Carfixer's alignment specs - are they a mod? [Archive]

mrjones

08-31-2006, 07:23 PM

If so, I've done one more aftermarket thing to my car. Not a very exciting total I'm afraid.

I took my car in today and had two new front tires put on (from TireRack) and had the alignment done using Carfixer's specs. The alignment guy wasn't too excited about me bringing in my own specs, but he did it anyway. "I'll do it, but I'm not gonna guarantee it. It's gonna wear out the edges of the tires." Damn dude, look at the tires I've got on the car first. Actually, my outside edges were showing thread (not tread), but that was from last summer at Texas Motor Speedway. Thanks again Romo, if you're still around - that was a hell of a day!!!

Bottom line is: I got the car back, and he must've used Carfixer's specs, because it drives pretty differently now. They gave me a nice little printout of the "after" specs. If I can figure out how to scan it and get it on the website, I'll do that soon. The car has always been great at going around the curves, but in a straight line, even before the tires were worn all to hell, it was really nervous, or twitchy. Now, its much more calm, it still tracks straight, but the steering doesn't try nearly as hard to center itself as it did. The steering is a little lighter, I guess due to the decreased toe.

I really can't see how it can keep from improving tire wear and gas mileage. I think if I were going back to the track, I'd want the toe set as it was from the factory. For every day driving, I think this is a much better setup. Thanks, Claude!

baltimoremm

08-31-2006, 07:43 PM

If those alignment specs are a mod.....then consider me modded!!!!
I heard it adds .001 horsepower:P

Bigdogjim

08-31-2006, 07:51 PM

Just right on the money from a real top notch guy!:beer:

KillJoy

09-01-2006, 05:36 AM

SergntMac

09-01-2006, 04:54 PM

I would say that - NO - I do not conside this a mod. Carfixer's Specs are within the factory specs according to my local NTB. They also cover it under warranty because of this.

His Specs are just more refined that the HUGE margin from the Factory.

JMHO ;)

KillJoyAgreed, my friend.

Kenny Brown, (thus, me via the #1x) was using these specs back in '03 when I took over #1x ownership. The factory tires and alignment held for 16K, but with severe wear. Kenny wrote an alignment spec for autocross racing which improves handling for that, but it's also very hard on tires. He also included a set of his specs based on OEM specs known at the time. They are virtually identical to the "Carfixer-Fix" and well within the factory recommendations.

Back then, wasn't much written down anywhere, when the Marauder was still rather rare in books, spec sheets, equipment, replacement parts and so on. Hell, we couldn't even find an oil filter. A lot is all better now.

IMHO, calling these specs the "CarFixer-Fix" is fine with me, as long as the word gets around.

BTW...No, it's not a "mod", just the right way to get things done.

Smokie

09-01-2006, 05:23 PM

Doned by the master himself: Carfixer.

Mad4Macs

09-01-2006, 05:33 PM

If so, I've done one more aftermarket thing to my car. Not a very exciting total I'm afraid.

You might not think it's exciting now, but call us back in 15 thousand miles and you'll be jumping up and down!

Tallboy

09-01-2006, 05:36 PM

Agreed, my friend.

Kenny Brown, (thus, me via the #1x) was using these specs back in '03 when I took over #1x ownership. The factory tires and alignment held for 16K, but with severe wear. Kenny wrote an alignment spec for autocross racing which improves handling for that, but it's also very hard on tires. He also included a set of his specs based on OEM specs known at the time. They are virtually identical to the "Carfixer-Fix" and well within the factory recommendations.

Back then, wasn't much written down anywhere, when the Marauder was still rather rare in books, spec sheets, equipment, replacement parts and so on. Hell, we couldn't even find an oil filter. A lot is all better now.

IMHO, calling these specs the "CarFixer-Fix" is fine with me, as long as the word gets around.

BTW...No, it's not a "mod", just the right way to get things done.

Really? It Is?

WHEW! :sweat: At least now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Gotta call Claude and tell him the good news...:blah:

MM2004

09-01-2006, 06:15 PM

Really? It Is?

WHEW! :sweat: At least now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Gotta call Claude and tell him the good news...:blah:

WHEW! And I'll sleep better knowing you are placing a phone call.

:nono: :rolleyes:

Mike.

CRUZTAKER

09-01-2006, 08:07 PM

Is it really that hard to stomach that perhaps two or three automotively gifted individuals may have simultaneously, unbenounced to each other, thought to themselves one sunny afternoon..."gee, these alignment numbers could be better..."

Uhh Naw.

I thank Claude for getting this info out to the masses, including myself.
I refer to the alignment spec as "Claude's spec as well".
Should I defend him because someone said it was done before?

Uhh yeah.:stupid:

SergntMac

09-02-2006, 06:57 AM

Really? It Is?

WHEW! :sweat: At least now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Gotta call Claude and tell him the good news...:blah:Now you're just being yourself Chuck, fun guy that you are.

The truth is in the history, custom alignment specs for the Marauder first originated in 2002, when Kenny Brown built the #1x car. He also provided several alignment options for different types of competion driving. This is the truth, and Claude had nothing to do with creating these specs.

Tis sad this truth upsets you, but it's also true that neither Claude nor you were Marauder owners back then, nor members here. The fact that Claude came up with more specs for the Marauder is a good thing, especially at a time when problems of early tire wear were coming to the surface, and the 411 was badly needed by a membership that was growing larger everyday.

Bravo on getting that word out, but Claude wasn't the first to write specs for the Marauder. Knowing him to be the gentleman he is, I honestly do not believe he would make such a claim.

Tallboy

09-02-2006, 08:28 AM

Now you're just being yourself Chuck, fun guy that you are.

The truth is in the history, custom alignment specs for the Marauder first originated in 2002, when Kenny Brown built the #1x car. He also provided several alignment options for different types of competion driving. This is the truth, and Claude had nothing to do with creating these specs.

Tis sad this truth upsets you, but it's also true that neither Claude nor you were Marauder owners back then, nor members here. The fact that Claude came up with more specs for the Marauder is a good thing, especially at a time when problems of early tire wear were coming to the surface, and the 411 was badly needed by a membership that was growing larger everyday.

Bravo on getting that word out, but Claude wasn't the first to write specs for the Marauder. Knowing him to be the gentleman he is, I honestly do not believe he would make such a claim.

Being myself? Fun guy? At least one of those is open for debate. :D

Upset? Hardly. I just got a kick of your post saying it was OK with you to refer to the spec's as Carfixer's. As late as I was getting to the MM.NET party, I'd never heard them referred to as anything else, and I thank you for setting the record straight. I'm well aware of the groundgreaking status you and your car hold, and I've never tried to dim the light that shines on either.

SergntMac

09-02-2006, 09:45 AM

Being myself? Fun guy? At least one of those is open for debate. :D

Upset? Hardly. I just got a kick of your post saying it was OK with you to refer to the spec's as Carfixer's. As late as I was getting to the MM.NET party, I'd never heard them referred to as anything else, and I thank you for setting the record straight. I'm well aware of the groundgreaking status you and your car hold, and I've never tried to dim the light that shines on either.It's all good, Chuck, believe me. It's good as long as you and others here understand that I didn't have anything to do with the #1x creation, and I am not claiming any honors for myself. I just bought the car when it was retired by Kenny, it's his creation and development.

I will take credit for changes Zack and I have made to this car, and for other stuff Marauder related, i.e. the Z&M control arms. But, the #1x and it's history among Marauders, is the property of Kenny Brown and Bill Karrow, the man who jump started it all in June of '02.

Peace, my friend.

MERCMAN

09-02-2006, 06:57 PM

groundgreaking

Is groundgreaking an illegal act in any of the 48 contiguous states??? :rofl:

carfixer

09-02-2006, 07:25 PM

I didn't "invent" alignment specs. When asked, I let people know what I set my car to. That's it.
Honestly, any experienced alignment tech should be able to look tire wear and align accordingly.

Vortech347

09-02-2006, 08:01 PM

Thats like when people have a signature a mile long of things done and their car makes 10hp more than stock.

I'd say no.

But on the other hand thanks carfixer. I just got mine re-done to your spec's. :) Its just easier to hand the tech a piece of paper thats in his terms rather than try to explain it.

MI2QWK4U

09-02-2006, 08:27 PM

grampaws

09-03-2006, 01:11 AM

The car should be re-aligned after lowering..and car fixers spec's
should still apply..lowering on most car will alter the camber settings
sometimes toe settings.

STLR FN

09-03-2006, 08:01 AM

I'm semi modded with Carfixer's specs. None of the alignment shops I've been too, both dealer and otherwise, will warranty the alignment if using Carfixer's specs, even though they are well within Ford's specs. So they get them as close as possible. Go figure.

KillJoy

09-03-2006, 09:18 AM

Does having the car lowered by either cutting coils or using aftermarket springs change Carfixer's specs? Or will they work fine on a lowered Marauder. I had my car alligned after lowering it, but my inner treads are worn and the outsides are fine.

I get my car aligned w/ these specs after cutting one full coil. Haven't seem to have any problems yet :D

I'm semi modded with Carfixer's specs. None of the alignment shops I've been too, both dealer and otherwise, will warranty the alignment if using Carfixer's specs, even though they are well within Ford's specs. So they get them as close as possible. Go figure.

Two local NTB's (Nation Tire and Battery) have said they will warranty this, because it IS within the Factory Specs. Perhaps pointing that out may help them to see ths light???

KillJoy

KAILUAZ

09-03-2006, 09:27 AM

Will these specs work with my 05 Sport? Thanks.

CRUZTAKER

09-03-2006, 10:33 AM

Will these specs work with my 05 Sport? Thanks.

Not sure. Are you getting inside tire wear?

This was a VERY COMMON issue with the Marauder. It became VERY APPARENT within the first few months and first 10k miles of damn near every owner here.

All of us were wearing the centers out of our rears, and the inner edges of our fronts.

This was NO coincedence.

BTW: Thanks for replying Claude. It must be nice to know you have a big brother on the site.:P Like any of us, or vendors need defending.:rolleyes:

Mike Poore

09-03-2006, 11:18 AM

Really? It Is?

WHEW! :sweat: At least now I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Gotta call Claude and tell him the good news...:blah:

Chuck, why don't you just give a rest? :banned:
I can't recall a single post from Mac, where you didn't feel free to take occasion to turn into a left handed attack, and sometimes downright personal; without, I might add, ever suggesting a single constructive, or informative addition to the original post. :argue:

Like mom used to say, If you can't say something nice, (and I'll add) constructive, then it's better to say nothing at all.

There seem to have been some welcome administrative changes on this board, and for the better, I think. Let's put our agendas away and get back to being an MM oriented website. :burnout:

KillJoy

09-03-2006, 11:29 AM

Let's put our agendas away and get back to being an MM oriented website. :burnout:

I could not agree more!!!! :beer:

KillJoy

Tallboy

09-03-2006, 07:40 PM

Chuck, why don't you just give a rest? :banned:
I can't recall a single post from Mac, where you didn't feel free to take occasion to turn into a left handed attack, and sometimes downright personal; without, I might add, ever suggesting a single constructive, or informative addition to the original post. :argue:

Like mom used to say, If you can't say something nice, (and I'll add) constructive, then it's better to say nothing at all.

There seem to have been some welcome administrative changes on this board, and for the better, I think. Let's put our agendas away and get back to being an MM oriented website. :burnout:

Find any post where I've ever launched a personal attack on Mac. Go Ahead. I dare you. You won't see Mac and I duking it out here. We take our personal issues to the telephone. Every time. Call Mac and ask him what he thinks of me. He'll tell you straight up, just as he does for me.

Feel free to take occasion to turn something into a left handed attack? You mean like you just did in your thinly veiled reference to Dave? You're a hypocrite and apparently not even educated enough to realize it.

STLR FN

09-03-2006, 09:22 PM

Let's put our agendas away and get back to being an MM oriented website. :burnout:Unfortunately I just don't see that happening. People will always have an agenda to one up another. Sorry telling it like it is.

bigslim

09-03-2006, 09:42 PM

:popcorn:!!

MikesMerc

09-03-2006, 10:24 PM

Feel free to take occasion to turn something into a left handed attack? You mean like you just did in your thinly veiled reference to Dave? You're a hypocrite and apparently not even educated enough to realize it.

You called that one right on the money Chuck. Mike takes every opportunity he can to attack the MCMs and anyone else who doesn't cow tow to his personal view of what mm.net should be about. I've lost count of just how many times Mike has jumped into a middle of a thread to spout off about Dave, Daryl, Detroit, or the MCM members in general. Everyone sees it. Certainly enough people have commented about it. Bravo for calling him flat out on it. Hypocrite is the perfect word indeed.

Mike Poore

09-04-2006, 07:58 AM

Find any post where I've ever launched a personal attack on Mac. Go Ahead. I dare you. quote]

Well, OK, since you asked: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=406996&postcount=3 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=406996&postcount=3)

[quote=Tallboy] You're a hypocrite and apparently not even educated enough to realize it.

You'd consider the man with this resume to be uneducated?
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=408447&postcount=315 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=408447&postcount=315)

You mean like you just did in your thinly veiled reference to Dave?

Dave? Who mentioned anything about Dave? What has Dave got to do with my asking you to behave yourself?
And another thing, how does someone in Florida claim to be a "Brother" and become the full time apologist for a few folks who take it upon themselves to speak for and sully the good name of the Motor City Marauders?
It would be refreshing to see some of the good guys from Detroit speak out and regain control of their fine organization, rather than allow an outsider to speak for them. :shake:
And before the MCM attack dogs come out; don't think about attacking my wife for naming her Mustang, or make snide comments about her car being published in Mustang Monthly, and no, I didn't say anything about Jerry Barnes.
Um, I guess you won't be requesting an autographed copy of July's edition of Mustang Monthly, HUH, CHUCK?

CRUZTAKER

09-04-2006, 08:23 AM

We take our personal issues to the telephone. Every time. Call Mac and ask him what he thinks of me. He'll tell you straight up, just as he does for me.

I sure hope you two are ok.

It would be nice to know that even though it appears (online) that some of us consistantly take shots at certain others in an effort to annoy and bring the closet haters out of their dark room to defend them....that in reality the two may not particularly like each others views, but get along in person (or atleast in direct conversation).

If this is indeed the case...please! You folks from both sides, and this includes me...QUIT STICKING your (our) noses into other peoples pokes at each other.

younga1

09-04-2006, 09:01 AM

I thought this thread was about alignment stuff, but somewhere, it went way south.

Actually, I should probably use another term. In the south, we don't try to throw our friends under the bus like many have here.

No one here invented alignment specs!!! They simply gave an opinion. If someone here is of the same opinion, guess what, we are getting good information.

Who really cares who thought of our posted it first!!!

I'm on my third alignment and 3rd set of fronts with less than 45k on the odo. Specs. are worthless if you can't find a shop who can pull it off.

If someone really wants to help, reccommend a good shop in DFW TX for me. Otherwise lets just talk about cars and stop trying to slam one another.

MikesMerc

09-04-2006, 09:56 AM

And another thing, how does someone in Florida claim to be a "Brother" and become the full time apologist for a few folks who take it upon themselves to speak for and sully the good name of the Motor City Marauders? It would be refreshing to see some of the good guys from Detroit speak out and regain control of their fine organization, rather than allow an outsider to speak for them.

For the record, Chuck is NOT an outsider. He is a full fledged member of the MCM. Not only that, Chuck is a highly valued, active, supportive, and contributing member. Anyone who flys into town for the entire week, gets involved in the event all week long, and comes out at 6am in the dark on a rainy Saturday morning to help get the Dream Cruise Day event up and running is a helluva member. :beer:

And what is this "good name of the Motor City Marauders" and "fine organization" your going on about:rolleyes: . You've been slamming Detroit and the MCM for as long as everyone can remember. Get off the soap box. Everyone already knows your position and you're not fooling anyone. You lipped off yet again and just got called out on it this time. Get over it.

As for the "good guys"....I hate to break it to you, but we ARE the good guys. All the people you seem to hate so much (a long list it seems) are the same guys that make the club function and make all the events happen. Frankly, everyone in the club is aware of your antics and even our less active members are sick and tired of your constant attacks. So, in reality, you are appealing to no one.

You folks from both sides, and this includes me...QUIT STICKING your (our) noses into other peoples pokes at each other.

Couldn't agree more Barry. Most every thread that turns ugly is the result of others spouting off because they see an opportunity to take a shot.

Tallboy

09-04-2006, 10:03 AM

[quote=Tallboy]Find any post where I've ever launched a personal attack on Mac. Go Ahead. I dare you. quote]

Well, OK, since you asked: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=406996&postcount=3 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=406996&postcount=3)

You'd consider the man with this resume to be uneducated?
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=408447&postcount=315 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=408447&postcount=315)

Dave? Who mentioned anything about Dave? What has Dave got to do with my asking you to behave yourself?
And another thing, how does someone in Florida claim to be a "Brother" and become the full time apologist for a few folks who take it upon themselves to speak for and sully the good name of the Motor City Marauders?
It would be refreshing to see some of the good guys from Detroit speak out and regain control of their fine organization, rather than allow an outsider to speak for them. :shake:
And before the MCM attack dogs come out; don't think about attacking my wife for naming her Mustang, or make snide comments about her car being published in Mustang Monthly, and no, I didn't say anything about Jerry Barnes.
Um, I guess you won't be requesting an autographed copy of July's edition of Mustang Monthly, HUH, CHUCK?

The first referenced post was a joke that did not even include Mac's name. As for referring me to your "resume", you must really care what I think about you. You are so far out of your league here, you're embarrassing yourself. But, I guess you're quite used to it by now. In a show of sheer mercy on my part, I'll let this go.

You're welcome.

EDIT: My apologies for the thread derailment, I thought Mac and I were good. Perhaps this one should be shut down. The question has been answered and it seems to be going nowhere fast.

Mike Poore

09-04-2006, 10:58 AM

For the record, Chuck is NOT an outsider. He is a full fledged member of the MCM. Not only that, Chuck is a highly valued, active, supportive, and contributing member. Anyone who flys into town for the entire week, gets involved in the event all week long, and comes out at 6am in the dark on a rainy Saturday morning to help get the Dream Cruise Day event up and running is a helluva member. .

Of course, with your incredible selective memory, you seem to have forgotten that Barbara and I DROVE to Detroit to participate in the Dream Cruise, but perhaps only flying counts, therefore we could not be counted amongst those considered to be "helluva members". We were involved in the event and helped out as we could.
Did you know, for instance, that we were the suppliers of the numerous cases of fine Pennsylvania Troegs Beer(s) that were served at the hospitality suite? Ask around, it was Barbara and I who helped Donna set up and assist with the hospitality suite, which, as I recall was attended by my good friends Paul, Bradley, and Dan, and mostly boycotted my the majority of the MCM crew for whatever reason. Come to think of it, I may have more friends in MCM than you. :D
Even with a cast on my leg, I assisted an old gent across Woodward Ave., and fetched food and liquid refreshment on numerous occasions, for one of your fine members. I even donated a nice stack of those MM fold out posters for door prizes, that were never given away; and suspect ended up on Ebay. .....Just for the record.

BTW, I think front end alignment is very important. :)