Hey guys I just bought the rcf/gsf lower bushings my question is should I get a alignment done right after ? And also do I need to tell them anything? I dont want to chew threw tires, thanks for the help

 

The alignment isn't a must, but if you haven't had one for a while, then it's definitely a good idea.
And by a while I mean 1-2 years.
You don't need to tell them anything in regards to the bushings being installed.
I would suggest asking them to make sure the rear Toe is equal on both sides and the Thrust Angle is 0. And make sure you get a printout (tell them in advance you want the printout)...just to keep them honest.

 

Sasnuke is correct, only thing I'd add is make sure they only quote about an hours labor.
Installation is easy if you know, but by the book it's a multi hour job where you remove wheels and other things iirc.

If they quote multiple hours, either go somewhere else or show them this video.

 

I had the bushings replaced, total fee was $150 (~1.25 hours) + RCF parts ($128). The alignment was done on a brand new machine, which, according to the Lotus dealer, accounts for wheel rotation speed as opposed to the static position of the wheel. Apparently this dynamic, the rotational force, changes how alignments should be done. Of course, my knowledge in this area is very limited her, so maybe i was sold a bill of goods.

 

I held off on an alignment for about 2 years(installed late 2018) since I had to change my tires on all 4 a few months ago. It wasn't too off and the car drove straight regardless for me. But it will differ per individual though.

 

Hey Sasnuke - Are you suggesting that they alter the original specification of the alignment (Toe and Thrust angle) or just re-iterating that they should really be sure that they make sure they pay attention to these specific values?

 

It would be the latter...where we make sure they pay attention to these specific values.
Very often you will see alignment printouts where the reading are all in the green on the rear, but you will notice when looking closely at the numbers that the rear Toe is not equal side to side, not close to the middle of the spec range, and the Thrust Angle is not zero.
The Thrust Angle is the rear axles perpendicular alignment to the centerline of the vehicle...that's sounds kinda fancy but really think of it as the capital letter "T" but upside down...the vertical line of the T represents the centerline of the vehicle (down the middle of the car) and the horizontal line of the T represents the rear axle.
If the rear axle is crocked to the centerline of the vehicle, then the vehicle will drive crocked...often referred to as "dog tracking".
Regardless of the vehicle type, you want the Thrust Angle to be zero.
As for the Toe, the rear Toe has a direct impact on the front Toe. So if the rear isn't perfect, then when adjusting the front you are compensating for the rear partially, and also aligning the front partially.
In some scenarios where the rear and front Toe is slightly off, but still all in the green, you could adjust the rear Toe first, and the front may be perfect after, or only require one side to be adjusted.
Alignment is a cascading effect where you start at the back and work your way to the front. If the back isn't the best it can be, then why adjust the front...that's just my take.
Techs may say, "the rear was all in the green, so it didn't need adjustment it"...ok, but the spec is a range, why not aim for the middle??
Think about it like a Temperature Gauge...if the middle was the norm, and you were driving around consistently above or below that norm, wouldn't you want it fixed so you're back in the middle again...why should the rear Toe be any different...or any alignment angle for that matter.
I would concede that if the particular angle does not have adjustment, then "in the green" will have to be good enough, or it's time to replace parts if you're "in the red"...this only accounts for a stock vehicle with stock suspension and wheels.
Once you start lowering a vehicle, the alignment will go where it goes, and you do you best to reign it in.

 

Thanks for the explanation Sasnuke - that makes a lot of sense and I appreciate how you always go above and beyond to help all of us here