Unlock Perfect Handling: Why a Custom Alignment is the Crucial Final Step After Installing Coilovers
Installing coilover suspension on a project car can be an exhilarating experience, transforming the ride and handling of your vehicle. For instance, when I recently fitted Fortune Auto coilovers on my eighth-gen Civic Si, the process was relatively straightforward and a genuinely satisfying endeavor. However, rust-free shocks and struts, a testament to their year-old usage, certainly eased the journey. Even so, a generous dose of WD-40® Multi-Use Product played its part, making the life of my alignment technician that much simpler. It's crucial to remember: a fresh alignment is the indispensable final step to any major suspension job.
Understanding Alignment Basics
Alignment refers to the angle of your wheels—camber and toe—critical factors that significantly impact your car’s handling. Camber measures the vertical orientation of the wheels, while toe assesses the horizontal alignment. Even though it might seem like your wheels are perfectly vertical, slight deviations can dramatically influence grip and handling characteristics.
If you're pondering why you should mess with these settings, there are two primary motivations: achieving an eye-catching, low ride height or optimizing your car for improved grip during extreme cornering. Factory settings often balance tire wear and stable handling for everyday driving, but performance enhancements demand a customized approach. Naturally, deviating from factory specs might accelerate tire wear, yet the improved cornering performance can make it worthwhile for driving enthusiasts.
At-Home Alignments: DIY or Don’t?
Performing your own alignment is feasible—you can buy tools or even create makeshift ones. However, professional alignments aren’t prohibitively expensive. For around $150, you get a precise, digitally calibrated reading and peace of mind.
Whether you DIY or visit a shop, it’s beneficial to clean your alignment adjustment points. This is where the WD-40® EZ-REACH® nozzle shines, penetrating tight spots without removing wheels. The Original WD-40 Formula restricts rust and corrosion, ensuring smoother adjustments. If surfaces need more penetration, WD-40® Specialist® Penetrant is your go-to, also compatible with the versatile EZ-REACH straw.
Ride Height, Wheels, and Alignment: The Trinity of Tire Fitment
Suspension modifications introduce a myriad of variables, significantly affecting your vehicle's aesthetics and performance. Ideal fitment often means the wheel’s edge aligns with the fender's exterior. Factors like ride height, wheel size, and alignment intricately influence handling and tire wear. Remember, suspension is an interconnected system, where altering one aspect impacts the rest.
Adjustments have consequences. Focusing on performance goals, such as enhancing cornering response, guides you toward suitable modifications. Conversely, show car aficionados might prioritize aesthetic alignment, dropping their ride for optimal visual impact without worrying about tire wear.
How To Find the Right Alignment for You and Your Car
Easiest: Factory Alignment for Your Lowered Car
Lowering your car for looks? A decent shop can align it to factory specs with potential aftermarket accessories like adjustable control arms. These additions, common in the tuning world, offer nuanced adjustments—essential for platforms without factory-provided flexibility like my Civic’s rear configuration.
More Involved: Copy Somebody’s Homework
Lacking practical experience but rich in theoretical knowledge? Lean on experts who've fine-tuned your car’s platform. Resources like RedShift’s alignment specs for Civics provide invaluable guidance, balancing handling and tire wear while accelerating your tuning journey.
Complex: Actual Testing
The pinnacle of tuning involves track testing and iterative adjustments. This method, blending practical experience with real-time feedback, fine-tunes your suspension for optimum performance.
Finding the Right Alignment Shop
Choosing the right shop is crucial. Not all garages will handle custom alignments or modified suspensions. Recommendations from local car clubs, SCCA chapters, or race tracks can point you toward experienced shops. For instance, I rely on Del Hatt Automotive in Poughkeepsie, known for its expertise with eighth-gen Civics, ensuring precise and reliable service.
Keep Experimenting
Suspension tuning is continuous. Each change necessitates alignment checks, especially when parts are replaced. With adjustments, meticulously note the impacts on your car’s behavior. This practice helps fine-tune settings, optimizing performance incrementally.
Embrace the journey of suspension tuning. Whether chasing perfect handling or eye-catching aesthetics, a custom alignment is the final, crucial step in transforming your ride.