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Posted by: germaneighter Jun 7 2006, 09:52 AM

Does anyone have detailed instructions for doing an "at home" driveway alignment? (with pictures would be nice)

Rear Shims are no problem. I can get some laser cut in different thicknesses.


(Local independent Porsche shop estimates $400 for a proper alignment.)

Posted by: Rand Jun 7 2006, 10:34 AM

Some info...
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=49373&hl=string+alignment
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=49144&hl=string+alignment


I would think a well written how-to with photos would make an automatic classic thread.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jun 7 2006, 10:46 AM

Crap I just did one on my car Monday evening.

From rear shims to Front camber caster
front and rear toe.

I get gun shy posting pics of my Red Neck procedures as it is surely not up to the standards some here are accustomed to.

But the results are hardly questionable. goes straight turns in quickly and heats the tires evenly across the face.

Posted by: John Se Jun 7 2006, 11:03 AM

You need the book "prepare to win" by caroll smith

just need some strings or long bars to create a parrallelogram (sic?) arount the car and measure it up

Posted by: germaneighter Jun 7 2006, 01:16 PM

QUOTE(Rand @ Jun 7 2006, 08:34 AM)

Posted by: john rogers Jun 7 2006, 01:44 PM

I have an article on the Pelican site and it has conversions for fractions of an inch to degrees camber and toe in/out for 15 inch wheels included.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jun 7 2006, 02:10 PM

Yup John's article rocks!!!!
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/home_toe_in/home_toe_in.htm

Posted by: Rand Jun 7 2006, 02:16 PM

Link? Guess I can go search later, but if you have it that would be nice.

Posted by: KenH Jun 7 2006, 04:57 PM

Read these. You can make "strings" with conduit and attach to the car by the license plate screws. You can buy a caster/camber tool off ebay. You wil spend a lot less and have a set-up you can use again. Email me if you want more info.

Ken

http://www.smartracingproducts.com/pdfdocs/011073_smartcamber_manual.pdf

http://www.smartracingproducts.com/pdfdocs/011410_smartstrings_manual.pdf

Oh - turnplates can be 2 sections of slippery masonite placed "face-to-face"

Posted by: germaneighter Jun 8 2006, 12:57 PM

Is toe measured from the wheel or the tire?

It seems 1/8" total toe in at the front of the tire would be slightly less at the front of the rim.

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jun 8 2006, 01:09 PM

RIM
Because John's figures are off of a 15" circle.
I would try 1/16" toe in on each wheel for a total of 1/8" toe in.

I did 1/32 toe out the other day and it's not quite enough as the car kinda wanders. More toe out will give me quicker turn in low speed cone dodging.

Posted by: KenH Jun 8 2006, 01:09 PM

Porsche specifies Toe in "degrees". Measure from the rim. You will have to calculate degrees as it depends on the "measured" diameter of the rim.

Ken

Posted by: Joe Ricard Jun 8 2006, 01:23 PM

Yup degrees is good BUT John makes it easier
Toe measurement 1/16 inch or 0.0625 inch = Toe angle 8.95251minutes
Toe measurement 1/8 inch or 0.125 inch = Toe angle 17.9051 minutes
Toe measurement 3/16 inch or 0.1875 inch = Toe angle 26.8578 minutes
Toe measurement ¼ inch or 0.25 inch = Toe angle 35.8106 minutes
Toe measurement 5/16 inch or 0.3125 inch = Toe angle 44.7638 minutes
Toe measurement 3/8 inch or 0.375 inch = Toe angle 53.7172 minutes
Toe measurement 7/16 inch or 0.4375 inch = Toe angle 1.04452 degrees
Toe measurement ½ inch or 0.5 inch = Toe angle 1.19375 degrees
Toe measurement 9/16 inch or 0.5625 inch = Toe angle 1.343 degrees
Toe measurement 5/8 inch or 0.625 inch = Toe angle 1.49225 degrees
Toe measurement 11/16 inch or 0.6875 inch = Toe angle 1.64152 degrees
Toe measurement ¾ inch or 0.75 inch = Toe angle 1.79079 degrees
Toe measurement 13/16 inch or 0.8125 inch = Toe angle 1.94008 degrees
Toe measurement 7/8 inch or 0.875 inch = Toe angle 2.08938 degrees
Toe measurement 15/16 inch or 0.9375 inch = Toe angle 2.23869 degrees
Toe measurement 1 inch = Toe angle 2.38802 degrees

Posted by: germaneighter Jun 9 2006, 03:55 PM

Can use a magnetic angle finder mounted directly to the strut body to set caster?

Posted by: germaneighter Jun 9 2006, 10:34 PM

I meant that as a question....Can I use a magnetic angle finder mounted directly to the strut body to set caster?

Posted by: nbscooters Jun 10 2006, 12:45 AM

if you use the string method, you would need at least 3 people when you adjust the front; one to hold the steering wheel inside the car, one to adjust the tow underneath the car, and one to tell you the measurements from the wheel to the string.


i align 911's for post races.

Posted by: Mr.C Jun 10 2006, 12:58 AM

QUOTE(germaneighter @ Jun 9 2006, 09:34 PM)

Posted by: john rogers Jun 10 2006, 07:37 AM

Yes. My rule of thumb is to set the top strut mount as far back as possible for the street, for stability. Set it forward for faster turn in or less camber. If you read the fine print in the article, it is for initial steup or in case of a off at the races and should not be used in place of a professional shop alignment for long term use.