hi all: just came back from my 10k check up, and dealer was great, replacing numerous parts (including clutch and flywheel), brakes, belt, blades, coolant, etc. etc.. awesome work... I just complained about the motor idling a bit rough, and the mechanic indicated that the flywheel/clutch assembly had a slight rattle... they did all the work under warranty, even replaced 2 brake caliper dust boots for me that became cracked.. all no charge... however, they are about an hour ride away for me, and upon return of the car, I noticed the steering wasn't quite as accurate as before, and in reading the bentley manual, it states that an alignment is needed when doing a clutch job as the front subframe is removed then too... Well, instead of going back to the dealer I want to get a good alignment in the boston, or west of boston area.. thoughts are to have my 2005 rear (adjustable abit) aligned to zero toe, as little as possible neg camber, front set as neg camber as possible, which i realize is really not much, zero toe, and rest within spec. I just use the car on the street with less than 10 track days per year.. so what do people think about my suggested alignment settings, and any boston (west of boston) recommendations for a shop that has experience with the new MINI? I don't mind paying for a good job, 1x and right is my goal, and I realize a good alignment takes some time... also, my 2005 cooper s had jcw suspension.. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You might check with Brake and alignment specialty shops first.
If you can't find any then ask your local SCCA club that supports Solo events (autocross) who their members go to when needing alignment. Also your local BMW CCA club will know.

Most regular garages don't know much about the MINI.

Zero toe front and back can be ok for your purposes.
It's all a compromise between a bit more performance vs more wear on your tires for street use.

Hitting potholes and doing upgrades can alter alignment. To get the best performance and best wear on your tires you can do alignments once yearly or every two years.

 

Or every few months, depending on how many suspension changes you make..............

Seriously make sure you get a recommendation from an enthusiast as minihune suggests. Another good resource other than BMW folks, especially on the east coast as there are a lot of them; is VW folks.

Check out the regional forums at www.vwvortex.com and do a search. i know there will be many reqs!