Porsche alignment vs. Tire shop

From my other post, you know I'm getting a new set of tires. I want to get the car aligned. I'm planning to have WheelWorks do it for $190. The Porsche dealer wants $350 Tell me I'm sane. Is there any reason I'd want to spend the extra $160? thanks again, Jerry

My dealer charges $180 and the local Porsche shop is $150.

My dealer charged me $200.

Not all dealers are capable of doing a good alignment. If you are willing to pay $200 or more, I would ask some people about their experiences with that said dealer. On the other hand, there are several reputable Porsche shops in Northern California who will do a top notch alignment job. I suggest you do a search in the 993 forum to see some names.

Since you are in the Bay Area I would recommend a full 4 wheel alignment at Custom Alignment in Mountain View. They do most of the cars that race at Laguna Seca and Sears Point (not to mention my cars). Ask for David or Joe.

I thought all P-car dealers had to buy some special "million" dollar alignment machine? That's why I took it to them and didn't balk (too much) when they wanted $360 to align it after I got the RoW M030 installed.

Guys, Guys, Guys...don't let the fact that you drive a P-Car deter you from going to your local frame & alignment shop. The place by my business does 4-wheel laser alignments all day long for $85. I haven't yet had an opportunity to take my turbo there, but my entire family takes all their new mercedes, cadillacs, and trucks to this "hole in the wall" and they are all very satisfied! My Porsche independent tech does them for $150.

The alignment machine is only as good as its operator. Furthermore, that same machine can be found at many reputable alignment shops throughout the country. Having said that, some of the best alignment shop in L.A. still use the old string method.

How do you tell if you need an alignment? Is it when you car drifts to one side or the other when you take you hands off the steering wheel while going straight?

I went ahead and had Wheelworks do the alignment along with the new tires. They said that they'd measure first and only make adjustments if necessary, with the proviso of if no adjustment needed, then no charge. When I picked up the car, they provided data for measurements pre and post. One thing I'd like to have an experts opinion on...the only measurement that was out of spec "pre" was the front wheels, which were both toed in slightly (and symetrically I might add). Yet the front tires were worn more on the inside edges. Isn't that opposite of what you'd expect? Also, I'm wondering if the previous owner had deliberately set the toe in that way. What would the advantage have been? The actual "pre" front toe was measured at 0.13 (both sides) against a spec range of 0 to 0.08.

Get one of these: camber gauge and then get one of these: Longacre Toe Gauge and then get a case of beer.... and align the damn car yourself.... takes a bit of time... but as far as i'm concerned as long as you can be accurate to .1mm then who cares ???? trev