Alignment Systems for 914? Options

[bkrantz]

Short version: what shop alignment systems work for 914s?

Longer version: My 1973 2.0 is almost stock, with standard fenders and 4 bolt Fuchs. The suspension is also near stock, with Bilsteins all around, stock (original) torsion bars up front, and 100 lb springs in the rear. I have 195/65-15 tires. Ride height is slightly lowered.

When I finished rebuilding the car I did a home alignment and then headed to the only local shop that has 914 experience (and positive recommendations). But after they had my car on their alignment rack for about 20 minutes, the tech came to tell me that he could not complete the job, because the rigs that mounts on the front wheels hit the fenders as he pivoted the wheels for getting caster. He spent a bit more time and measured F and R camber and toe, but then sent me home.

After that I did my own alignment as precisely as I could, with double and triple measurement. Al of this was in July and August of 2022, and I have been driving the car since then. It tracks well, and turns in easily--perhaps too easily. It seems very sensitive to small steering inputs at speed.

So I would like to see about getting a shop to take a look, but knowing what systems, new or old, will likely work will help.

[SirAndy]

So I would like to see about getting a shop to take a look, but knowing what systems, new or old, will likely work will help.

Can't help you with the hardware but if you have a race shop that works with older cars in your area, they usually either have their own equipment or work with someone that does.

I wouldn't trust any modern alignment or tire shop to know how to deal with a 914.
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[bkrantz]

So I would like to see about getting a shop to take a look, but knowing what systems, new or old, will likely work will help.

Can't help you with the hardware but if you have a race shop that works with older cars in your area, they usually either have their own equipment or work with someone that does.

I wouldn't trust any modern alignment or tire shop to know how to deal with a 914.
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If only. My town of 30,000 people has a healthy number of interesting cars, but few decent shops, especially for anything unusual. I need to convince myself to take a road trip to find a good shop. Closest target area is Denver (6 hours).

[Superhawk996]

I need to convince myself to take a road trip to find a good shop. Closest target area is Denver (6 hours).

Why bother?

6 hours away to align is insanity.

Sounds like your local shop just didn’t set caster. Your only complaint seems to be maybe a bit of high speed sensitivity on turn in which could be as simple as just tweaking the front for a little bit more toe-in. Could also be related to a lack of caster so a bit hard to say without seeing the numbers they gave you. I’m assuming they did a 4 wheel alignment?

Why not just work with a local shop to ensure they have some adapters to bump their alignment heads outboard? Not having seen their setup do you even know which way the heads needed to go (inboard or outboard) to avoid hitting?

Honestly, I’m not sure what they were doing but there aren’t widespread complaints of shops not being able to properly align the front suspension. Me thinks you got a dud for a tech.

Here’s a set of head extensions on Evilbay - they should have a set. And even if they don’t you could easily purchase a set and provide them when needed. Of course this assumes they are using standard Hunter heads but you get the point. We’re not talking about thousands of dollars. If the heads were too far outboard they can simply take any existing extensions they have had had off to go tighter to the rim.



The trick here is to find a local shop willing to work with you on the understanding that this may take a little longer than a modern car wham-bam-thankya-ma’am and that you’re willing to compensate them for the “extra” time required vs some cheapo’ flat rate they want to bang out in 30 - 45 minutes.