I was going to install my Tein S-Techs sometime next week and I was wondering if I had to do an alignment at the dealer? Is it Ok if I got an alignment at an independant suspension shop?

The drop is about 1" inch all around and I have been debating whether or not to get an alignment. Some people say the drop is so small that an alignment is not really necessary, others say it is. Will getting an alignment add much more life on my tire tread?

Twilight Blue G35 Coupe 6MT
Premium - Nav - Aero - Trunk Mat
Injen CAI

 

Get the alignment. You don't have to do it at the dealer. I didn't lower mine but it was way out of specs and it drove straight as an arrow.

It's worth the $80.

Russ

Black 6MT Coupe
Jax, FL
PS2 and Headrest Monitors Thread

 

I would say definitely get the alignment, you never know what is gonna get thrown out of whack especially if the spring perches are different, etc. Your toe is probably off now too.

'03.5 Brilliant Silver AT Sedan, Premium, Aero Kit/Package, Sport, Winter, Stillen Air Box, Z pipe, Clear Corners, Alum. Pedals, Polk Tweeters, Clifford RSX 3.5, Gram Light 57F Pro's (on the way!)

 

my local dealer did not have the proper alignment machine. Wherever you get it done, be totally sure, they are using the correct specs for the 18"s & coupe. Apparently the "new" alignment machines only have the sedan/17" specs and many shops are incorrectly (mis) aligning cars to the wrong specs.
Be careful.


03 6MT coupe, red/willow, premium, aero, splash guards, alum pedals, clear corners, 15% tint

 

Any suggestions on a good place for alignement?

I went to Goodyear shop and they did not have the spec for 2003 G35.
Now thinking about going to Wheel works.
So keep in mind when going to the shop that they have the latest specs.


2003 G35 Black Sedan

 

You definetely need to get an alignment. I just put on the H-Tech springs (.6"/.3" drop) and my rear camber was at -2.5 on both sides (spec is -1 to -2). They were able to get them in to -1.4 and -1.7. I had an appointment at my dealer but they ran out of time last Friday night and I didn't want to leave my car over the weekend so I skipped it. I went to a independent shop and it cost me $50 - they had all the specs in their computer and I got my before and after print-outs.

Be aware - even though you call it "only a 1" drop" you might not be able to get your settings back into factory spec. However, it should be close enough not to affect tire life very much after aligned. If you don't get an alignment and roll on -3.5 rear camber, you will severly cut into the life of your tires. I probably put it off longer than I should have at around 500 miles.

A proper alignment is a small price to pay when you consider spring cost + install, tire life, gas mileage, not to mention the handling benefits. To end on a positive note, I am sure you will love your springs. Its going to make your car look mean and aggressive, this is one of the best mods I have done.

DG/G 6MT coupe, Borla exhaust, Stillen intake, Z aluminum pedals, clear corners

 

Strange, I also went to Goodyear and they had the specs for me.

Russ

Black 6MT Coupe
Jax, FL
PS2 and Headrest Monitors Thread

 

Nate,

thanks for the info.