Anyone Using Smart Strings for Alignment
 

Thinking about buying a set of Smart Racing Smart Strings for doing alignment. I would split the purchase between a few other guys so it would only cost about $100. Curious about anyone who is already using the system.

John

What's Smart Strings? Maybe it's the whole box frame contraption ?

I don't know how smart my strings are, but four concrete stakes and a tape measure works for me. The longer the span, the less error. I run my strings out about 50 feet and parallel them.

(Yes, I have seen the setup from Smart Racing. Just jivin' ;))

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97217&perpage=20&pagenu mber=1

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103064&perpage=20&pagen umber=1

Nice setup. I've used them myself. They work great and provide repeatable measuring. The intent of the system is for track use- meaning using the setup AT the track. Otherwise you can accomplish the same result with Milt's arrangement.

Also, the only alignment setting you can check with the strings is toe. Caster and camber are done with levels and whatnot.

Like Milt, 'dumb' strings work fine for me too. The hardest part is setting the strings the first time. Once you get it right, write down the distance of hub center bottom to strings (should be the same R & L but different F & R). Then you can set your dumb strings up the same way every time.

Ian

Milt's method works well, but is time consuming since everytime you move the car (even lifting on the jack) you need to recenter the strings. Been there, done that.

The beauty of the smart strings is they attach to the car. So you can jack it, roll it, even drive slowly then come back and continue adjusting - without recentering strings.

I give you "cheap strings". Same concept as smart strings, I picked up two peices of 6 foot angle aluminum stock from a local hardware store. I just tape them to the body, using extra tape to protect the paint from scuffing.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134321456.jpg

The RSR rear pipes are the perfect height to support the rears:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134321472.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1134321492.jpg

I'm planning a full write up explaining alignment using this method. But the above pics may be helpful until then.

Very cool idea, Chuck. I'll use that . . .

Ian

Chuck -
That's great! I've been schemeing up something like that for a while - yours is better! Thanks for the photos.
Tom

Chuck, how do you get the strings and angle aluminul square?

Chuck - I use a similar setup although the front of my car allows me to bolt the aluminum tube on by removing the brake ducts (it is a C2 fiberlass front)
I use another piece of tubing across the rear, clamped in place.
The best thing I have found is that I am able to run it around the block to settle things between adjustments without re-doing the whole setup. It's necessary to re-check, of course, but it has proven to be pretty stable.