4 wheel alignment

[venomnous99]

Does anyone know anyone in the Knoxville area who knows how to set up a car? I have taken my car to 2 places, and all they want to do is get me the most wear outta my tires. I have suspension components from Kenny Brown, and after they asked me a multitude of questions, they gave me the exact specs I should have the car aligned to for my exact application of the car. Altough both of these guys came recommended, and I am sure they are really good at setting up mom's family sedan, neither wanted to set the car up the way I asked. They both said, "I don't need any specs to tell me how to align a car, this is the way it shouls be aligned." So worried about tread life. They really didn't like my response when I told them that once I get the cage and harnesses in the car I plan to drive those expensive wheels right of the car. Well, hopefully! Any help would be appreciated. It has come to the point that cost is not even that big of an issue, as long as they know what it means to set up a dual purpose car that will be tolerable on the street and track.

[Firme]

Join the club man...


I can't help you with finding someone in TN, but I had the same problem in Houston. Alignment guys freak out when they see the required specs. I wanted mine setup at -1.2 in the front and -1 in the back. I either got someone that didn't align the car right, or wanted to do 0 camber all the way around.

But what do you expect. I have seen time and time again, the IRS Cobra's come from the factory with incorrect alignment. Everyone who runs factory alignment ends up chewing up rear tires even faster than normal for these cars, and figure out that after re-alignment, the rear tires last alot longer. Thats even with aggressive driving.

Right now, I have mine setup with -1.2F and -1R, on a daily driver, and my rear is wearing even, and my front is actually wearin on the outside, even with that much negative camber . Of course thats attributed to my driving style and belief that every corner needs to be taken in a sporty fashion .

Good luck, some people just don't understand that IRS Cobra is a different beast and does not fall into the "Minivan" catagory or alignment setup

[venomnous99]

Thanks for the reply. It's good to know I am not alone in this fight. What did they set your toe at front and rear, because those are almost exactly the specs I was given. As much caster as can be achieved, and camber at-.9 and -1.2.

[Firme]

Originally Posted by venomnous99

Thanks for the reply. It's good to know I am not alone in this fight. What did they set your toe at front and rear, because those are almost exactly the specs I was given. As much caster as can be achieved, and camber at-.9 and -1.2.

You are right same setup. My caster is set as far as it will go positive (I wanna say it got to 5.5). Now as far as front and rear toe... that is a number I am hazy on, but I wana say .25 in the front and 0 in the back, but I will have to check my alignment sheet at home. I could be totally off on the actual numbers though.

[GUMBALL]

You can try Delk Performance in Nashville. 615-453-2300

[wrenchturner]

Originally Posted by Firme

Join the club man...


I can't help you with finding someone in TN, but I had the same problem in Houston. Alignment guys freak out when they see the required specs. I wanted mine setup at -1.2 in the front and -1 in the back. I either got someone that didn't align the car right, or wanted to do 0 camber all the way around.

But what do you expect. I have seen time and time again, the IRS Cobra's come from the factory with incorrect alignment. Everyone who runs factory alignment ends up chewing up rear tires even faster than normal for these cars, and figure out that after re-alignment, the rear tires last alot longer. Thats even with aggressive driving.

Right now, I have mine setup with -1.2F and -1R, on a daily driver, and my rear is wearing even, and my front is actually wearin on the outside, even with that much negative camber . Of course thats attributed to my driving style and belief that every corner needs to be taken in a sporty fashion .

Good luck, some people just don't understand that IRS Cobra is a different beast and does not fall into the "Minivan" catagory or alignment setup

The shop I work in does maybe 8-10 alignments a day. I do all the high dollar and custom alignments. If they wont set it to the specs you want. Go to a different shop. Personally we will set it up to what ever the customer wishes. I do tons of vettes. The local vette club came to us and i set up the vice pres's car for autoX and he loved it. ALl i can say if they wont set it how you want it. Is to find one that will. to be honest the cobra's are a joke to align. One of the easiest I have ever done. Even with camber caster plates in them.

Its their loss if they wont do it for you. If you are a spirted driver the negitive camer helps hehehe with tire roll why they wear better. fronts always seem to wear on the outside edge though on the mustangs in general. No matter what you set them at.

I run -1.0 on the rear and -1.5 ont he front for camber. drive on the street only and tires are wearing perfect

[tnturbo]

Ted Russell Ford Parkside Drive ask for John Brown. He's a national champion autocrosser and does the alignments for a lot of the ETR SCCA guys. Plus Ted Russell supports the club. Make sure you go to Parkside and not Kingston Pike though