They were awesome at mounting tires and balancing them. They were even kind enough to remove oem tpms and replace my runflats with just regular valves for free. Additionally, they offered to align the car for a discounted price which I took and it was fine... You add one part and there goes your customer service.

Regardless, got an appointment for next week. These places are busy!

 

"Don't take this personally" Are you joking? I pay you money - you adjust my camber. PM me the name of that shop so I'm sure to avoid it. Congrats on the suspension.

 

Many shops will not touch "modified" cars due to their insurance and liability concerns. They can not afford to be liable if something bad goes on on the road and they get sued for "modifying" the car. I am sure some sleazy lawyer could convince a jury who does not know better than alignment not to manufactures spec was dangerous, so they are libel for you hitting a tree at 100 drunk in a 35 MPH posted zone.

 

True true and I can see where they are coming. I was just taken back because his sole reason was that people with modified/lowered cars continued to go back to him to get minor adjustments here and there (I can see that being annoying)... I guess I was offended because he already labeled me as one of those people.

Like I said, I know very little about all the details involved in alignments and adjustments... and could seriously care less. Never autoxed or tracked (dont hate). With the H&Rs, the speed I take sweeping corners now are scary because I find myself in a position where I can keep pushing it further. I know that the speeds around corners that causes understeer are somewhere waaayy way beyond the 2x speed limit... which is why im afraid ill end up in a ditch if i ever end up going that fast. With that said, for the driving I do, all i require is that when my steering wheel is straight, I go straight, and as best as possible, even tire wear.

Lastly... i must agree this IS how the mini should have felt coming out of the factory. It looks fantastic, and feels like a completely different car.

 

I don't think they teach diplomacy in the Hunter alignment school. You could always drop in ( right off Rt 1 north of Laurel in the B-W industrial park) and find out! They used to love to get anything odd in there to play with. I ran a warehouse two doors down for a while. They would come over and say " we need Fords tomorrow" Great bunch of guys.

Not surprised the H&R's work well. They seem to have spent a lot of time on the Mini. I know they showed up in force at Summit Point a few times. However, they did not answer my snail mail inquiry into the vibration problem. Bad PR guys!

Learning some of the details about your car is helpful. I would suggest the old standby basic book " How To Make Your Car Handle", Fred Punn. Dated, but all the basics are there. With a bit of understanding, you can then translate what you feel in your seat with what change may be best to address it. It is OK to copy what some of the rest of us find satisfactory, but there is actually no "right" setup. If there was, it would come that way. Everyone has different style and different preferences. I prefer soft springs and stiff bars. I like a car that gives good feedback early as I drive quickly on the street. Others with more track experience are probably more accustomed to a looser car with less warning. I would not want their setup. For me, it is the enjoyment of driving well, not necessary the MPH. Others just need speed.

A great tip from the Infamous Carroll Smith was on a practice day, after getting the car set up "just right", go adjust the shocks one at a time to the softest position. That way the driver can feel what a blown shock feels like. Sounds like a fantastic tip for anyone with adjustable shocks!