I finally got around to aligning the Grand Prix after lowering it about an inch and 1/4. I knew the alignment was jacked but I had no idea it was this bad. I verified my measurements by driving it around my "test loop" and parking it in exactly the same spot in the garage, then measuring, three times.
Before;
LF -1.5 camber RF -.5 camber
Front toe 1/4" out.
LR -2.5 camber RR -2.5 camber
Rear toe -0-
After some die grinder work and several hours worth of cursing I ended up with this
LF -1.5 camber RF -1.5 camber
Front toe -0-
LR -.5 camber RR -.5 camber
Rear toe -0-
I think I might actually have a hair (maybe 1/32 or so) of toe out in the front but the tape measure I used didn't have those markings. These measurements might not be exactly accurate but they were repeatable so they where good enough for me. I searched the the web but could not come up with the factory specs so I just made a guess. Are these specs any good for a fwd daily driver? Living in east Tennessee I have my fair share of twisty roads and I would say I have a fairly aggressive driving style so I don't mind trading a little tire wear for better cornering. And now that I have a little bit of adjustability it should be fairly simple to tweak if needed.
How are you measuring thngs? Home alignments are something I'm interesed in.
I do love east Tenn, though. We honeymooned in Townsend, and visit some old family friends in Maryville every year. (Coincedentaly usually the same weekend as Miatas at the Gap)
Joey
joey48442 wrote:
How are you measuring thngs? Home alignments are something I'm interesed in.
Coming soon, according to the teaser page at the end of the most recent issue.
The front settings sound good to me for a DD with a proclivity for sporty driving. The only thing I might worry about in the rear is the toe. If you have zero toe in a static situation, you'll likely end up with some toe out under hard braking, which could make the back end a little squirrely. I'm speaking to what I've read, though, not experience - perhaps someone else can chime in if they know more about this.
this for camber. Cut a piece of two by four or something similar to fit the wheel form top too the bottom. It has markings for every degree so you'll never be able to get down to a tenth of a degree but i feel like if I get it between one and two degree's it's at one and a half. like I said earlier it's repeatable so good enough for me.I've also used it to check caster in the past but on this car it's not adjustable so I didn't bother.
For toe I used a couple pieces of angle tied to the wheel. I put it low enough that I could get the tape measure under the car but not low enough that the bulge in the tire would effect things. I put the tape across and measured. This didn't seem to accurate to me but I checked it three separate times and it was the same so I guess it's close to that.
One day I might actually get some kind of equipment like is advertised in the 'zine but until then this is as close as it will get.
11110000 wrote:
The front settings sound good to me for a DD with a proclivity for sporty driving. The only thing I might worry about in the rear is the toe. If you have zero toe in a static situation, you'll likely end up with some toe out under hard braking, which could make the back end a little squirrely. I'm speaking to what I've read, though, not experience - perhaps someone else can chime in if they know more about this.
I usually like a squirrely back end .....uh nevermind
nicksta43 wrote:
11110000 wrote:
The front settings sound good to me for a DD with a proclivity for sporty driving. The only thing I might worry about in the rear is the toe. If you have zero toe in a static situation, you'll likely end up with some toe out under hard braking, which could make the back end a little squirrely. I'm speaking to what I've read, though, not experience - perhaps someone else can chime in if they know more about this.
I usually like a squirrely back end .....uh nevermind
I can't think of one way that doesn't sound weird. 
