I've got my GT4 this week and asked the dealer to max out front and rear camber without shims before delivery. Picking up the car, they showed me the alignment report and I was shocked. They couldn't even get to the low range of the standard specifications on the left side of the car, front (-1.22) and rear (-1.08).
They told me they checked and there was nothing wrong with the suspension; and that I would need shims to get to the values I wanted.

Has anyone experienced a similar scenario? Would there be something wrong with the suspension that they didn't detect?

 

I would think that if they can't even get to min spec that a warranty claim is in order.

 

Did they show you before and after alignment data? If not I would guess they didn't actually try to change it, and just gave you the settings as received.

 

why have a geo without the shims, the GT4 has the GT3 LCA to allow shims, why even bother to try ?
I slotted 8mm shims in the front and 5mm in the back, it feels great.

 

Likely they did not first adjust the top of shocks. Look under the hood and see if the bolts in the shock tower have been moved.

 

I'll check the top of the shocks, but I'm not sure I'll know how to judge it.
But knowing my dealer, it's likely possible the did not adjust them. I'll have a talk to them on Monday.

Well, they should've been able to get to the values I asked without the shims... at least to the higher range of the specs. But of course, I would have no problem to add shims to get close to -2.00.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

This pic should help you. This is where the shock tower should be (ignore the red arrow) and you can see where they were from the factory:


Also note that in most cases to get more than -2 camber without aftermarket parts you will need shims. I was at -1.4 pre shims and then -2.1 after. Also you can lower the car from factory ride height to gain more camber. The lower you go the more camber you can gain.

 

-1.9 F no shims r -1.5 ..carl

 

-2.0 F and -1.5 R no shims.

 

-1.8 F. -1.4 R. No shims
0 toe F
0.15 toe rear. Total toe rear 0.30
Corner balanced; Cantrell's

 

-1.9 F no shims R -1.5 Could not dial in rear toe without reducing neg camber.

right rear 0.23 left rear 0.02
total toe rear 0.25

no body or ballast in the car.

 

-1.5 F -1.5 R no shims for me, which is squarely on the low end of factory adjustability from what I've read. I agree with the suggestion above that the dealer just checked your alignment rather than actually performing one.

 

I know this will sound silly but how does the Tarett race camber plate allow for more camber? The factor mounting points look to have quite a bit of allowable movement. When looking at the Tarett race camber plate it looks fixed when comparing the mounting pins. Therefore, how does this kit allow for more camber?

 

The numbers posted here just reflect what has been posted on every other GT4 alignment thread: there is a substantial variation in OEM alignment settings, as well as how much adjustment can be had without going to shims and toe links.
I think the OP should complain that the OEM parts will not allow him to get within the original specs. Which are, btw, F: -1:30 +- 03, R: -1:30 +_ 05.
The values you gave are not within spec range, and you should complain.
I suspect they will blow you off, which means you will have to go to shims at least, and maybe toe links to get the correct toe.
Are you looking for a particular alignment, or were you just interested in maxing out the stock setup (whatever that is)? Since you are disappointed, it would seem that you have values in mind.

BTW, all those who got -2F, -1.5R without shims are lucky bastards. I hate you... (jk)

 

Using shims is no big deal. I got -2.8 F and -2.4 R using 2 shims @ 10 mm, 2 @ 8 mm, and 2 @ 4 mm.