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Needing options on alignment spec on a lowered NA

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Old 04-21-2013, 09:02 PM
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Default Needing options on alignment spec on a lowered NA

Hi guys so I got her aligned twice already and still out of whack. She is lowered (11.75") on a Tokico Illumina shocks and Springs combo and has 15x8 +20 rims with 195/50/15. She is upgraded for spirited driving only. I just have replaced all eccentric bolts from the 949 Racing (mazda replacement bolts). An I was told I have to get a different camber bolt that has more adjustment? Here is the alignment results.

1st:



2nd:



What options do I have to get the best compromise to factory settings?

1. Adjustable upper control arms?

2. Offset bushings?

3. Find another alignment shop?

4. Dead end?

Thank you in advance.
Attached Thumbnails Needing options on alignment spec on a lowered NA-bbe70343-cac4-40c3-a3e7-08e9f8b36d08_zpse5db36cc.jpg   Needing options on alignment spec on a lowered NA-securedownload-1_zpsd3d06c97.jpeg  

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Old 04-21-2013, 09:21 PM
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Current rideheight measured at the pinchwelds? Checked control arms to see if they're straight? I could easily get >-3* on both rear wheels at a more than sensible rideheight. Do the 949 bolts allow for more camber or are they mazda replacements?
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Old 04-21-2013, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Oscar
Current rideheight measured at the pinchwelds? Checked control arms to see if they're straight? I could easily get >-3* on both rear wheels at a more than sensible rideheight. Do the 949 bolts allow for more camber or are they mazda replacements?
Current ride height measured at the pinch welds = 5.25 inches. The camber bolts are the mazda replacement ones.

Last edited by mx54life; 04-21-2013 at 11:13 PM.
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Old 04-21-2013, 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by mx54life
11.75 inches (edge of the fender to the center of the rim). The camber bolts are the mazda replacement ones.
We don't measure like that on this forum.
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Old 04-21-2013, 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by hustler
We don't measure like that on this forum.
Pardon my lack of knowledge.

Current ride height measured from the pinch welds = 5.25 inches Sir!
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Old 04-22-2013, 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by mx54life
Pardon my lack of knowledge.

Current ride height measured from the pinch welds = 5.25 inches Sir!
That's pretty high, I'm not surprised you can't get the camber you want. Get the car down another inch.
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Old 04-22-2013, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by hustler
That's pretty high, I'm not surprised you can't get the camber you want. Get the car down another inch.
Thanks, just so I get this right you're saying that with my current ride height being at least 1" lower than factory height as I compared it to my other miata side-by-side and the eccentric bolt is maxed out, if I lower it by one more inch they can adjust the eccentric bolt more? I'm a bit confuse as how can that be? If this is the answer it would be great as I want to get a coilover anyways but was just holding off till I get this issue sorted out.

Here is a pic of one of the eccentric bolt maxed out. I checked all of the eight are similarly set.

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Old 04-22-2013, 07:52 PM
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Update:

I went to a Spec Miata shop this AM and they said that Firestone got it all wrong. So i called Firestone and spoke with the manager. I explained my predicament and he agreed to redo the alignment spec base on whatever I will bring to them since he understood that because of the aftermarket set up their machine will not be able to properly gauge the required spec. Therefore proper communication again has proven its worth.
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Old 04-22-2013, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mx54life
Update:

I went to a Spec Miata shop this AM and they said that Firestone got it all wrong. So i called Firestone and spoke with the manager. I explained my predicament and he agreed to redo the alignment spec base on whatever I will bring to them since he understood that because of the aftermarket set up their machine will not be able to properly gauge the required spec. Therefore proper communication again has proven its worth.
I don't believe that, but whatever.

Yes, if you lower the car more you almost always get more camber.
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Old 04-22-2013, 10:09 PM
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That bolt is not maxed out.
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Old 04-23-2013, 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by mx54life
Update:

I went to a Spec Miata shop this AM and they said that Firestone got it all wrong. So i called Firestone and spoke with the manager. I explained my predicament and he agreed to redo the alignment spec base on whatever I will bring to them since he understood that because of the aftermarket set up their machine will not be able to properly gauge the required spec. Therefore proper communication again has proven its worth.
They're making excuses not to have to work on anything out of stock, or out of stock specs.

It's common, and utterly false.

Take your car to a shop that knows what they're doing.

Hint: That does not include most chains.
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