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Alignments? (Or Captian Jerk Won't Use Search)

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Old 12-15-2008, 07:57 PM
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Default Alignments? (Or Captian Jerk Won't Use Search)

Er, what's the hot spec for alignments?! I guess I want something pretty aggressive - the current is pretty boring.

The other issue, I'm trying to pick a rake, I want to set the relative hieght of the front and the back.

Anyway, suggestions appreciated. This is a reasonably high power car with stiff suspension, fyi.
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:00 PM
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see what emilio suggests.
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:17 PM
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As far as rake, Shaikh at FCM told me 1/2" was ideal when I was installing his suspension goodies.

He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.

As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:41 PM
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:45 PM
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not to be confused with:

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Old 12-15-2008, 08:46 PM
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now thats a nice rack
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Old 12-15-2008, 08:57 PM
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so is this
Attached Thumbnails Alignments? (Or Captian Jerk Won't Use Search)-sexy_ups_girl.jpg  
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Old 12-15-2008, 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
Where's the preverted older guy who saves all posted girl pictures smilie?
.
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Old 12-15-2008, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by wayne_curr
He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.
That's kinda funny, I corner weighted my car once and the driver's side was indeed 1/4" higher.
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Old 12-15-2008, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by olderguy
so is this
sweet!





















someone is getting a parts express order
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Old 12-15-2008, 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
That's kinda funny, I corner weighted my car once and the driver's side was indeed 1/4" higher.
Glad to see it holds truth
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Old 12-16-2008, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Braineack
see what emilio suggests.
Will do - on his web page?

Originally Posted by wayne_curr
As far as rake, Shaikh at FCM told me 1/2" was ideal when I was installing his suspension goodies.

He also told me that the driver side should be roughly 1/4" higher than the right side and that would be pretty close to perfectly corner-weighted.

As far as alignment, that is personal preference.
Ah, very good info, that should be enough to let me set the ride heights. Doing this on my freind's lift was the best thing ever did.

I have one SERIOUS complaint about all this, everyone references the ******* fenders. Fenders bend. They hang OFF the important part. I do my measurements on the bolts where the A-arms connect to the "frame". Sure, that can bend, but if it does you've got bigger issues. What I don't know is how a 1/4" on the fender translates, but I guess I'll do my best.

One bit of clarification: 1/2" rake means.... the front is 1/2" lower (fender tip to ground/hub) than the rear?

And about the "personal preference" That's what I'm wondering - what do you high hp, limited slip guys like?

Thanks all.
-Abe.
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Old 12-30-2008, 12:33 PM
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I'm also wondering about alignments for my Daily Driven miata. I've checked out Emilio's page, I don't really meet his requirements. (I care a little about tire wear, and I have the stock springs)
Can anybody offer insight on stock springs and tire wear for Emilio's suggested alignment?
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Old 12-30-2008, 01:14 PM
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Suggestions for stock springs? Do yourself a favor, use ANYTHING else. :-P

Actually, for a lark, I cut some springs a while ago on my car, I kinda liked it. It was a bit much for OEM shocks, but not terrible.


I should post the alignment I got, it seems a good compromise. Maybe when I get home.
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Old 12-30-2008, 01:29 PM
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I'd like new springs, but they're all so expensive. I don't like my car being stock height. I've heard rumors that the AGXs I've got don't play well with very many aftermarket springs, either.
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Old 12-30-2008, 03:32 PM
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They don't play nicely with cars. :-) I had a set, they were an upgrade, nowhere near what you can do.

You really want to get adjustable perches. A freind got some for a civic on ebay for like $200 with 500/375 springs. Something like that. Just do it, you'll be better off.

In the mean time, take your springs, cut an inch off. They will drop the car a bit less than what you cut off, and they get stiffer directly proportional to how much you cut. I.E. Shorten the spring 20%, that's not 4/5 as long, and the spring will be 5/4ths as stiff, or +25%. Not going to compete even with FM lowering springs, but it's cheap and easy.

I did this as a joke, and kinda liked it. And with the AGX's on there you will have enough shock to keep up.

Hell, if you're extra good and promise me chocolate pie and beer I might send you my already cut ones.
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Old 12-30-2008, 05:49 PM
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I haven't had any unusual wear with Emilio's settings but I also don't have a stock setup.
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