If you want something done right.....
 

I have had it with alignment shops. Without fail, every visit to these places turns into an ordeal for me.

They don't know how to align a 911. And they will tell you anything to try and get you to accept their schlock work.

I just got home from a 3 hour ordeal that ended in a shouting match. And I need to go back tomorrow to get it finished.

So now I am searching for tools to do my own alignment from now on. I am looking at the SmartCamber product from Smart Racing. Has anyone used this?

I've also seen camber/caster tools that use a bubble level.

Is anyone else doing alignments at home and what are you using?

www.beissbarthusa.com
Model ML4000 Porsche
That should fix ya up
Martin

Chuck, did you take it to a normal alignment place, or a P-car shop? Custom Alignment in Mountain view has a pretty good rep from some of the folks on Rennlist. My wrench in Fremont, German Motorsports has an alignment rack, and he certainly knows his way around 911's.

Tom

I've heard good things about Custom Alignment. I have called and they always want to schedule 2 weeks out or so.

Invariably when I need an alignment I need it NOW. As in - I'm heading to Willow Springs tomorrow and I just put my front suspension back in this morning.

That www.beissbarthusa.com unit looks pretty sweet, but maybe just a bit spending for the DIY budget

:)

Chuck, I've had somewhat the same luck; unless one finds a shop with Porsche experience it can be a trial. The last 911 I had done took 3 hours and cost more than I want to admit but 3 of these alignments will pay for a good start on some first class DIY equipment (toe in bar, camber gage, swivel plates, etc.). My last experience didn't turn into a shouting match but I spent a lot of time BS'ing with the tech and diplomatically guiding him through the job. He was a Corvette guy and didn't have a clue about what his computer was telling him about Porsches: what ROW meant, how to adjust the rear, front caster, etc. It was a pain but the Dale Carnegie approach worked in this case. I have a smooth level garage floor and I'm thinking seriously of the DIY approach in the future. I'll be following your posts to see what you find out. Cheers, Jim

The smart camber tools are good stuff.

we use the laser toe gauge, and the camber/caster tool

using these tool in combination with string lines gives excellent results

read "how to make your car handle", they give a nice outline, step by step on how to align your car.

all you need is some level ground 4 jackstands and some string or piano wire.

the smart camber tools would make it even easier

Anybody ever try mounting laser pointers on small camera tripods and using some large protractors? or fabricating a rim attachable ring with laser pointers or sights? Dang, I gotta think of use for the junk I bought on the streets of Bangkok!

Diverdan

I have a Supertracker model STR1LCTR 4 wheel laser alignment system in my garage as seen on
www.supertracker.com

It is simple, accurate, compact, and does not require a lift. No need for a fancy computer etc.

Does camber, caster, toe, etc. perfect for the garage.

Only draw back is the system costs about $5k new and does not provide a paper print out. You have to manually write down the results.
Now for the shameless commercial:

this system is for sale, asking $800 OBO if you pick it up in So. Cal.
I could do shipping, but not at this price.

Yeah, I know, this belongs in the classifieds, but at least it is on topic :-)

There is no substitute for a real alignment rack though. Try Alex Wong at Precision Tech if you need an alignment in LA 310-417-8772. Also Johnson's is good too in Torrance near 190th...

-Wayne

There's some info here right on the pelican site on doing some of your own alignment. I've even made an Excel spreadsheet that will give you camber after you've plugged in your numbers.
Also check the Rennlist email archives as several people have detailed the process they use to do part or whole home alignments using simple tools.

Wayne's right, an alignment rack is the hot setup. My system has swivel plates for the wheels for toe and caster measurements, centering the steering wheel, thrust angle, etc. so for the measuring part the rack isn't necessary. But, when making adjustments on height or toe, you have to access the underside fo the car. A rack would make is much easier, but for most of us a rack isn't an option.

I Always did my own alignment on my race cars back when I raced. I also do my 911 myself. I use a camber gauge that I have had for 15 years. Its similar to the smart racing one. I can also do front caster with it. For toe, I am currently using a pair of laser "lines" I bought from radio shack for 30 bucks each. I used to do the toe with strings before I got the lasers. Alingment is simple geometry, not magic. My 911 handles (in my opinion) fantastically.

For corner weights, I mooch scale time from one of my friends who still races.

DIY alignments makes sense if you want to get the most out your car to make it handle the way you want it and not the way some well meaning alignment guy thinks you should have it.

When you do it yourself you'll know right away how even a small almost insignificant adjustment can make such a big difference and then know which way to go to optimize, increase or minimize a particular characteristic that will eventually taylor your suspension to a fantastic handling machine that it was intended.

Lets face it guys, I know we can't change our wives but there's a Stepford woman somewhere in our garage just waiting for another tweek.

Cheers,

Joe