Everyone;

I see that it is recommended to get a 4 wheel alignment on my '03 S200 outside of factory specs to a more neutral (read save the tires) setting.

Does this make any sense at all and/or does anyone have a particular place to do the job.....if you wise ones think it is a smart thing to do.

 

Who recommended to get a more neutral alignment?

Most people here would recommend getting a more aggresive alignment. Do a search for UK alignment and you'll see loads of info on it.

The UK alignment may not be nessisary for your driving style, but I'd really recommend NOT getting a more neutral one (I'm taking that to mean less aggressive that stock).

In any event, go to Speedstar for guys that know what they're doing. I made the mistake of taking my S to a dealership for an alignment. I had to go back twice to ge them to fix their work...

 

I had a great time dealing with Gilman Auto. It was done quick, right and cheap. He didn't seem to mind that I was watching him like a hawk either, which is a nice sign.

I had an autocross alignment done, which I assume should be similar to the UK one. It was with 1.25ish negative camber in the front, 2.5ish negative in the back, max caster and 0 toe front and rear. If you have a pre-04 car you might want to add some rear toe, at the expense of some tire life. I'm a firm believer that camber doesn't prematurely wear tires, toe does.

I'm probably a little further than halfway done with my A032s, and they're showing very even tire wear across the tread.

 

[QUOTE=toosteeley,Jun 13 2005, 05:31 PM]

In any event, go to Speedstar for guys that know what they're doing.

 

i just did the same - took out some toe and camber from the rear - still within specs, but on the conservative end of the specs....

My ES100's were 50% after 6000 kms which prompted me to do this. I was also rear ended last october, just cosmetic damage, but didn't get an alignment afterwards as the car felt ok. Obviously my tires were telling me something, as my toe was out of spec when I got the alignment done 2 weeks ago.

 

Personally when I had the dealer adjust my alignment I had him set the camber to the max "agressive" according to NA spec. I'll probably get about 15K out of my rears, the fronts probably double that. Unfortunately I think that's about as good as you can expect out of a very soft tire on a rwd car with agressive specs. Plus more camber in the rear will help you keep the rear planted.. makes for a "safer" car imo.

 

Don't know about luck

I needed to get an alignment anyway

 

I was told Ray @ Gilman auto does a great job.

that will be your best pick.

 

heard the same thing about Ray