WarrenSTI

Between a proper four wheel drive alignment and the cheaper alignment that the local tyre dealer can do!
Basically my spec d is gunna have some coilovers fitted in a few weeks then a proper four wheel alignment.
But just for the moment will the basic one from the local tyre dealers improve my handling of the car as it feels abit skittish.

Warren

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Simple tracking points each wheel in the right direction...

Alignment checks for set-back, and the rear thrust angle to ensure the car isn't crabbing down the road.

IMHO.

dunx

D1CCY

As Dunx says thrust angle in particular (ie where the rears point in relation to the fronts). As it's adjustable and the OE setting limits are very broad there's quite a potential for this to be well off. You can get some idea if its out a long way by simply peering carefully down the outsides of the rear tyres to see where they point in relation to the front. Also rear toe setting has a significant effect steering response.

Having said all this anything will feel skittish in the current weather.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Also, a cheap place will just do alignment according to the book.

A decent job will put settings on according to what you want and how much tyre wear you are willing to have.

Mine was done at Carnetix. The first thing I was asked was how I wanted it to drive, then I got an expalanation of what they could do and the effect it would have on the car, the drive and the tyres.

D1CCY

According to book (for new age STi)

Front camber 0.30' +/- 0.45' tolerance.
Front and rear toe 0mm +/- 3mm
Rear camber 0.40' +/- 0.45' (fixed unless you fit camber bolts).

Aarrgh.
I don't think there is enough OE front camber adjustment available to get it out of tolerance!
+/- 3mm of toe tolerance doesn't need comment.