Cactus

I need a quick lesson on the whole alignment/corner balance thing once and for all. I want to lower my front end maybe .5" (PSS9's) to level out the car and I undersatnd this will throw the alignment out correct? So I will need an alignment which I hear is awful to get correct and very time consuming. Then comes the corner balance question...Do I need it for the street and what does it do for me? Did a search but sometimes it is best for someone to put it in english!

TheOtherEric

You definitely don't need corner balancing for the street. Track, maybe, but street no.

If you're going to lower it yourself, I'd just grab a ruler and check out the workshop manuals to get an idea of their recommended dimensions and front/rear and side/side tolerances (measurements are taken at particular places under the car). If you don't feel like the hassle, just even out your fender-to-ground measurements. That's not very accurate, but hey, people do it.

And yes, you'll want an alignment if you change your ride height significantly.

chris walrod

Front camber and toe will change [after ride height adjustment] -- technically, so will rear KT but not enough to quantify.

Cactus

Thanks for the quick responses. I was mostly concerned with the corner balance yay or nay.

TheOtherEric

Yes, Chris had a good point- you probably won't need to mess with KT if you're just lowering the car 0.5", so the alignment won't be complicated.

ssarchi

What is KT?

2ndof2

KT = Kinematic Toe
For the rear wheels. The alignment shop needs to have the correct tool to do this properly. I had mine done at the dealer since those tools are supposed to be very expensive and not alot of shops have em. What exactly it is that Kinematic toe does for you is the seventh wonder of the world. I like to think it minimizes tire wear.

TheOtherEric

Lol, I kinda hate to break it to you, but KT doesn't really affect tire wear. "Static Toe" does indeed affect tire wear, but KT is simply how much the car toes in when the suspension is compressed (by cornering for example). Hope that helps a little.

pcar964

Considering the 964 vs 993 rear tire wear, I'd say KT's sole purpose is to maximize tire wear

Cactus

Anyone in the East have any dealings with AWE Tuning? I think I am going to have them do my oil change and alignment. They quoted me $300 for the alignment and $85 plus oil and filters for the oil change. Sounds good to me from what I have heard on here.

Martin S.

KT = rear bump steer....supposedly, the LSA axle with LSA toes the rear wheels in a bit on deceleration helping to stabilize the car. That is the delusion I have been laboring under.....not too many folks really understand the dynamics of the LSA...

You can buy the KT tool: http://www.autometricsmotorsports.co.../ktt/index.htm

2ndof2

I think we've stumbled upon a conspiracy between Porsche and the tire manufacturers!