. He/she will reference the factory specs, then adjust from there. People make is seem like it's some sort of black magic. It's not. You just want a technician that is willing to take the time to perfect the alignment settings so the car tracks perfectly.
Any qualified and experienced alignment technician will know how to align your car for optimal tire wear, while maintaining good handling characteristics. A Corvette isn't much different from any other car. He/she will reference the factory specs, then adjust from there. People make is seem like it's some sort of black magic. It's not. You just want a technician that is willing to take the time to perfect the alignment settings so the car tracks perfectly.
Doesn't the shop need to have the rear tool for it? If not, what do they do? Just the front?
Do C7s require a special tool to align the rear wheels?
Yes. Alignment machines can't check the rear caster which will change if they try
to change the rear camber. You may not need an alignment. If your tires are
worn evenly, the car doesn't pull and the steering wheel is straight, I would
leave it alone.
Yes. Alignment machines can't check the rear caster which will change if they try
to change the rear camber. You may not need an alignment. If your tires are
worn evenly, the car doesn't pull and the steering wheel is straight, I would
leave it alone.
Problem is people don't ask the right questions. When you ask me "When can you do an alignment and how much?", I say "Next Thursday and $250.". You then go shopping around and find someone who will do it for $125 and say "That guy tried to rip me off.". They don't ask what both parties will do. I would suggest they ask "What is the alignment process like? Is it a front or back or both?". Act stupid and let them explain what they will do. At which point, you can bring the data to others and it is easier to give an opinion with more data than just the cost.
Also does the rear caster affect tire wear? Maybe a check wouldn't hurt? I would find the shop that has the equipment to do rear caster alignment and check it if you have enough bumps. I have heard people say that the C7 doesn't always come with the right alignment out of the box.
There is a tradeoff between cornering grip and tire wear.
I do several autocross weekends each season and sometimes a day at the high speed track. All of those tend to wear the outside edge of the tires more than the inside edge.
On the two C6's (44k and 102k miles) and C7 (now at 52k miles), I ran about 0.7 degrees negative camber front & rear, 0 toe.
That camber setting still tends to wear the inner edges of my tires even with my harder driving trying to wear the outer edges. It's not a huge amount, but I could definitely get maybe 20% longer tire life with less negative camber.
I think the DSC settings for Street/Occasional Track have more negative camber then most people will like.
One other item to do or check. I lowered my 2017 Z51 on the lowering bolts fully. If you have any inclination to lower, do it before you do your alignment.
Alignment Specs?
