racerdave

I am throwing some H&R springs, and Koni Sport shocks on my civic, and I know what to do about the wheel alignment in the rear (longer studs, and washers), and for the front, I am going to take it to a shop, but here is my problem.

I am doing the upgrade work myself, and I have brand new Kuhmo 712's on 16" TSW's, The springs will lower my car(Avg Low 2.75"F 2.25"R), and the shop that does the alignment is about 45 minuites away (on the freeway).

I dont want to chew up my new tires, if my alignment is all out of wack, so how bad will it be for my tires, and how much will it throw off the front wheels?

Is there a temporary way to half way correct the problem, "maybe adjust the alignment myself?" so I can safely drive it to the shop?

Wharbone

The washer trick will only correct your camber (rear).

With the H&R race springs, you will def. need a front camber kit if you don't want to chew your tires up. Alignment shops can't fix your front (or rear) camber without some kind of camber correction device. People have said good things about the omni power camber kits.

As for correcting other alignment things, I don't know.

I don't think you would chew the tires up too bad just driving to the alignment shop.

Provocateur

You should be fine.

I am with Wharbone on the front camber kit. Tire wear is accelerated on the front tires since they have much more weight on them than the rear.

CivicSiRacer

I've done my own alignment and it's not very difficult.

Here's one website:
http://www.allpar.com/fix/alignment.html

What I did was use two boards and two measuring tapes.

Put one board on each side of the car and measure from the front of the wheel AND one tape on the back of the wheel to see if your car is toe-in or toe-out.

Then adjust the turnbuckle for the toe adjustment. Do the same for the rear.

CivicSiRacer

Actually that's not why your tires wear out. It's because of too much toe-in or toe-out and/or too much negative camber. Weight really doesn't have much of an issue.

Provocateur

I was going to say that but I brain farted and said something else instead.

Yes, toe will kill your tires so much quicker than camber. h:

I was assuming that the toe would not change, so the only thing he would have to contend with is camber which will have a negligent effect on tire wear during a 45 minute freeway cruise.

racerdave

Will the springs be alright with my wheels? Or will I rub when I turn?

CivicSiRacer

All depends on your wheel width, offset and tire size.

flatliner

just measure center tread in front of the tire and behind it at 9 and 3 o clock. get them to match. that will get you by but i suggest spending 40-70 bucks and get it done right.

racerdave

Alright, I will pick up a camber kit, they are not expencive anyways. Thanks guys.