Spring / Alighment Question

[Rawyzf]

Ok, here is the dealio.

I have RX8 Wheels with 225/45/18's for my summer setup.

I have MS6 Stock Wheels with 225/40/18's for my winter setup.

I plan on getting the Eibach Pro Kit Springs (So far I like these best) and I know I will need an alignment afterwards.

My question is: Will the new alignment only be good for the summer setup, or do I have to get an alignment everytime I switch from summer to winter? Springs will stay on all year round.

Might be a stupid question, sorry if so, never done springs before.

Thanks!

[jd42]

QUOTE (Rawyzf @ Mar 23 2009, 01:50 PM)

My question is: Will the new alignment only be good for the summer setup, or do I have to get an alignment everytime I switch from summer to winter? Springs will stay on all year round.[/b]

The alignment isn't affected by changing wheels and tires. The alignment is changed by adjusting the suspension components, which will remain the same regardless of what wheels are bolted up.

Now, if you switch to radically different wheel offsets or tire sizes, there may be a performance advantage to adjusting the alignment specifications accordingly. The offsets of the wheels you are using are only 5mm different, and the tire sizes are almost the same, so this wouldn't apply in your situation.

Also, if your roads are a rough as the ones around here, checking the alignment seasonally might be a good idea. But, that's only because the bumps and potholes can knock the alignment out, not because of a change in the tires and wheels.

[Rawyzf]

QUOTE (jd42 @ Mar 23 2009, 01:18 PM)

The alignment isn't affected by changing wheels and tires. The alignment is changed by adjusting the suspension components, which will remain the same regardless of what wheels are bolted up.

Now, if you switch to radically different wheel offsets or tire sizes, there may be a performance advantage to adjusting the alignment specifications accordingly. The offsets of the wheels you are using are only 5mm different, and the tire sizes are almost the same, so this wouldn't apply in your situation.

Also, if your roads are a rough as the ones around here, checking the alignment seasonally might be a good idea. But, that's only because the bumps and potholes can knock the alignment out, not because of a change in the tires and wheels.[/b]

Great, thanks for the reply. Exactly the info I was looking for.

Any idea on what a shop would charge to install springs? I know alignments run around $100-$120.

[jd42]

QUOTE (Rawyzf @ Mar 23 2009, 02:22 PM)

Any idea on what a shop would charge to install springs? I know alignments run around $100-$120.[/b]

Not sure about install prices; I installed my springs and shocks myself. The rear springs are super easy. The fronts are bit more work, since a spring compressor is needed.

I think Sears does alignments for $60 or $70. For the $100+ range, I would hope you are getting a specialized custom alignment. If you are ambitious (and patient), you can also do the alignment yourself:
http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?showtopic=108096

[priceprince]

QUOTE (Rawyzf @ Mar 23 2009, 11:22 AM)

Great, thanks for the reply. Exactly the info I was looking for.

Any idea on what a shop would charge to install springs? I know alignments run around $100-$120.[/b]

I think I was charged like $200 to install springs on my car.

[Rawyzf]

QUOTE (priceprince @ Mar 23 2009, 03:19 PM)

I think I was charged like $200 to install springs on my car.[/b]

Cool, not bad. What about alignment? I heard so far from 2 places, they start at $70. Start scares me as they prolly will struggle since they don't have specs besides factory specs.

[matchingsilver]

QUOTE (Rawyzf @ Mar 23 2009, 04:22 PM)

Cool, not bad. What about alignment? I heard so far from 2 places, they start at $70. Start scares me as they prolly will struggle since they don't have specs besides factory specs.[/b]

Theres a thread in the FAQ's link by Kevin2K about alingment specs...Gives some really good numbers. I you have #'s you want and ask for a print out of the numbers they set you should be in decent shape. as long as the requested numbers are inside the factory specs there shouldnt be an issue... They may ask for a few extra buck because of the "special requirements" but shop around.... Find a good shop make friends with the alignment tech and service manager and happy motoring

ohh and BTW unless you put SPC adjustable Ball joints in.... what ever the number is is what you get.


edit***heres the link to the alignment writeup http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?showtopic=72653

[jd42]

QUOTE (matchingsilver @ Mar 23 2009, 07:21 PM)

ohh and BTW unless you put SPC adjustable Ball joints in.... what ever the number is is what you get.[/b]

Just a clarification-- the above statement applies to the front camber and caster, which are not adjustable with the factory equipment. Rear camber is adjustable, as is toe on both front and rear.

[a7x813]

i have the eibach pro kit. definitely love it. i am workin on getting an alignment done because my friend works at Firestone but he has yet to come through for me. I got my spring from Drivewire.com. check their they have some cheaper stuff

[Rawyzf]

QUOTE (a7x813 @ Mar 23 2009, 11:23 PM)

i have the eibach pro kit. definitely love it. i am workin on getting an alignment done because my friend works at Firestone but he has yet to come through for me. I got my spring from Drivewire.com. check their they have some cheaper stuff[/b]

Cool, thanks. SU is a few bucks cheaper, so I'll probably order from them.

LBV sent me his specs, he is also on this kit, but he has the SPC Adjustable Ball Joints, so it may be a little different. I am gonna try to use those specs though when I get them installed.