Guys, do any of you have a local shop you prefer for alignments? I did read the stickied thread regarding area shops, but I don't know which ones of them are good for alignments.

I know what I want the car aligned to, but I need a place to take it.

Thanks,

John

I would recommend the Martin motorsports in VA if you can make the drive down here (Alexandria, VA). He is definitely into tracking and auto-x; thus, he could probably help you out the most. I believe he is also open on Saturdays.

I know Pete Lem had his done at Pro-imports (auto-x) setup and he really liked it. They are also open on Saturdays if you make the appointment in advance. Pat gave him a custom alignment based on what Pete wanted ...

Hope that helps ...

Thanks, I'll give each of them a call and price out a 4-wheel with thrust angle.

John

BMW of Towson did mine, and did a great job. Bart the tech used to have his own shop and race VW's.

How much did they charge you, John?

Not to take anything away from Towson, but I've heard from a guy on another board that Russel has a good alignment guy. They regularly have a coupon for $89.

Be careful about taking your car to Russel for an alignment if your intentions are to get it aligned to specs you provide.

When I had my last M3 done, I asked if I could specify what alignment settings I wanted. He quickly said, "Why, you racing it?" (Racing? :eek:!)

Knowing how some dealers get about warranties, I said no, just curious, and let them align it to factory specs.

He then went on to say that they like to make notes in people's records when they know that person is interested in track racing or auto-x. They love to deny warranty work whenever they can.

Originally posted by SoloII///M
Thanks, I'll give each of them a thrust angle.

John

:eek:

Originally posted by robmarch
I'd like to screw them on the shop floor, if you know what I mean.

And I think you do.

GHEY!!

:lol:

I think it was $125, but ProImports is too far to justify their $100 instead.

The tech who I used to do the alignment is Bart from Bart's Autowerks. (sp?) He races/raced a VW for years, and understands what you ask of him.

Another good shop closer to you guys is www.4induktion.com -- I know the owners of that shop and knew them prior to them opening it. Ask for Ed and tell him I referred you. He owns an E30 M3 as well, so, he should be able to help you out greatly.

I believe they are located in Columbia, MD if that is closer for you.

James

FYI, Inducktion does not have an alignment machine.

Ed just emailed me back with:


Id probably recommend Turbo Performance Center in Jessup. Not to far from us. If you are not familiar with them, they race / campaign 996's in the Speed World Challenge series, and are pretty hardcore. They would be able to set you up well for your needs. 410-799-7223. Ask for Mike Levitas and tell him Ed from Induktion Motorsports sent you.

Ed

Thanks John! Lots closer to me than any of the other candidates. I'll be calling them up!

John