Where to go for a proper 4-wheel alignment
Discussion
Hello,
I'd like to take my new to me 997 C4S to be properly aligned by someone that knows what they are doing, I want the full works done (toe, camber, caster) but probably no need to corner weight it.
I'm not into track days (not with a C4S!), all I want is for it to feel safe at speed and possibly improve turn it a bit at slower speeds.
I've not been to Center of Gravity but I know Chris is an expert and a perfectionist too, so am inclined to take it there. The only thing thats stopping me is that the Geo alone is ~£250 while at Wheels in Motion (Amersham) which also has a good reputation its considerably less (~£150) and they are closer to me.
Any suggestions?
RiccardoG said:
Hello,
I'd like to take my new to me 997 C4S to be properly aligned by someone that knows what they are doing, I want the full works done (toe, camber, caster) but probably no need to corner weight it.
I'm not into track days (not with a C4S!), all I want is for it to feel safe at speed and possibly improve turn it a bit at slower speeds.
I've not been to Center of Gravity but I know Chris is an expert and a perfectionist too, so am inclined to take it there. The only thing thats stopping me is that the Geo alone is ~£250 while at Wheels in Motion (Amersham) which also has a good reputation its considerably less (~£150) and they are closer to me.
Any suggestions?
Definitely Center Gravity - Yes, Chris is more expensive than the local garage, but there are dozens of VERY good reasons for this. Twice as expensive, yet he's still booked solid for months - Hmmmm..... I'd like to take my new to me 997 C4S to be properly aligned by someone that knows what they are doing, I want the full works done (toe, camber, caster) but probably no need to corner weight it.
I'm not into track days (not with a C4S!), all I want is for it to feel safe at speed and possibly improve turn it a bit at slower speeds.
I've not been to Center of Gravity but I know Chris is an expert and a perfectionist too, so am inclined to take it there. The only thing thats stopping me is that the Geo alone is ~£250 while at Wheels in Motion (Amersham) which also has a good reputation its considerably less (~£150) and they are closer to me.
Any suggestions?
For me it would have to be Chris. Only after you go there will you realise his attention to detail and his per hour rate is very very reasonable. 250 quid for an absolute spot on job is nothing and you know it's been done by one of the best! I thought it was expensive when I wanted to get my geo done but went with him in any case. Worth every penny IMO.
Roy
Roy
If you can't get it in with Chris at CG (and he's pretty busy!) I can recommend Backdraft Motorsport in Bletchley.
http://www.backdraftmotorsport.com/
http://www.backdraftmotorsport.com/
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll try and book with Chris then. I've always wanted to take my car to him anyways and may as well try it out with the 911. Plus if he finds components that need replacing I hope to have some goodwill from the mechanic I bought the car from, so a thorough inspection is welcome.
Btw, in fairness, the WiM cost above was my guesstimate based on similar work the last two times I've been there on non-Porsche cars, it wasn't an actual quote.
the center gravity thing is a real experience... if you can take it there. i went there about 4 years ago with my 964 before he started getting profile.
there is no dark art to it and there are loads others that can do the same thing but its the way he plies his trade that makes it more than a geo session!
good luck
there is no dark art to it and there are loads others that can do the same thing but its the way he plies his trade that makes it more than a geo session!
good luck
It depends what you need. Centre Gravity offer a superb and thorough service if you don't know what set up you want or don't even understand what set up is about.
If you do and particularly if you have your favourite settings in mind, then it's a bit of a waste. Understanding camber and toe is really not rocket science.
Let's not forget that we are the centre of the world in terms of Motorsport and there are dozens of places in the UK that will set a car up to your specs for a fraction of the money, as it's dead easy for them.
CG have a (well deserved) cult following on tinternet but what he does is not some sort of black magic that only he can do. Suspension set up on a modern standard Porsches is very basic/simple.
If you do and particularly if you have your favourite settings in mind, then it's a bit of a waste. Understanding camber and toe is really not rocket science.
Let's not forget that we are the centre of the world in terms of Motorsport and there are dozens of places in the UK that will set a car up to your specs for a fraction of the money, as it's dead easy for them.
CG have a (well deserved) cult following on tinternet but what he does is not some sort of black magic that only he can do. Suspension set up on a modern standard Porsches is very basic/simple.
TTShop
Northampton Motorsport
at the end of the day CG is good but £300 for a geo is a little high if you know what you want already
and the big issue is getting booked in these days.
most motorsport places can do you a perfect geo for £150
I paid £79 for a full one last time, I have also been to CG so know the very good service.
doing a geo is the easy bit, setting the car level and getting ready for the geo takes the time not the ajustment which takes minutes.
Northampton Motorsport
at the end of the day CG is good but £300 for a geo is a little high if you know what you want already
and the big issue is getting booked in these days.
most motorsport places can do you a perfect geo for £150
I paid £79 for a full one last time, I have also been to CG so know the very good service.
doing a geo is the easy bit, setting the car level and getting ready for the geo takes the time not the ajustment which takes minutes.
Another BIG vote for Chris at CG. I tried 3-4 other places first and was never really happy. Chis does a far more detailed/through job than anywhere else I know of (tyre tread depth, how hard the rubber is as a couple of examples) and will ensure you're 100% happy.
I know this internet fanboy following Chris has can seem a bit much, but having been to him a couple of times now his reputation is fully deserved and you'll be pleased you spent every penny you did with him.
I know this internet fanboy following Chris has can seem a bit much, but having been to him a couple of times now his reputation is fully deserved and you'll be pleased you spent every penny you did with him.
993kimbo said:
steve singh said:
Chris at CoG.
Go elsewhere and you'll always be wondering if it was set up in the best way possible......
This is BAD advice. Typical internet nonesense.Go elsewhere and you'll always be wondering if it was set up in the best way possible......
Might be restrictive advice but not bad advice.
Depends on risk appetite and whether you have a personal recommendation for elsewhere that you're confident in.
How many times on this and other 'high end' car forums have you heard about someone complaining they went somewhere and now it's not "feeling right"? Same thing happens in the remap trade, same thing happens in the building trade, same thing in the plumbing trade etc etc
My risk appetite is such that I will go to a provider wheere I've heard consistently excellent feedback - rather do it once and do it right, than potentially have an issue.
CoG hit that criteria for me personally.
ETA: It's a bit like an engine rebuild - I'd only head to Hartech, though I'm sure there might be other good repairers out there I just couldn't be done with the hassle of finding out that someone was not as good as a single recommendation alluded to.....
Edited by steve singh on Wednesday 11th April 16:14
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