Alignment Help Thread

[JusticePete]

Caster helps straighten the wheel coming out of a turn and improves straight line stability.

[Zombie killer]

I am seeking any feedback of drivers who push their Camaros hard on the larger autox courses and can share insight on alignment gains/loss by being slightly zealous in negative camber or toe out setups. I normally ran -2.0 camber front with zero toe ; and -1.2 rear camber with 1/16 toe in. I have went as high as -3.0 of front camber but cant say I noticed that great of improvement with a zero toe setting. But as my driving has gotten more aggressive in the corners at speed, I notice that I have more and more power oversteer (I got a big heavy foot I suppose) coming off the turns that I wonder if a new rear alignment setup would help. If I add more negative rear camber, I wonder how much negative camber is gained when the rear suspension squats. At some point I would assume the negative rear camber that is gained is a detriment as you cant keep a flat footprint of rubber on the asphalt.

Curious to hear what feedback on camber/toe settings for the rear that have worked on getting the rear to turn better in the rear for you.

Also, this may be a question for Pete... but if the front suspension gains positive camber in a hard turn, what does this positive camber do to the toe settings? Do we gain or lose any toe-out that is noticeable? I also wonder if setting the suspension alignment for a 1/16 toe out in the rear is asking for more trouble than I already have.

FWIW, I run a 1" drop with springs still (no coil overs) and stock OEM struts/shocks. I have the rear bars set full hard and I keep the fronts set soft. Running 20" 285s on four corners. I have no problem with front grip but keeping a consistent rear slip angle eludes me. It may be more "driver mod" than car mod needed here but I posted anyways.

[pnyklr]

Any advice? This is my DD.

[jshaf]

Know nothing about alignments, noticed a slight movement in my steering wheel after getting new wheels installed. took it in to have the alignment checked and the attachment shows what it showed before and after having them do a 4 wheel alignment, the system they used was hunter and it looked like the type that is used at the factory, but i am no expert obviously. Opinions?

[Norm Peterson]

Should have better straightline stability now (the rear toe changes).

It appears that the alignment tech only adjusted the left front tierods, which would shift the center point for the steering wheel. Either that or the steering was set at the factory slightly 'off' to suit toes that were also 'off' slightly. The fix for steering wheel centering here would be to adjust both the left and right tierods the same amount without changing total toe.


Norm

[jshaf]

there is another tech that does the same work there that is way more experienced and is the preferred alignment guy but as luck would have it he was out sick the day I took it in for alignment. do you think it would be beneficial to have him look at it? they say he is more of an expert at performance vehicles. 30 years at it or something to that effect.

[bonesrn27]

Would appreciate any input guys, recently put Bmr toe and trailing arms on, had 2 alignments at dealership within "spec". Had very poor steering feel,bad tramlining and over active feeling suspension rebound on lane changes. I got frustrated,put factory parts back on and realign at another shop. I retimed all bushings except rear upper control arm. Still very poor,numb,twitchy steering and barely safe at 100mpm,requires constant input. I do have factory 9in rims up front with 285 35 pss all around. Literally feels like i have to use 2 hands on wheel while cruising at 85 mph. Tie rods inner and outer feel tight, no leaking rack. Did have it on rack again as steering wheel was off center,still a handful with no lane confidence. What kind of alignment adjust could help this? More rear toe,less. a bunch of neg camber up front? Less front toe? I would really like any input,pretty soon im just gonna start making eyeball adjustments!! lol Thanks ahead

[bonesrn27]

Oh btw, factory spring/struts. Will probably try castor plates,but did not want to completely overwhelm tech at shop,lol

[Firefighter]

Is a 285/35 too wide for that 9" Wheel? I'm running the same Tire on 10" up front and 11" out back.

Just spit balling...

[Norm Peterson]

Most, if not all, mfrs of 285/35 tires (in any diameter) want you to run them on wheels that are at least 9.5" wide. On 9" and narrower the tread may not be getting adequate lateral support. The "measuring width" is 10" and represents a decent overall balance between handling and ride quality, as much as is realistic with 35-profile tires.

What tire pressures are you running (f & r)? Current pressures if possible, as you could have one or more that are either higher or lower than you intended.

What size tires and wheel width are you running out back?

What wheels and tire sizes were on the car previous to the PSS at least on the front?


Norm

[bonesrn27]

Wow thx guys for quick response!! 285 pss have been in place for almost 2 yrs,no change there. always between 34 cold and 38 hot,verified by gauge and tpms. all was good until aftermarket toe and trailing arms. thats why it seems like must be align issue. only 47000 miles on drive train also.

[Firefighter]

I'm just trying to "help a brother out" because I'm an amateur when it comes to alignments. Maybe try and find a "good" shop.

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[Firefighter]

Where in FL are you? I got the info of a couple of "good" shops in Tampa. Also what dealer are you going to?

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[Firefighter]

Also post your alignment sheet and a couple of the experts will chime in before long.

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