I got a 90 integra and I changed my wheels from 195/60/14 stock steelies to 205/50/15 gsr fat fives. The ride is at stock height. Do I need to get a alignment?

 

no major change there
so keep it as is.

 

nope. just get the wheels balanced and you'll do fine.

Do the alignment if you had suspension or chassis work done.

 

naw, you'll be just fine, only need to do an alignment each time your car gets raised/lowered or certain chassis work.

 

Hello guys. Sorry to disagree here, but after spending quite some time working at a national chain tire/alignment shop in my youth, your car DOES need regular alignments. Just because your car doesn't pull, or your steering wheel is off, doesn't mean your alignment is good. If you don't care about how often you buy new tires then do nothing. It used to be many of the major shops would do free alignment checks. If the car needed it then they will tell you. Check your area, you may find that there are shops there that do free checks.

This is also hard to answer with out seeing the old tires. If they have been on the car for a while look for signs for uneven wear, cupping, feathering, etc..... Some things to remember about tires and alignments are: Proper tire pressure and a good alignment will have a big effect on your mileage and handling.

 

I understand where you are comming from but a real free
aligment check????

well the diameter has not change much on his set up so its up to you.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wraith_G2IC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hello guys. Sorry to disagree here, but your car DOES need regular alignments. Just because your car doesn't pull, or your steering wheel is off, doesn't mean your alignment is good. If you don't care about how often you buy new tires then do nothing.

This is also hard to answer with out seeing the old tires. If they have been on the car for a while look for signs for uneven wear, cupping, feathering, etc..... Some things to remember about tires and alignments are: Proper tire pressure and a good alignment will have a big effect on your mileage and handling.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree! I used to work in a tire shop. Anytime you change wheel size or raise or lower your car, its is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get an alignment check. It will save your pocket in the long run!

 

My old tires had no signs of uneven wear.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by francisco flores &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I understand where you are comming from but a real free
aligment check????

well the diameter has not change much on his set up so its up to you.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This may be true, but that is only one dimension of wheel swaps. Tire tread width is another. The wider your tire, the more critical it is to have a good setup. Skinnier tires may not show signs of wear, but slap on some wider tires and you have a whole new story. Look at the contact patch of a 195/60/14 (around 6.7") compared to a 205/50/15 (around 7.2"). They are on average 1/2" wider tread pattern. Inside and outside wear will show much faster on wider tires. If (deeice30) had said he went with the same size tires all around I would still say to have it checked. And "YES" they would check your alignment for free at some shops (best to do while you are getting the tires). NTB used to do this. (used to be NTW). You figure you just dropped $200-$500 (depending on your tires) and an alignment will cost you $40-$80. Screw the rain-forest..... Save your tires. (Just kidding tree huggers)

deeice30 - if you don't have the bucks to do an alignment right away you can keep your tires rotated every oil change or so. This will distribute any wear on your tires. It is a good idea to rotate on a regular schedule any way. But you should have your front end checked out. Remember they are also looking for wear on tire rods, steering rack, joints, etc..... this gives you a heads up on what may need future or immediate attention. Better than breaking some thing on the road.