ga993

I read an article in Excellence last month describing the string alignment method. What are your thoughts on this vs. the modern digital machine (Hunter) type method for a street application car? Particularly for a car that has been lowered.

JoeMag

I guess it depends on if you want to do it yourself or pay someone. It does take a reasonable amount of work to do it since you need to get the car up off the ground high enough to make the adjustments and it takes time to get the strings square around car. I've seen pro teams in garages aligning that way.

ga993

Right, should have been more clear. I would pay someone to do either of the methods. I am just curious if one has more advantages than the other. Thanks.

alexl911

I can't comment on which is better but I just had mine done at Manthey Racing at the Nurburgring. They have one of the most sophisticated shops I have ever seen (and I've seen F1 shops) and they used the 'string' method. Took them over 6hrs to do my car.

jdistefa

I've done both, IMHO it's really about the skill and effort of the person doing it rather than the choice of technique. It's easy to let the machine make a mistake, to trust the data blindly, if you're not double checking and eyeballing everything - and thinking - through the process.

helmet155

I have a Hunter machine available for my use and there isn't any electronic method to adjust the kinematic toe.

From what I recall, the Biessbarth machine includes a kinematic toe measurement for the 993. GMG Racing in Orange County has the Biessbarth.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Matt makes a good point, no matter what method is used, the most important aspect is the skills & experience of the person doing the job.

That said, we can do a more accurate job using the Hoffmann machine we have, rather than strings, laser or what have you. The latter requires a completely flat working surface as well as all the tools to accurately measure camber, caster, toe and kinematic toe.

All things being equal, I'd rather do this job at the shop using the Hoffmann machine, instead of at the track using the portable gear and the wheel platform.

manila3

How do you go around the kinematic toe alignment by doing it yourself? any suggestions?Can I just attach a small level on the two arms that requires the special tools needed?

bart1

There used to be a KT Gage made by Autometrics.

manila3

Just did a search on 'KT gauge Autometrics' and I found Bill Verburgs car. What an awesome project he did.

beers4all

FWIW,
My first 2 alignments were done by my wrench (former Porsche factory racing team tech.) via string method.
My most recent alignment at the beginning of the season was on a Hunter machine.
With my limited skill, I frankly couldn't tell much of a difference. I'm a 8/10 driver.

NC TRACKRAT

Not listed or shown on their web-site. NE1 got a picture of what it looks like or a similar tool? TIA

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

In a nutshell,.....you can't,....

The KT looks like a curved level and its been calibrated at the factory or by the maker to the factory version.

JMHO, but "Kentucky Windage" doesn't do the job in this case and this is why its sometimes difficult to get a proper alignment on these particular cars. 993's do not suffer fools in the alignment department,.

If you wish to DIY this, call Autometrics and buy one from Gordon so your car will handle properly. Make certain that your floor or alignment platform is dead level otherwise the outcome will be questionable.

manila3

Thanks. They even made it easier with a single tool as compared to the old tool that comes in two's.

verhag

What should I expect to pay from a reputable independent Porsche technician....for a proper alignment?

Thanks,
Denny