Need recommendation for 4 wheel alignment and corner balance in Greensboro, NC area

David E. Clark · 06-12-2003, 10:58 AM

I've owned my 1973 911E, Targa since December 2002 and have finally gotten it pretty roadworthy. In my attempt to improve handling, within my budget, I've purchased Turbo Tie-rods and will be installing them and Bilstein HD shocks all around in the near future. The car already has a strut tower brace. After installing the new parts, I'll need a four wheel alignment and corner balancing. I've read the threads on home alignment and figure I ought to get it done once professionally before I try it myself. I also don't see how I could corner balance at home. Does anyone know a competent alignment shop for early 911s in the Greensboro, NC area? One that might allow me to watch the work?

As an aside, I only use the car for daily driving and occassional "spirited" driving on the backroads. If anyone wants to chime in with recommended alignment specs (for improved handling with reasonable tire wear) I'd love to hear from you. The consensus on the board for better handling seems to be:

front
-1.0 to -1.25 cam, max cas, and 0 - 1/32 toe

Rear
-1.5 cam, and 1/32 - 1/16 toe

Will this satisfy my needs or should I simply use the recommendations in the factory technical specifications book?

Thanks in advance

David
'73 911E, Targa

David E. Clark · 06-12-2003, 03:06 PM

Bump. Anyone?

David E. Clark · 06-13-2003, 06:15 AM

Bump. Sorry to send this to the top again but I'm hoping one of the morning readers will have a recommendation.

David

osidak · 06-13-2003, 06:40 AM

Sorry can't help you but you should join us for our Pelican drive next weekend. Let me know if you need details

KFC911 · 08:32 PM

Hi David, I don't know about the corner balance (and is that even a big deal on a non-tracked car?). I'm going to need another alignment soon (as I'm in the process of re-doing most of my suspension and lowering her), and I'm planning on using Friendly Tire & Service (...at least I think that's it). Obviously, I've never been there, but that recommendation comes from Bill Gordon (a highly respected local p-car mechanic), and maybe Paul T. or Tim will post with their comments as I recall this mentioned in a recent thread. Although I didn't have mine corner balanced last year, I did have new tires mounted (on beautiful wheels without a scratch), and an alignment performed at Merchants Tire (on Wendover, past Guilford College Rd.). They took great care of my wheels (I was watching them the whole time), and I was also underneath the car with the mechanic while he did my alignment (per factory specs). I was very happy with Merchants work, and would not hesitate to go there again (as long as I can 'watch them like a hawk'), but I think Friendly Tire is the place to go. As far as corner balance, if no one else responds, you might give Bill Gordon or Speedwerks (in Thomasville) a call, and I'm sure they could point you in the right direction. Hope this helps...Keith

ps. My car will not be ready for the Pelican drive next week, but you should definitely join in on the fun if you can!

briankeithsmith · 06-13-2003, 07:15 AM

Contact Carolina Speedwerks. They have an ad in the carolinas region pca newsletter.

http://www.carolinas-pca.com - find one of the recent newsletters and look for their ad.

Brian

KFC911 · 06-13-2003, 10:55 AM

Hi David, I was incorrect when I mentioned Freindly Tire & Service (...I went back and searched an earlier thread). The place that BG sends his cars to is the Goodyear place at Friendly Center. Evidentlly, they have someone who is 'good' with 911s.

Paul Thomas · 06-13-2003, 12:19 PM

Speedwerks can do the corner ballance but not the allignment. The Goodyear at Friendly Center is good for that. Expect to pay Dave at Speedwerks around $300 for a corner ballance, they are in Thomasville now, right off of business 85.

Paul