East Side: Performance Alignment Packages

[OZMDD]

The problem with NTB and other chains is that you are totally dependent on there being a tech with that knowledge and ability, and the corporate policies do not allow them to do alignments that are outside the parameters programmed into the machines. As you've discovered, you can get lucky and find a guy who will bend the rules, let you sit in the car, crank up the tolerances on the machine, etc, but they are few and far-between. If the guy leaves the shop or his boss tells him "no more" on the special alignments, you are stuck with your 3 year plan. Ask me how I know this...

[MC70]

^ I couldn't agree more. That's why I made sure to tell you to make sure you talk to Adam. He's very familiar with the Miata by now The day he leaves... Well, I will still probably go there and kick myself every time I have to. But I do make them earn their keep. Adam is a recent addition to the shop and is truly a good tech. Take advantage of it (if you are near enough in the neighborhood) while you can.

But the bosses know they don't have any recourse on the alignment adjustments here. I told them I'd be getting them often as I was thinking of getting into AutoX. They said they were fine with it.

I do, however, often bring them lunch/donuts, etc. Yeah, I realize that costs me even more but it keeps them friendly and going out of their way for me. Well worth it. KCCO, ya know?

[altiain]

Back from the dead...

So McShizzle, anything ever come of this deal? I need an alignment before the NTAXS event.

[OZMDD]

Yep, they said its a go. I'll make sure its cool to post the name and contact info tomorrow. In the meantime, I'll shoot you an email with the details.

[Jiggerachi]

Is there a west side equivalent to this...just the $100 custom number numbers deal? TTW is 150 right. I need some mad camber before I mount my 225s but not sure ive deemed the megasquirt reliable enough for that far just yet. Plus insp/reg is out and tires are bald so local is easier.

If not send me the shop info as well I'll see if I can make the voyage over there next week. A highway drive wouldn't be a bad thing for the ol girl.

[goofygrin]

TTW is 150 for a package. One time is 100 or less.

Don't be that TCB if you want these good places to stay in business.

[sammm]

TTW is 150 for a package. One time is 100 or less.

TTW raised their prices awhile back....

• Starting at $99.99* – 2 Wheel Alignment – Includes adjusting toe, camber and caster
• Starting at $149.99* – 4 Wheel Alignment – Includes adjusting toe, camber and caster
• Starting at $219.99* – Unlimited, free alignment adjustments for 1 year. This package is ideal for customers looking to dial in or adjust their alignment for track days, racing, autocross, wheel fitment or other purposes.

[OZMDD]

Cobb is also about $100 for the one-timer. That's also the standard price at the place I've been talking to.

[black roadster]

The reoccurring alignment sounds good McShizzle! Not everyone needs or wants that though so I have another option.

For what it's worth, we get customers asking about alignment shops and it seems we find one that works, the guy leaves and we have to start over.

This time we talked to Town North Mazda in Richardson. We discussed what we wanted with the service manager and he was on board. You can call them and talk to Victor. Tell them Track Dog sent you. They have a tech there named Percy that is very good. They will do one time custom alignments with you in the car for $89.95. Have your specs available for Percy. If you go, please be polite. We would like to keep this arrangement available to all the local Miata enthusiasts. In other words, don't be a d!ck and ruin it for everyone else.

[tailchaser]

The reoccurring alignment sounds good McShizzle! Not everyone needs or wants that though so I have another option.

For what it's worth, we get customers asking about alignment shops and it seems we find one that works, the guy leaves and we have to start over.

This time we talked to Town North Mazda in Richardson. We discussed what we wanted with the service manager and he was on board. You can call them and talk to Victor. Tell them Track Dog sent you. They have a tech there named Percy that is very good. They will do one time custom alignments with you in the car for $89.95. Have your specs available for Percy. If you go, please be polite. We would like to keep this arrangement available to all the local Miata enthusiasts. In other words, don't be a d!ck and ruin it for everyone else.

Don't forget that you no longer get to pimp TDR since you work there and your sponsorship expired...

[altiain]

The reoccurring alignment sounds good McShizzle! Not everyone needs or wants that though so I have another option.

For what it's worth, we get customers asking about alignment shops and it seems we find one that works, the guy leaves and we have to start over.

This time we talked to Town North Mazda in Richardson. We discussed what we wanted with the service manager and he was on board. You can call them and talk to Victor. Tell them Track Dog sent you. They have a tech there named Percy that is very good. They will do one time custom alignments with you in the car for $89.95. Have your specs available for Percy. If you go, please be polite. We would like to keep this arrangement available to all the local Miata enthusiasts. In other words, don't be a d!ck and ruin it for everyone else.

Not to poop on your offer, but for $10 more I'll go to Cobb where I can get a custom alignment without knowing the super secret handshake or speaking to the right tech or going through the inevitable hassles involved in trying to get a volume dealer to do custom work. I've been to Town North and gone through their typical dealer extortion bullshit (we'll replace your fried cat under warranty, but only after you buy new coilpacks from us at $150 each) before. No thanks.

I've used Cobb for custom alignments several times before without any issues or hassle. Just my $.02.

[tailchaser]

Not to poop on your offer, but for $10 more I'll go to Cobb where I can get a custom alignment without knowing the super secret handshake or speaking to the right tech or going through the inevitable hassles involved in trying to get a volume dealer to do custom work. I've been to Town North and gone through their typical dealer extortion bullshit (we'll replace your fried cat under warranty, but only after you buy new coilpacks from us at $150 each) before. No thanks.

I've used Cobb for custom alignments several times before without any issues or hassle. Just my $.02.

Yeah... what he said. That, and I'd stick a burning stick in my bunghole before I took my car to Town North. But mostly, that's not how I'd go about saving $10.

[effse7en]

Good thing y'all bumped this. I just found out the other day that my LF wheels' camber is wayyyyyyyyy off, and the inside is smooth now, even though that tire was good two months ago. I'll hit up one of these places when I get my wheels and tires with my refund and then just do the minor tweaks myself if I need them.

[OZMDD]

The place is Autowerks of Plano, and they are located in the same building as Jack Junkies. They are still working out the pricing and details, but he said folks could call and get the ball rolling. He talked to TTW and is aware they've raised prices, so it prob won't be $150, but I think it'll stay under $200. Mention MME and he will be aware of the idea we've been discussing. He is down with the idea of an alignment plan, but wants to be sure he's structured it properly so it doesn't create unintended problems down the line. They have the latest, greatest Hunter super machine.

http://autowerksofplano.com

[effse7en]

The new Hunters are so nice. It makes it so easy even an idiot like me can do an alignment dead on the first time. I don't think I could ever go back to the old ones we had haha

[blackzx3_13]

The place is Autowerks of Plano, and they are located in the same building as Jack Junkies. They are still working out the pricing and details, but he said folks could call and get the ball rolling. He talked to TTW and is aware they've raised prices, so it prob won't be $150, but I think it'll stay under $200. Mention MME and he will be aware of the idea we've been discussing. He is down with the idea of an alignment plan, but wants to be sure he's structured it properly so it doesn't create unintended problems down the line. They have the latest, greatest Hunter super machine.

http://autowerksofplano.com

Awesome, that place is really close to the office.

[driftdevil]

Did you get any other info on pricing?

[sammm]

Mike...any updates on this?

[OZMDD]

No, the guy talks a great line in-person, then never follows up with promised details. I've given up. Sorry.

[sammm]

No worries...off to Texas Track Works.