MO30 Difference between U.S. and ROW Alignment

[Rob in WA]

I just had my ROW M030 installed, initial impressions - kick ***!!!! It feels very crisp, like a go kart a little more bumpy, but nothing that's uncomfortable.

I had an independent shop do the install and then had my dealer do the alignment w/their Porsche machine. When I got it back the gave me a sheet w/the settings it seems they aligned it to U.S. Sport suspensions specs. How different are these? Should I take it back? I told them it was ROW. :angry:

[Loren]

Front camber and toe are the issue. I would at least call and discuss it with them. Here are the specs:

[Rob in WA]

Thank you Loren. Here's the sheet they gave me. It looks like my front camber is not in the specified range. They told me they don't even the have RoW specs and that if I set them to RoW I would go through tires a lot faster. I don't plan on tracking it much. Should I press the issue?

[Loren]

Here is my 2 cents...

The RoW suspension is going to settle some and actually get a little lower) over the next 2-3 months. I would drive the car like you want and then in 2-3 months go back and add more negative camber (front and rear) if you want it a little more aggressive (albeit at the expense of tires). Just IMHO....

[Mike in CA]

Actually Rob, unless I'm missing something your front camber after alignment is shown as -19' and -22'. The factory spec for ROW sport is -15' +/- 15' which means you are right there. -15 minutes (1/4 degree negative) is probably a good street compromise between response and tire wear. I autocross my car on R compound Michelin Sport Cups and I need more negative front camber. My shop was able to get -55' (almost one degree negative) front camber, which was the max possible with the ROW setup. You would need to lower the car further to get more than that. The steering requires a bit more attention in a straight line, but the car turns in beautifully and is less prone to understeer. I have been very successful autoxing with this setup but I do expect more wear on my front tires. A fair trade-off for me, but one that you might be unwilling to accept on a street only car.

[Rob in WA]

Thanks guys, it already feels preety darn aggressive so I should just leave it where it is for now.

[Chip Seller]

Rob,

I've gotten about 12K miles on my '02 C4, and I'm seem to be seeing more cowl shake than when it was new. Comes w/the cab, I guess...

Anyway, I was wondering if you've seen any difference in the chassis since the new suspension? I've thought about the upgrade, but I've been leery about what it might do to the body.

thanks in advance,

Jack

[Rob in WA]

Jack, I think it's too early for me to tell. I haven't driven it too much since it was installed (low back sprain). It definitely is a bit more stiff/rough, but nothing that's obnoxious. Perhaps some of the others who have had it for a while can comment.

Edited September 15, 2003 by Rob in WA