hi all,
to introduce this topic, let me say i installed a cobb springs w/o cambers and just had my alignment done.
rear specs are now -2.1/-2.3 with toe in spec.
i went to the shop which is said to have the new machines over a nearby shop with a good reputation (on google review at least.)

anyways, the question that arose in my head.

in doing alignment, which is more important?
better skilled person at lower-end machines vs less skilled person at higher-end machines.
more specifically, is it all about machines or
a better skilled tech could perform a better alignment with a less-fancy machine?

for my car, i plan to goto a diff shop in about 3k miles to do alignment + tire rotation, but just wanted to hear some opinions.

thanks,


- jason

 

Based on the problems associated with the infamous Tire Feathering problem on the 03 and 04 cars, it's pretty obvious that a big part of it is a properly calibrated machine. I would think, like anything else, a tool/equipment in the hands of an experienced operator usually gives better results than the same tool/equipment handled by a beginner.

Short of there being some kind of fool-proof alignment machine, I would think the experienced guy would do a better job with lesser equipment. Naturally, there's a point of diminishing returns where even the best pro can't get good results with a worn out P.O.S.

 

A mechanic will go by they spec sheet, and give you an accurate alignment according to the published specs.

A suspension tuner will ask you about your driving habits, tire wear and current tire condition. He will tune the suspension to your needs.

 

Best alignment is done by a skilled alignment/corner balance expert who does it manually without the help of machine, such as Darin from West End.

 

Steve at M-Works does a great job

 

Nissan corporate found that many dealers had obsolete or new machines which were out of calibration. They threatened to withhold warranty work until these dealers came into compliance for accuracy and produced calibration sheets from alignment machine manufacturer.

Of course that just means accurate machinery not necessarily accurate employees.

Obviously toe and rear thrust angle is critical where a few tenths of camber/caster error is less significant.

 

How much is alignment there?

 

$120 for alignment. $250 for corner balacing, which includes alignment.

 

I recently installed the Cusco adjustable A-arms so I can have more aggressive camber for the track. I had a choice between two alignment shops -- a national franchise with "lifetime alignment" using state-of-the-art equipment and a local shop with "old school" manual alignment techniques. I went with "old school" and couldn't be happier. Recently took the Z to a road course event and the car handled perfectly.

 

Anyone know of a good suspension tuner in Phoenix or elsewhere in AZ? I haven't heard of any shops around here even close to M-Works.

 

Ya.

My friend takes his 300ZX TT to one here locally. Normally his car is surrounded by Porsches and Ferraris. I need to take mine there shortly. PM me for details.

 

OK, well opathal got banned and he never replied to me. Anyone else know of any good suspension tuners in AZ?