Installing New Smaller Wheels, Alignment Needed/Recommendations?

[BiigMe]

So I just bought some 16" Sparco Terra wheels with 205/50/16 Indy 500s (I oversized the sidewall, it cant hurt with these LA roads) and I plan on installing them Friday. I'm still stock suspension but I'm new to wrenching and after I get the wheels installed I'm thinking I'm gonna need an alignment right? New wheels would mean new alignment? And to add to that what should I have them set the car to? I was thinking of just going to whatever tire store is closest to me (BigO Is right around the block)and have them set it to what it should be? Or should I do a different alignment? I'm setting it up for DDin/canyon carving so any alignment recommendations would be appreciated!

 

[Blindeye_03]

Its probably a good idea if you havent had one in a while but no if you swap wheels back and forth and thats it you shouldnt need an alignment. I used to swap wheels out for autocross and get lazy and leave them on for a week after a race (subaru) and never had tire wear issues.

 

[pirite]

wheels/tires have nothing to do with alignment.
suspension components are what change your toe/camber/caster.

 

[Waterfan]

wheels/tires have nothing to do with alignment.
suspension components are what change your toe/camber/caster.

+1

It is convenient but not required to check/adjust alignment while getting new tires. Best practice is to check alignment ~1x year or whenever you hit something with significant force (curb, deep pothole, etc)

 

[Waterfan]

So I just bought some 16" Sparco Terra wheels with 205/50/16 Indy 500s (I oversized the sidewall, it cant hurt with these LA roads) and I plan on installing them Friday. I'm still stock suspension but I'm new to wrenching and after I get the wheels installed I'm thinking I'm gonna need an alignment right? New wheels would mean new alignment? And to add to that what should I have them set the car to? I was thinking of just going to whatever tire store is closest to me (BigO Is right around the block)and have them set it to what it should be? Or should I do a different alignment? I'm setting it up for DDin/canyon carving so any alignment recommendations would be appreciated!

More negative camber is a good thing for cornering. More than -1.5 degrees will accelerate wear to the inside of the tires.

I find that the stock specs are perfectly fine, if not optimal, for canyons. I need to get braver before I need more camber

YMMV

EDIT: there is probably more expert advice on alignment specs in the Tracking, Autocross subforum...