RSX004

Just had a set of Hotchkis springs put on my 06' - waited two weeks and had an alignment at NTB (probably a mistake looking back).

Results:
Before -
F Left F Right
-1.1 -1.7

R Left R Right
-2.1 -3.0

After -
F Left F Right
-1.1 -1.7

R Left R Right
-1.6 -2.5

NTB claims that they did the best they could but do you think that there is any benifit in me taking to a more reputable alignment shop in Houston (ie Southwest Alignment)? I dont think that my tire wear issues will be too bad since the toe is in spec but the left to right camber differential is bothering me.

Thanks.

black06z

iTrader: (1)

looking at that, I wouldn't be surprised if it was pulling to the right.

RSX004

Yeah, you would think so but all of the other specs are within factory standards and I have not noticed any pulling as of yet.

Motormouth

iTrader: (44)

you can't adjust camber. it is what it is...

you need to buy adjustable arms. but most Z's I have seen seem to have more camber on the passenger side.

RSX004

I may be wrong but I thought that the rear camber was slightly adjustable...obviously not enough to satisfy the full OEM spec range anyway.

I have noticed that most due have slightly more camber on the passenger side but will such a drastic difference (0.9 degrees) impair the car's performance or damage any of the suspension components?

AroundMyHorn

iTrader: (9)

i actually might take mine to nissan....although dealerships worry me

RSX004

Thought about that too but based on past experiece there, the dealer would be the last place I trust to work on it.

black06z

iTrader: (1)

yeah, unless you have a Nismo suspension, I wouldn't take anywhere near the dealership for an alignment.

plastiketa

iTrader: (14)

The rear camber and toe are adjustible but very limited. as for the front, they can be changed. you will have to buy new a-arms to do so (ie Cusco, SPC, 350Evo, etc.) and they are pricey ($400-$1000 per kit).

I wouldnt take the car to a dealership for alignment, unless they installed the parts for you and is covered under their warrenty. Take it to a performance shop in your area, you're better off.

MoodDude

Just a question - are those camber numbers with you sitting in the drivers seat? If they are not, than your number will different than when you drive it. Your numbers can also be off if you don't settle the suspension after you make a change.

Q45tech

Don't assume that the very wide oem in spec range is suitable for everybody!

The EXACT MIDPOINT of the range is what you want.............this is tough to achieve and maintain.

Unloaded alignment doesn't tell you how the driverside CHANGES with your weight in the seat...........since the leftside body compresses and increases leftside camber front and rear depending on your weight.............just as things change as the gasoline level changes.

Japanese designs assume the driver weighs 150 pounds and that the left side will compress ~~0.5" when driverseat is loaded. This will increase leftside camber by ~~0.3-0.4 degrees negative. 300 pounds will double the increase.

AroundMyHorn

iTrader: (9)

ok, so i wont take it to the dealership

black06z

iTrader: (1)

did you guys measure both sides are close to the same height? Make sure all the corners are settling.

RSX004

I did measure both sides and the drop seems to be fairly even. I have the revised Hotchkis springs for the '06 and I am thinking they lowered the car more than the original .5/.75 specs. Looks to be more like 1 inch in the rear which may or may not have something to do with my camber issues – great looking though.

Tires seem to be holding up well for now so I might hold off on the camber kit until I notice any problems. Do you think that there would be any benefit in getting another alignment from a reputable source without/before installing the kit? For now I am most concerned with eliminating any potential damage or performance loss the left to right differential may cause, if any.