Sit in car for allignment?

[markZ4MC]

Hi folks, wondering what the consensus is whether it makes sense to sit or ballast the driver side during an allignment.

In my old Miata days it was always recommended, but the Z4MC is heavier car - not sure if its necessary.

[Finnegan]

Ballast is recommended per TIS, as is a full tank of gas and other things.

See this post.

If you seldom (or never) have passengers, I suppose an argument to have the ballast in the driver's seat only.

[markZ4MC]

Thanks for the post Finnegan. It's amazing how many shops told me its unnecessary or against policy to have someone sit in the vehicle.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Ballast is recommended per TIS, as is a full tank of gas and other things.

See this post.

If you seldom (or never) have passengers, I suppose an argument to have the ballast in the driver's seat only.

This is one thing I want to check further, but haven't gotten around to yet.

To me it makes absolute sense to align it the way it is weighted for corner balancing and the way the car is driven.
.....weighted for driver only and I usually have the tank 3/4 full.

What I want to check though is the difference in the numbers with it weighted each way.
I'll get it on the my scales one day & do a comparo.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by markZ4MC

Thanks for the post Finnegan. It's amazing how many shops told me its unnecessary or against policy to have someone sit in the vehicle.

Liability insurance is the reason for that.

You can have the car weighted with bags of sand or something similar to simulate your weight.

[seank]

Originally Posted by markZ4MC

Hi folks, wondering what the consensus is whether it makes sense to sit or ballast the driver side during an allignment.

In my old Miata days it was always recommended, but the Z4MC is heavier car - not sure if its necessary.

It's very necessary if you want it perfect, are anal, and can feel it when its 1/32 out. It is mostly affected by softer springs.

But the argument could be made that if you have stock bushings, ballast or no ballast doesn't matter since the flex is sooo bad. No squeaks though.

Take it to a race shop if you want ballast or person in the seat.

[Z4-VILLA]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Liability insurance is the reason for that.

You can have the car weighted with bags of sand or something similar to simulate your weight.

270 pounds.......FML.

I know you peeps are gonna try and tell me to lose weight. lol
But at 230 Im skin and bones lol.

Sandbags for me then.....hmmmm interesting idea here