Wheel alignment equipment - worth the investment ?

[Geoff Brown]

As Santa was reasonably generous this year I pondered as to what to spend the £s on to partially fund something for the Seven.

As I am looking to replace the current CR500 tyres with 13" ZZS in 22 which subsequently will require change to ride height, tracking & speedo cal I thought I would have a stab at going DIY.

Has any one experience of the following; 

Trakrite Camber Gauge & Bar.

Trackace Laser Wheel Alignment system.   

[michaelf]

I've used the Trackace on several of my cars over the years, might not be as accurate as a decent garage, so long as you've a flattish floor and a bit of space on both sides, it's a bit difficult to read in bright sunlight but that's not a problem at the moment.  I was impressed with how easy it is to use once you get used to directing the beams etc.

[David Brown]

Tracking/alignment can be done easily and very accurately with string, if you've a flat floor and a little space round the car. Camber can also be done with an iPhone. Ride height just needs a measuring stick or coke can. All interesting procedures to master. 

[Geoff Brown]

Thanks for the replies so far. With my last Seven I used string for toe & i phone for camber as the set up was 'basic'  in round figures.

After building the R400D I decided to go in search of a proper set up which reflected the cars dynamics & power.  A local race team with Seven experience took two days & patience to find the solution I wanted.

So after changing tyres next year I want to DIY check & adjust the car to the settings the team set up. This would mean ten minutes of toe out & one degree thirty minutes negative camber after adjustment of the ride height due to ZZS being slightly taller than the CR500.

Although I do know how many minutes a full turn of the track rod or top ball joint result in I would rather be a bit more accurate.

[paul richards]

Geoff

I made some stands for stringing out and found them excellent for checking toe front and rear. It's a bit fiddly but easier if two people are doing it. I also have a couple of cheap camber gauges This and This 

Search internet for best price.