Can anyone recommend a shop in the Dallas area that can be trusted with aligning the suspension on my Z?

 

the Z06 suspension isnt anymore complicated than any other cars suspension. personally I find it easier to align than many other cars. anyshop with an up to date alignment specs should be able to do it.

not to pick at you, you just made the suspension sound like its more complicated than it actually is

 

Complexity and professional execution are two very different things. While you might treat my car like it was your own, there are many who don't. What I think BradCZ06 asked was where to find someone who will treat his car the way a Corvette enthusiast wants it treated. I believe you missed his point.

A lot of Corvette owners in the area use RUF Auto Centre in Carrollton. Of course being a RUF location, they specialize in Porsches, but they will take the time to consult with you about how you want to use the car, what your tradeoffs for tire wear vs. performance are, etc. They are used to dealing with lowered and modded cars. You'll pay for their expertise; they are pricy, but many feel it's worth it. You won't get a deer in the headlights stare if you ask about bump steer. You also don't have to worry about your car being jammed into a cramped parking place between a ragged out minivan and a muddy jacked up F-350.

I've also used Lane's in Euless. They have a good reputation within the SCCA AutoX community and like RUF will work with you to come up with an optimum setup. That's a long trip from Plano, and you'll need an appointment (also at RUF).

If you just want someone to read specs from a book and adjust your car to those specs, Firestone used to do a lifetime alignment for a less than the RUF guys charge for a one time job. I've also used Goodyear. And had to take the car back to get the steering wheel set back on center when the tech didn't care enough to do it the first time.

 

Thanks TripleBlack. You are correct. I do not want some inexperienced goofball screwing with my car or aligning it like he does a pickup. I am extremely picky and want it perfect. I've heard of RUF in Carrollton but didn't know if they would look down their noses at my Z. Thanks for the info.

 

I believe that RUF is where 21st takes cars for alignment....and that's enough for me.

 

RUF guys were very cool. Car guys first... Porsche guys second. They enncouraged me to go back into the shop and watch the guy work on the car. Took me outside to show me the blower that they had installed on a Porsche... even started it up. Only down side is that you do pay for the exclusivity and expertise. Ended up ~140 bux. I've had good alignments at 'lesser' places... and some not so good.

 

a buddy of mine will only use the alignment guy at Huffines Plano

 

I may be **** but alignment done wrong which it often is is trouble. I drove to SOUL PERFORMANCE Austin Bill Kim is the owner and oversees the work. They handle all high end performance cars. From the factory my C6 had 6 of the 12 measures OUT and it only cost $99.00. They are the real deal I could tell the minute I drove away.

 

As TOPGON says, SoulSpeed (512-832-1800) in Austin is great. It's a long drive for you DFW guys but worth it for the quality at the price. Bill has pretty much a one man shop, he does everything himself with a "helper/trainee". About the only negative about the shop is that Bill drives a BMW and wins autocrosses in it. He does know 'Vettes and can suggest an alignment for your particular driving style.

 

In Dallas, I trust only RUF as well. They are very careful with the cars, and understand performance machines...especially lowered ones. At this point, I'll even take my SUVs in to them. Only $135ish for complete peace of mind (worth it to me). I found them through 21st Century too.

Good guys over at RUF.

 

Thanks guys. Have an appointment at RUF tomorrow. Will let you know how it turns out.