I have searched and read and a lot of people have mentioned that it is important to simulate the weight in the drivers seat during an alignment. I sent a email to my local honda shop asking if they use weights or if I could sit in it. Here is their reply-

Dear Mr. Kropff
The alignment procedures from American Honda require the vehicle to be empty
when the wheels are aligned. From step 7. in the alignment instructions-{Check
the ride height of each suspension. Make sure the vehicle is empty, is parked on
a level surface, and has properly inflated tires (the tread wear indicator must
not be showing). If the height is out of specification, adjust the load as
necessary.)}I have in the past, had to ballast a vehicle if the Driver were over
250 pounds (GREATER THAN 50% OF STANDARD WEIGHT), to ensure the best tire wear.
However the s2000 has a very firm suspension, and therefore it is unlikely that
it would require ballasting. Please feel free to contact me if you have any
other questions.

Thanks
Tab Barrow
Service Manager
Honda of Cleveland
423-478-5301

Well I have to email TAB back and let him know that I have overcome my eating disorder and weigh in at 265. No comments about the fat guy in the tin can . I have filled the cockpit to capacity and I am looking at the bright side...I have all kinds of weight to drop off the car without any costly mods .

In all seriousness is my tech guy right and does his statement seem correct. I have emailed him back this evening about my weight and will wait for his answer.

Thanks

 

I did an alignment with me in the car (just under 200 lbs) and the difference between me in the car and me out was .2 of a degree camber. Car had just over 1/2 tank which is how I autocross.

So now I just have the driver's side set up .2 of a degree less than the passenger and then I have a perfectly balanced alignment.

 

David b thanks for the reply.

To whoever can explain- What is ballasting?

Thanks

 

Ballasting, when you are talking about alignments, is putting weights in the drivers seat to simulate you in the car. I just sat in the car and talked to the tech the whole time, much simpler.

 

Thanks I thought it might mean that...I guest it sounds a lot more fancy then saying were going to toss some weights into the front seat to simulate my large a$$.

 

I would go talk to them and explain to them how important this is to you. I have done lots of alignments with the driver in the car and as soon as they get out it does change. It will change camber on both sides and caster, when camber changes so does toe. So make them let you sit in the car , if they don't go to the next dealer.

 

The Honda dealer isn't the only alignment shop in the world. Honda dealers are limited in what they'll do for an alignment; they'll do only what's on their factory sheet. Just as a Honda dealer won't set the car to Euro alignment specs either.

The easiest solution is just bring the car to another shop that will allow you sit in the car while they do the alignment or one that will "sand bag" the front seat to your weight. Sitting in the car makes the alignment interesting to watch, but the whole alignment you have to keep you foot on the brake and that can be a pain after 20 minutes.

 

Thanks for the repsonses. I have started calling around to different shops and will proceed that way.

 

.2 degree i exactly what I got also.
and I weigh 225#