I am looking at getting my 4 wheel realigned but after some investigating on other threads have realised there is more to it than just taking it down to the local garage to have it lasered off some book figures.

I have read that many people go for fast road settings but does this compromise in high speed stability or fuel economy? What about tyre wear? Is there anything else to think about?

 

PM Lofty91 he's just had his done at TrackTorque...

 

Ok thanks.

 

To add,

mine was set-up a bit too "lively" years ago, was just a bit too unstable in the wet while cornering ( fully std. car ).

Now I run a fairly aggressive set-up, but haven't experienced any particular wear problems, but I suppose they may have lasted longer with an easier set-up ?

dunx

 

At the moment Im more concerned with saving fuel with the current prices as they are. I enjoy driving and occasionally get the chance to make the most out of the car but I think that the standard set up would be more than adequate for my usage and if it goes with less rolling resistance then that would make most sense. If however there are no downsides to having a fast road geometry set up then I may as well go for that.

 

Hi, Nick

As Dunx said i have just had mine done by tracktorque after fitting BC coilovers.

Although i had it done with the standard struts still on after about 1 month of owning the car and it made i nice improvement to the way the car behaved on the road.

As for tyre wear i have been on the same set of Toyo's for around 18months and they are nice and even, or as you would expect (not killing the inside edges) with plenty of tread to go. but this is obviously going to be effected by how far you go with the setup, which if you are on standard suspension isn't going to be too crazy. I would suggest discussing it with whoever is doing the work and let them know what your after.

Fuel consumption sort of is effected because you will enjoy driving the car more and want to be out driving more = drinking fuel but lots of fun.

I don't honestly think you will notice any improvement in fuel.

 

Go with the Prodrive settings you wont go far wrong with them, Most good Subaru specialist will know them

 

Thanks lofty91. Do you know what equipment they used? Assuming it was done by laser was it done by the Hunter machine? It is probably a little too far me but I would like someone with a good reputation who knows what they are doing. Out of interest how much do they charge?

 

Thats a good suggestion, I might just go to a dealer then as I dont think they charge a huge amount more than my local independent and at least I would have piece of mind that they would know what they are doing.

 

Not sure if it's a " hunter" rig but it is 3D laser equipment that they use. Price was £80+vat and they are 2mins off j46 A1 so not too far to travel really.

 

What are the Prodrive setting?

 

What is 3D laser equipment, not heard of that before. They are around 2 1/2 hour round trip from me, so quite a bit extra in cost when you take into account the fuel. There must be someone close that people in West Yorks use, I know there are a lot of us.

 

I don't know of anybody else in our area but like you say there must be more than one place.

Mat

Ps. Who do you use for other work?

 

HDC Subaru. the guy that runs it is called Howard. I have to say I have been nothing but impressed with the work carried out and his honesty. I think he is the only mechanic I know who actually spends time trying to save you money. He has said that they do do 4 wheel alignments and gets a guy in to do it but he does it by string. I dont know if this would be as good as say a laser set up especially as people are talking about hunters and 3d etc.

 

String is one way of doing it but do you really want that.

 

I dont know, thats the problem. Its not something Ive looked into, hence a poll I started in the general section. I think most people that didnt really know said laser only. Those that had knowledge in the mechanical motor trade seemed to think that it wasnt any better or worse than a laser set up and that it was down to how good the guy doing it was.

 

Just spoke to KT Green Subaru of Leeds. £96 for 4 wheels done on Prodrive settings.

 

Go for it, money well spent

 

I think I will. Especially as the string place has now gone up in price to the same as KT greens.

 

scoobyclinic did mine have a lazer do dad if that's any closer v experienced types

 

Unfortunately around 4 times further away but thanks for anyway.

 

So what are the Prodrive settings, would be good to know now as kTG could just give you any old setup if you know what I mean. Sorry I just have bad experience of dealers

 

I do know what you mean. Take a look at my "4 year service" thread in the general section to see that I completely agree with you.

Even dealers I cant imagine screwing up something like prodrive settings on a geo set up though as its a fairly run of the mill requirement...isnt it?

I have heard fairly good comments regarding KTG though, so hopefully they would be ok.

 

How would me knowing what the settings are make a difference? They could still give me any old set up couldnt they or do they give you a print out of the settings applied?

 

Hi mate, thought the settings below would help you decide....

Prodrive settings

Values are read: minimum / preferred / maximum

Front Camber -1°20' / -1°15' / -1°10'

Front Toe-in (Total) 0°02' / 0°06' / 0°10'

Front Caster / 3°00' (Referential value) /

Rear Camber -2°15' / -1°30' / -0°54'(Std Subaru tolerance)

Rear Toe-in (Total) 0°02' / 0°06' / 0°10'

 

Yes mate you should really get a print out, most places give you a befor and after one.

Let me know how you get on with KTG, only really used them for parts.

 

Cheers Miami, just wanted to clear up what was being recommended to Nick. How does the car drive with these settings?

 

And insist on getting the specs spot on. Most shops just prefer to get things within "green" on their computer screens but the tolerances are huge so you can still have a crap alignment "within spec". Make sure you bring these specs with and insist on the "preferred" spec. Its ok to be off a minute or two but Std Subaru tolerance is indeed pretty large. So be picky about what they do.

I personally would prefer using the chaps that align with strings. Its very old school but just as accurate and it shows they know what they are doing, eschewing the fancy new machines. If the guys give you exactly what you want, tip the operator and remember who it was and spread the word. Finding someone who does a good, accurate alignment is gold.

 

The settings are superb on my scooby Lofty91. A bit harsh but then again ive got 18" wheels and lowered on eibach springs. Handles like a dream.

phonix motorsport in accrington have the equipment, they specialise in Lotus but have a good rep for doing scoobies aswell.

Like arnie said i would be very picky and have them do it to the spec.

 

How can I check if they do? Surely they can say what they like but when it comes down to it they could just set it in the range and not bother.

AAAggh, I feel like Im on a roller coaster ride . First I thought string as Howard at HDC Subaru said that the guy who did it thought it was best, then everyone said no LASER, and got comments like "do you really want someone to be using string on your car". Now string again. Am I right in thinking it doesnt matter so long as the guy knows what he is doing?