Can you get decent dodgy alignment?

[Mr Starlet]

Hi everyone

Is there any tips and tricks on getting a decent dodgy alignment on an NA. The MX5's got dials/markings for camber and possibly castors as well, how are these markings relate to actual value, given that the car is 100% straight (no past accident) could I reliably use these dials as reference?

From my previous dodgy alignments on the Starlet, I learnt that you first set castor to as much as you can but keep bothsides equal, then set camber; for best tyre wear, a bit of negative on the left and none on the right (to negate for existing road camber). The final and most difficult stage I found was toe, how do you know that you've got just the right static toe-in so that when the car is in motion the dynamic toe is zero?. Maybe I'll just dodgy castor and camber and let the shop do the final toe for cheap.

What do you recon would be the best tyre friendly alignment specs, mostly for everyday driving and the occasional twisties ?. The best alignment shops in brisbane that I know of is Fulcrum, they'll do castor, camber and toe for both front and rear for $100. Pretty cheap considering what they do but that's still $100 I could spend else where like saving towards a set of Tein Coilovers, and that alignment might go out of wack once I machine the rotors, change the pads or play around with the suspension then I'll be up for more cost...the alignments for the Starlet definately builds in between suspension mods and tweaks. If I have the cash, I'd do all the suspension bits at once and get a away with just one alignment, but cash is the problem so gonna have to do abit at a time.

Anyway, any tip or tricks on DIY, alignment would be really helpful.

Cheers
Minh

[Okibi]

Sorry mate no DIY tips from me; I'd only ever use the experts.

The difference between an alignment and a GOOD alignment is noticeable.

[rodent]

Sorry mate no DIY tips from me; I'd only ever use the experts.

The difference between an alignment and a GOOD alignment is noticeable.

^Agreed. Being an FR car the MX-5 is more sensitive to dodgy alignment than an FF Starlet. Also, sudden unexpected oversteer is scary!

jonno.

[JBT]

a decent dodgy alignment

Mutually exclusive terms I'm afraid.

[JBT]

The general rule is to only go to a place that has competent operators and \"calibrated\" alignment equipment. Normally this will be a suspension/alignment specialist workshop. Most tyre dealers wouldn't have a clue or calibrated gear.

[Okibi]

Also good suspension workshops have much tighter tolerances than the “near enough is good enough” settings some tyre fitters/budget suspension shops use.

I’d pick a shop that the motorsport/autokharna people in your MX-5 club use, then discuss with them what your requirements are.

[Mr Starlet]

Thanks all, looks like I'll just have to do all mods in one hit and then align. Here are some interesting sites on DIY alignment, looks doable but probably not worth the time and effort.

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/B ... nment.html
http://www.automedia.com/DIY/Alignment/ccr20021201ay/1
http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/whee ... nment.html
http://www.cartoday.com/content/car_mag ... gnment.asp
http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article. ... e_id=60130
http://www.cadvision.com/blanchas/54pon ... nment.html

[sabretooth]

Alignment's one of those things I'd leave to the pros. Plus isn't an alignment only like $65??

[Boags]

Alignment's one of those things I'd leave to the pros. Plus isn't an alignment only like $65??

Yes, if you go to Beaurepairs or Bob Jane. A suspension shop like Fulcrum start at $100. It's $90 with club discount.

Boags

[Garry]

And one of the best $90 you can spend on your car. A good alignment will transform the handling of an MX5 in the same way that a bad alignment will destroy it. Find someone that knows what they are doing and get it done right.

[Mr Starlet]

And one of the best $90 you can spend on your car. A good alignment will transform the handling of an MX5 in the same way that a bad alignment will destroy it. Find someone that knows what they are doing and get it done right.

Any shop in brissy you would recommend?

[Boags]

Pedders at Geebung did mine. A bit more than Fulcrum at $115, but the guy was awesome, and drove my car off the ramps and around the block 3 times before he was happy with the job he had done. A+

Fulcrum are also very reputable, and support car clubs, so you get a discount. I believe it works out at about $90. Again, these guys are said to do a good job, but I'm never organised to book an alignment in advance, so i always miss out at Fulcrum (3-4 day waiting period).

HTH

Boags

[deez]

Recommended place to get alignment done in Sydney????

THANKS!

[Garry]

In Sydney's Eastern suburbs see Stu at Spinning Wheel in Burke St Wooolllomollllooooo. He has a few regular MX5 customers on his books with a few tried and tested set ups and also seems to be happy to play around until the car is set up the way you like it. They also have a lot of high end eg Porsche, Ferrari MB etc customers. Always worth a look around the workshop while your waiting.

[manga_blue]

Ralphie, I'm trying Trutrack in Nth Melbourne at the moment. They've got a pretty strong racing/sports focus.

The deal is slightly different and dearer than the prices you're seeing here in that I've paid a fee up front for what might be a series of alignments until we're happy with it. The first set-up has been fairly mild as a tryout for street work and feels pretty good. If it doesn't work on the track as well then we'll take it a step further, etc.

I'm not sure yet whether or not this is the right way to go but they've been pretty straightforward to deal with so far.