Kinematic Toe Experts Chime In...

[realpolitik]

Folks,

Looking to get a proper corner balance/alignment in Southern California. Both West End and Steve Alarcon don't have the tool. Still in the process of calling around but figured I'd ask if anyone had any leads. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by realpolitik

Folks,

Looking to get a proper corner balance/alignment in Southern California. Both West End and Steve Alarcon don't have the tool. Still in the process of calling around but figured I'd ask if anyone had any leads. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

The factory gauges are used for stock ride height cars any dealer should have them

for lowered cars the Motorsports tool that bolts to the caliper is used, it can also be used on stock ride height cars you just need to know how to interpret it.

It's hard to believe that it's that difficult to find a shop that has the tools in So Cal

[cgfen]

Originally Posted by realpolitik

Folks,

Looking to get a proper corner balance/alignment in Southern California. Both West End and Steve Alarcon don't have the tool. Still in the process of calling around but figured I'd ask if anyone had any leads. Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Jae Lee @ Mirage will do this for you.
Are you racing at tracks or driving VERY aggressively on the street?
If not setting K toe may not be necessary.

The rule of thumb that I've heard =
If rear of car "jumps" around under hard braking, then set K toe
If not, save your money.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by cgfen

Jae Lee @ Mirage will do this for you.
Are you racing at tracks or driving VERY aggressively on the street?
If not setting K toe may not be necessary.

The rule of thumb that I've heard =
If rear of car "jumps" around under hard braking, then set K toe
If not, save your money.

KT needs to be at least equal on both sides, if it hasn't been checked in a while do it just to know that it's right

KT is just another way to alter the caster of the rear wheel carrier, the more KT(caster) the more the rear of the car steers as the wheels travel up and down

[lateforlunch]

Pay a visit to Hergesheimer Motorsports in Lake Forest, they have the tool and they do very good work.

[realpolitik]

Thanks everyone.

lateforlunch - just got off the phone with Mark form Hergesheimer. He is the 1st person I know of on the west coast to have the tool. Should have started looking locally from the outset; they're right down the street from me!

Hopefully now I can put this horrible bump steer to rest on my 993 with a proper alignment/corner balance and some GT2 uprights and tie rods..

[realpolitik]

Originally Posted by cgfen

Jae Lee @ Mirage will do this for you.
Are you racing at tracks or driving VERY aggressively on the street?
If not setting K toe may not be necessary.

The rule of thumb that I've heard =
If rear of car "jumps" around under hard braking, then set K toe
If not, save your money.

My car is 100% street driven.

BTW: Jae Lee @ Mirage International and Mark at Hergesheimer suggest aftermarket shocks/springs most likely aren't the issue for many drivers suffering from a terrible handling 993, it's the diabolic bump steer that came with all stock 993's from the factory. The remedy, supported by both of them, is a bump steer kit: GT2 uprights and tie rods. To me, it sounds like the PSS10's or other fantastic coilovers, as great as they are, won't solve the root cause of the problem -- bump steer, even at stock ride height, is a joke with these cars.

[lateforlunch]

Glad you followed up with Mark, he is very talented with chassis setup among other things.
Im sure you will be happy with the results!