I got my car aligned today in preparation for Sunday's auto-x. DOH! Everything was out of spec. I thought it handled good on the way to the dealer, I couldn't believe the difference when I drove home. No wandering, much quicker turn-in, and overall a much smoother ride. Well, it seemed smoother anyway, was probably the fact that I wasn't constantly adjusting steering inputs. I've been on snow tires all winter and I think that hid the problem. (I just got my SO2s put back on last week.)

 

Didja just go with stock alignment or did you go to something more aggressive?

 

I got my first alignment done before my 1st oil change, I could not believe how far it was off, and off inconsistent from corner to corner. Mine was just plain wacky. I think I will have them check it when I take it in for my inspection in the next week or so.

 

I'm doing mine 2x/year...

 

Hmmmm, now I'm really curious about having mine checked.

 

I just got the stock specs, being a relative novice I really wouldn't know what else to go with. I don't think I've progressed pass what the car can do stock anyway so I'm not too worried about it just yet. Maybe next year!

 

I'm with Jeff. I'm now doing mine twice a year: once before autoX season and once following. This year, however, is the first year I've decided to adjust the wheel alignment outside the stock specs (I increased the camber by -0.5 degree front and rear).

 

I have my camber set to -1.0 front and -2.0 rear, which is the outside negative stock spec. Chews the inside of the tires a bit for street use but not bad. I still use the stock 6.0 degrees caster and 0.0 toe front and 1/4" total toe in rear, all within stock specs. Ideal for autocrossing? No, but then I'm not a national champion...

 

You're far too humble, Jeff

As with Jeff, other than camber I remained with the stock alignment settings. After tomorrow we'll see if I stay with the new settings or return to the stock ones.