gfacter

Can anyone recommend an inexpensive toe tool?

Can I get somewhat accurate and repeatable toe measurements using the tape measure tools?

gkmccready

Got my Hardbar Alignment tool yesterday -- looks awesome! Not sure if it falls into "inexpensive" but the cost seems worth it.

STEVEN13

I use toe plates. I cut the bottom out to clear the tire bulge. With 2 tape measures it's real easy and simple.

Steven

gfacter

Thanks

davidfarmer

check my DIY guide at my site. You can get very reliable, repeatable numbers with a straight edge and a tape measure.

http://www.davidfarmerstuff.com/

http://www.davidfarmerstuff.com/align.pdf

gfacter

Even better Free

Thanks.

petefias

Dave, excellent write-up. I've done alignments on my car very similar ways as you describe. My biggest problem is to "find" a level floor to perform the procedure (my garage floor has a slope toward the center drain).

How do I calculate the "caster multiplier constant" (2.62 for steering ratio 16:1) for other steering ratios?

Do you know what is the steering ratio on a '95 ZR1?



Thanks.

davidfarmer

petefias, I don't know the ZR1 ratio, but I bet it's close to the same as the C5/C6. Anyway, the trick is to realize that IF you could turn the front wheels 90 deg, camber would equal castor. I used a sin conversion to link the castor-induced camber in a turn. Using the steering wheel is the easiest way to get a consistent turning point.

Anyway, I'll try and track down the C4 ratio, and figure it out. I think the numbers in my sheet are OK for you though, as getting them similar is more important than the outright number.

Dave

davidfarmer

OK, these are all just approximations, but the ZR1's had either 15.6 or 15.7, and the Z52 cars had 13:1.

Anyway, for 15.6:1, you'd use 2.55
for 15.7:1, you'd use 2.57
for 13:1, you'd use 2.15

Basically, take 1 turn of the wheel (half turn in each direction), divide that by the ration (360deg / 15.7=22.92deg), then calculate 1/(sin 22.9)=2.57

BrianCunningham

this is the one for C4's that I follow.
http://www.vettenet.org/align.html
Tools do make it easier.
As pointed out, finding a level surface is the hardest, especially at some tracks.

Any tips on setting up a level surface besides big $$$ leveling scales?

davidfarmer

I don't have drains, so my shop floor (as well as home garage floor) are quite good. You can still check toe even if the floor isn't perfect.

petefias

Got it, thank you.

petefias

Makes sense, that's what I found. The toe measurements aren't affected by much, the camber yes since we're using a level as a reference.