Upgrading your car with performance coilovers, like setting up a G35 on KW V3s, is a game-changer. It not only enhances your vehicle’s stance but also significantly improves handling and lap times, as we discovered with a 2-second reduction after dialing in the alignment using Stillen adjustable camber arms and, crucially, Diy Car Wheel Alignment Tools.
Coilover suspension conversions are often the first modification for project cars, and for good reason. Only wheels and tires have a comparable impact on a car’s performance and aesthetics. Ideally, wheels, tires, and coilovers are upgraded together as a holistic package, maximizing grip and style. However, we understand that budget constraints might mean tackling these upgrades incrementally. The priority should always be investing in quality components over rushing the build process.
High-quality coilovers offer numerous advantages. They feature superior dampers, often with adjustable compression and rebound, designed to manage stiffer springs. These stiffer springs minimize body roll, enhancing control and allowing performance tires to operate at their peak. Ride height adjustability further allows for eliminating unsightly wheel well gaps and corner balancing for optimal weight distribution. It’s important to avoid excessively lowering your vehicle, as this can negatively impact suspension geometry – a topic for another discussion.
Once you’ve installed your chosen coilover system, set the ride height, and ideally corner balanced your car, the job isn’t complete. A proper wheel alignment is essential. Any alteration to ride height inevitably changes wheel alignment angles. Driving with a misaligned suspension will prematurely wear out your new, expensive tires and compromise handling.
You have two primary options for wheel alignment: professional 3D alignment at a performance shop or a DIY approach using diy car wheel alignment tools. While shops like NV Auto, equipped with advanced Hunter alignment systems, can expertly dial in performance alignments, generic shops often only adjust to factory specifications. For performance enthusiasts seeking enhanced grip and cornering prowess on the street or track, factory settings are insufficient. Performance alignments typically require negative camber beyond OEM specs, increased front caster (if achievable), and potentially toe adjustments depending on the chassis and desired handling characteristics.
For those who prefer a hands-on approach and need the flexibility to fine-tune alignment at the track, investing in diy car wheel alignment tools is the answer. Essential tools include a camber gauge, toe plates, a string box setup, and measuring tapes. A dedicated ramp setup, similar to GMG’s, represents the ultimate DIY alignment station, providing a perfectly level platform for maximum accuracy. However, a reasonably level garage floor or paddock space, potentially supplemented with shims under the wheels, can still yield very accurate results.
Camber gauges are available in various forms, including affordable homemade options. Digital camber gauges, priced around $100-200, offer speed and convenience. Their adjustable arms ensure flush contact with the wheel lip without scratching the finish. The integrated digital inclinometer provides camber readings in degrees with good accuracy, provided the car is on a level surface. While some advanced gauges compensate for surface angle, a level surface remains best practice. Remember to have the necessary tools to adjust camber on your vehicle, such as camber plates, bolts, or arms, depending on your car and modifications.
Camber’s primary role is maximizing tire grip during cornering. It’s not typically used to adjust overall handling balance, except in extreme scenarios. As highlighted in our “Just The Tip” video, tire pyrometers are invaluable for optimizing camber settings at the track. The goal is to achieve ideal tire operating temperatures (typically 160-220F for performance tires), with the inner third of the tire contact patch running 10-20F hotter than the middle and outer thirds. This temperature distribution is proven to deliver optimal lap times.
Accurate record-keeping is crucial. Apps like Laptimizer enable racers to log setup notes and export them for analysis. Alignment setting records are invaluable at the track, allowing for quick reversion to previous settings if adjustments prove ineffective.
Furthermore, marked camber plates or adjusters, like those on KW Clubsport coilovers, provide visual reference points for adjustments. The more data collected, the faster you can fine-tune your car for maximum grip at each track visit.
While camber adjustment is relatively straightforward, toe adjustment, which refers to the direction of each tire relative to the vehicle’s centerline, can be more challenging. Toe plates and measuring tapes, available as kits for around $60-80 from brands like Longacre, simplify toe measurement. These kits provide total toe across an axle. For instance, a 1/4″ difference between front and rear measurements on the front tires indicates 1/4″ total toe-out on the front axle. However, it doesn’t reveal if this toe-out is solely on one wheel or evenly distributed.
By utilizing diy car wheel alignment tools, you gain control over your vehicle’s handling and tire wear, enabling precise adjustments for optimal performance whether on the street or track.
