Where's your most trusted favorite alignment and/or tire mounting shop in the DC metro area(preferably VA but will travel for good service)? Costco banged up my old wheels and lost my wheel lock key on my last visit so I don't trust them any longer.

Thanks.
T.

 

Funktion Auto (see the banner on top of every page) has some pretty advanced alignment equipment, and they have a great reputation. I haven't had the chance to use them yet, but they're on the top of my list

 

I had my MCS aligned by Funktion. Steve at Funktion is their alignment king. He is a perfectionist and an accomplished auto-xer. But, you pay the price for perfection. Do you have any aftermarket suspension parts? If not, and if you just want a basic alignment, then they will probably only charge you for an hour. If you have coilovers, camber plates, etc, and want a race alignment, it will run you about 3 hours of labor.

Although I have not used Mach V, Dan, the owner, is very nice, and I hear great things about their work. I believe their labor rates are cheaper than Funktion. I would like to take mine in there sometime in the future.

 

Thanks guys!

No suspension mods beyond the oem sports package and H-sway bar.

I'll give Dan a ring. That's the 3rd time his name's come up

Best,
T.

 

I had a 5 yr alignment plan at NTB/Mechant Auto and I've taken my lowered MCS to the NTB in Chatilly and they've always done a great job. $150 and probably had 10 alignments between multiple cars. IMO you don't need to go to a speacialty store to get a good alignment as long as you can fit on the equipment

 

I called Funktion and was quoted $270+ for an alignment. Mach V did it for me to my specs on Friday for $150 (camber plates and camber links and a bit of a PITA...lower for normal cars).

I'm still using Costco to mount tires....$40 is hard to beat and spending $120-150 that most places charges doesn't guarantee a spotless job either.

 

Hey PGT...did you do corner balancing?

 

hell no, not at those prices

it's only possible with adjustable endlinks ($300+) and adds several hours. only beneficial for track cars

 

How's the car running now?

 

mine? did great this weekend at the CDC auto-x. I dropped my front camber numbers from last year (to add straight line traction). The front tires rolled over more than I'd like and pushed a bit, but I was running full soft on the dampers. Add some air pressue, some damper firmness and I think it's a good combo. Good to know that even on all-seasons and a 22mm rear sway, I could throw the car around and the back end wouldn't get squirrely

 

What are your current camber settings PGT?

 

-1.7F / 1/16 toe out
-1.4R / 1/16 toe in

 

I had Curry's Auto in Chantilly mount my tires and balance my wheels. It was under $100 for all four. They were great and are on the Helix Authorized Installer list (along with Funktion) so they know MINIs. I will definitely go back there for service.

 

I had the opposite experience with Curry's in Sterling. YMMV