C5 Alignment
Below are the specs that I've chosen for my 2002 Corvette, primarily with track days and tire life in mind. I do drive it on the street as well, but apparently not enough for the high camber to cause any isses with wear on the insides of the tires (I haven't noticed anything).
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Toe | Zero | |
| Front Caster | 6.5 | I'm told that power steering pump life gets shorter if you use more. |
| Front Camber | 2.9 | This is basically maxed out. |
| Rear Toe | 0.1? | I don't actually remember. A tiny bit. Maybe 1/8 inch? |
| Rear Camber | 1.5 | |
| Front Ride Height | 4.5" | Measured at the shipping slots in the frame rail. |
| Rear Ride Height | 5.0" | Measured at the shipping slots in the front rail. |
I started with some settings that I found on the Spec Corvette web site, did a couple track days, then made a couple small adjustments.
And, while we're on the subject of alignment...
I use delrin suspension bushings (RideTech's kit) and strongly recommend them if you do track days. Partly because they improve the feel a lot, but mostly because my tire wear has been VERY even, much more than I thought possible, and I'm pretty sure the bushings are the reason. Some people might tell you that they'll make noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) a lot worse, but it's really no big deal. It's somewhere in between going up an inch in wheel size (I mean, down in sidewall height), and switching to stiffer swaybars. Totally worth it.
I also use AMT's camber kit, to ensure that the alignment doesn't change. The stock eccentrics are prone to slip.
I run more rake than most, and I've also never had any issues with the front end feeling "floaty" at high speed (140 mph) and I don't think that's a coincidence. High speed front end lift is a common complaint from C5 folks. I suspect that the extra rake is what's keeping mine planted.