Alignment after lowering- is it needed?

Just wondering how important it is to have an alignment done after lowering the car. I don't see what would change as long as you don't make any adjustments. Any input is appreciated.

Both camber and toe change when you change ride height. Caster too, but to a much lesser degree. If you don't align it, you will destroy tires and it'll drive terribly.

Sam, does it move toward toe out when you lower the ride height?

Yep, the more negative camber you gain, the more toe out you get. Since you gain negative camber with lower height, the more toe-out you get.

FYI, I changed my camber from -.7 and -1.1 to -1.2 and -1.6 the other day. My toe out went from 3/32 total out to (get this) 1-1/16" total out.

:eek: Is this the new ESP car? Coming down with cheater sway bars on huh??? :D

Originally posted by bruecksteve
:eek: Is this the new ESP car? Coming down with cheater sway bars on huh??? :D

;) Yes, this would be a 2001 Camaro now mostly setup for ESP.... See you on the 14th! :D

I'm coming down with EVERYTHING, every bar, rear springs, three sets of tires.....

You bringing S04's???

yes

I still haven't seen the S04 price for a 315 on Tire Rack's site yet. Any idea?? (Maybe I should say "my" price! :D ) The V710's are $203 plus $15 for heat cycling.

I don't know that they are out yet. FWIW, I buy my Hoosier's from Tom @ Mid Atlantic Motorsport (574-243-5553). He busts his ass, and travels to most every big event. He also can deliver tires to events and mount them too. I'd recommend calling Tom, and even if you don't, I wouldn't spend money on heat cycling them. Just MHO though.

Why no heat cycling?

If your buying the 04's get them directly from Hoosier (unless you get a discount at Tirerack). The 04's are within 5 dollars of the 03's per Hoosier's pricing. I have always been able to get tires about 10-15 bucks cheaper from Hoosier directly than though Tirerack. The only thing that sucks is you can't get them heat cycled.