Centre Gravity
Discussion
I’m sure some of you will have used CG for geo and alignment. I took my 991.1 GTS there today for the morning and it was a complete revelation. For those that haven’t, here’s how the day works:
A chat with Chris (or his son in law) about why you are there. He really listens and picks up on every detail, probing to get to the heart of the issue. For me, the car was very fidgety at speed, pulled left on accel and suffered with understeer more often than I’d expect.
With that done, you both go out in the car with Chris driving. He does a series of slow speed tests to see how the car tracks, then a couple of higher speed portions, accels and roundabouts, speed bumps and cobbles (yep, a great way of hearing any component issues apparently!)
On return, he takes 20 mins or so to scribble down the details, gets the car up to see how the geo is, and comes up with a plan. He asks what your preference is for setup (for me, fast road with a responsive front end) then explains what work will be done and importantly why.
Once done, it out onto the road again to repeat the tests, then you get a chance to try it out. I was staggered at the difference. The car was settled, predictable, compliant and arrow straight. Most importantly I had full confidence in it after only a few corners.
This isn’t an advert for CG, albeit they were absolutely superb, but more a reminder that if you’re not 100% happy with how your car behaves, it’s likely that the suspension and geometry could well be out. Definitely worth a visit!
Here’s to many happy miles.
A chat with Chris (or his son in law) about why you are there. He really listens and picks up on every detail, probing to get to the heart of the issue. For me, the car was very fidgety at speed, pulled left on accel and suffered with understeer more often than I’d expect.
With that done, you both go out in the car with Chris driving. He does a series of slow speed tests to see how the car tracks, then a couple of higher speed portions, accels and roundabouts, speed bumps and cobbles (yep, a great way of hearing any component issues apparently!)
On return, he takes 20 mins or so to scribble down the details, gets the car up to see how the geo is, and comes up with a plan. He asks what your preference is for setup (for me, fast road with a responsive front end) then explains what work will be done and importantly why.
Once done, it out onto the road again to repeat the tests, then you get a chance to try it out. I was staggered at the difference. The car was settled, predictable, compliant and arrow straight. Most importantly I had full confidence in it after only a few corners.
This isn’t an advert for CG, albeit they were absolutely superb, but more a reminder that if you’re not 100% happy with how your car behaves, it’s likely that the suspension and geometry could well be out. Definitely worth a visit!
Here’s to many happy miles.
It’s amazing to hear that Chris still uses exactly the same philosophy today as he did almost 15 years ago when I took my 987 Cayman S to him. There are not that many businesses that still have such a hands on and transparent approach to their business and their work.
So many “suspension specialist” these days seem to like to keep their work behind closed doors, as though there is some kind of secret to it. There isn’t. It’s having the best equipment, calibrated correctly, operates by people that know what they are doing, and more importantly, listen to what their customers want.
So glad to hear that Chris and his team are still delivering the same level of customer service as they were all those years ago. Bravo.
So many “suspension specialist” these days seem to like to keep their work behind closed doors, as though there is some kind of secret to it. There isn’t. It’s having the best equipment, calibrated correctly, operates by people that know what they are doing, and more importantly, listen to what their customers want.
So glad to hear that Chris and his team are still delivering the same level of customer service as they were all those years ago. Bravo.
TDT said:
These guys are great at what they do, and great people too.
I always learn loads.
Chris certainly has a well earned reputation for being tip top. I was having dinner with some folks at Portimao a few years ago chatting to him as he was sat next to me, said he'd come out with me the next day, tell me what was wrong with my set up. After a few very sideways laps he got out mumbling something along the lines of 'there's fxxk all wrong with that!' I always learn loads.
Small world OP - I had the afternoon slot! Would echo your thoughts. First time I've used CG. Very professional and informative. Had mine set up for road use and early impressions are very positive, especially on the rough roads that are common in my neck of the woods. So thanks Chris...and Holly!
nick28 said:
Small world OP - I had the afternoon slot! Would echo your thoughts. First time I've used CG. Very professional and informative. Had mine set up for road use and early impressions are very positive, especially on the rough roads that are common in my neck of the woods. So thanks Chris...and Holly!
Hey Nick, small world indeed! Shame I missed you. Good shout on the mention for Holly too, she’s the glue that holds business side together! Cheers, Markkith said:
How does it work - do you just book in for a half day slot and they sort it there and then? Impressive if so.
Yep, they’re booked up for months though. I waited about 8 weeks I think, and they now (quite rightly) ask for a deposit as they lost so much time and money to timewasters that don’t pitch up. All happens over a period of about 4-4.5 hours, that’s assuming they don’t find any component damage or wear that need replacing.
jackwood said:
It’s amazing to hear that Chris still uses exactly the same philosophy today as he did almost 15 years ago when I took my 987 Cayman S to him. There are not that many businesses that still have such a hands on and transparent approach to their business and their work.
So many “suspension specialist” these days seem to like to keep their work behind closed doors, as though there is some kind of secret to it. There isn’t. It’s having the best equipment, calibrated correctly, operates by people that know what they are doing, and more importantly, listen to what their customers want.
So glad to hear that Chris and his team are still delivering the same level of customer service as they were all those years ago. Bravo.
I work setting up suspension for road cars… you are absolutely correct - it’s not magic. Anyone who can’t give you a simple explanation for why your car is not driving normally don’t really know what they are talking about.So many “suspension specialist” these days seem to like to keep their work behind closed doors, as though there is some kind of secret to it. There isn’t. It’s having the best equipment, calibrated correctly, operates by people that know what they are doing, and more importantly, listen to what their customers want.
So glad to hear that Chris and his team are still delivering the same level of customer service as they were all those years ago. Bravo.
Kawasicki said:
I work setting up suspension for road cars… you are absolutely correct - it’s not magic. Anyone who can’t give you a simple explanation for why your car is not driving normally don’t really know what they are talking about.
It's not magic but it's far from simple. Explaining HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR, roll centre, etc etc. and how they all interact isn't straight fwd. Niponeoff said:
I went to him and he did a great job on the car, but it was expensive, about £600 as he changed two arms.
However, I also got a geo done by a garage for a fraction of the price and, well that worked too.
CoG are suspension experts & hence whilst you might get a guy at the local garage offer a 4 wheel alignment adjustment, they are in a different league with what they offer & their knowledge/expertise - your comment about £600 is l suspect slightly misleading as I had an full alignment check/adjustments done for about £350 a couple of years ago on my 996. Their knowledge allows you the ability to have your car set to a spec better than the standard manufacturer's one.However, I also got a geo done by a garage for a fraction of the price and, well that worked too.
Minor thing but I had a thump on cornering I couldn't pin down in my Cayman, I got on the phone to Chris with a view to booking in for a check & after twenty minutes of what felt like the third degree, he suggested I look at the battery & sure enough, it had been changed for one smaller than the original and it was sliding around in the tray, banging against the tray end.
Point being is Chris gave generously of his time & experience & I remember that, just as I remember other places for different experiences.
Point being is Chris gave generously of his time & experience & I remember that, just as I remember other places for different experiences.
MrC986 said:
Niponeoff said:
I went to him and he did a great job on the car, but it was expensive, about £600 as he changed two arms.
However, I also got a geo done by a garage for a fraction of the price and, well that worked too.
CoG are suspension experts & hence whilst you might get a guy at the local garage offer a 4 wheel alignment adjustment, they are in a different league with what they offer & their knowledge/expertise - your comment about £600 is l suspect slightly misleading as I had an full alignment check/adjustments done for about £350 a couple of years ago on my 996. Their knowledge allows you the ability to have your car set to a spec better than the standard manufacturer's one.However, I also got a geo done by a garage for a fraction of the price and, well that worked too.
But anyone with a hunter can dial in any specs you like. There's actually nothing special about it, which I found out! but Chris has carved himself out a niche and good luck to him.
I actually thought CG used some kind of state of the art tech, but it is just a hunter alignment machine. Same as you'll find in Kwik fit. Granted Kwik fit won't give you a bespoke setup, but you might be surprised what your local porsche specialist can do when you ask him for an alignment on top of your service. That's all.
993rsr said:
TDT said:
These guys are great at what they do, and great people too.
I always learn loads.
Chris certainly has a well earned reputation for being tip top. I was having dinner with some folks at Portimao a few years ago chatting to him as he was sat next to me, said he'd come out with me the next day, tell me what was wrong with my set up. After a few very sideways laps he got out mumbling something along the lines of 'there's fxxk all wrong with that!' I always learn loads.
There is only one Eason I’ve not used CG recently - all my car’s services and upgrades are done by Sports and Classic and together (Mike mostly, with a little of my input) we’ve always got things worked out.
Not for a moment would I hesitate to recommend though. The thorough approach of these specialists will find knock and niggles, even on well sorted cars, that many would otherwise fail to catch.
Center Gravity (yes that is the right spelling there’s an anecdote about that) is more like therapy for you and your 911 than suspension geometry.
Highly recommended and you go away with a car that is totally right for you as well as a really detailed knowledge of its mechanical condition and what you need to do (or not) to keep it healthy.
I would go straight there with any new (to me) 911
Highly recommended and you go away with a car that is totally right for you as well as a really detailed knowledge of its mechanical condition and what you need to do (or not) to keep it healthy.
I would go straight there with any new (to me) 911
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