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| djxib | Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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As some of you know I recently leased a 2012 GTI as a daily driver. I am totally shocked at the amazing steering feel on the GTI vs my '92 convertible. The Vette feels heavy, bloated and 'disconnected' from the road, so I'm guessing it probably needs some R&R - new steering fluid, bushings etc., however I also notice a lot of play in the steering wheel so maybe the rack is worn too.
I'm assuming that I won't be able to get the Vette to feel as light and "chuckable" as the GTI but I'm willing to spend some time and effort to get close. Looking for suggestions... |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 3:53
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Andy 1996 Greenwood Collectors Edition LT4 Previously 1992 Convertible Polo Green. 383 LT1/LT4 forged/balanced. V7-YSi, Alky. 608RWHP... Now sitting at a dismantler with a salvage title. Still runs... |
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| biggrizzly | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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2011 Memorial Day Car Show Winner!
 
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Z51 Steering Rack
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 3:55
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Don Haller Corvette Club of America 94Coupe, 383Stroka, PeteK Trans, 3000stall, 3.54rear, Konis and bigger sways. |
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| RickAnthony | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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ASE Master Certified
 
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Yep, Replace all the worn 20 year old steering/suspension parts.. and upgrade to a Z51 rack... change the shocks if they are older as well... You'd be suprised how many C4's have worn out ball joints and wheel bearings and the owner would have never suspected it if noone told them... -=Rick |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 5:06
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My Automotive Blog autoserviceupdated.blogspot.com CORVETTE SERVICE & REPAIR RickAnthonyMotorsports.NET |
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| bogus | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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What they said. It's on my list after the rear end is done.
Also, the fat tires up front on these things do sap some of the delicate nature of the steering... |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 6:19
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| Matatk | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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What Rick said. Worn out suspension components. A Z51 rack will give you a tighter turning radius.
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 12:30
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| RickAnthony | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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One of my thoughts too, most these newer cars a have even lower profile tires ect.. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 13:09
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My Automotive Blog autoserviceupdated.blogspot.com CORVETTE SERVICE & REPAIR RickAnthonyMotorsports.NET |
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| djxib | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Senior Guru
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Thanks guys - Z51 rack is my next project. So... I have done a little research this morning and can't seem to find a definitive supply for this rack. Rock Auto part number 22128 is a rebuild service but doesn't mention Z51. Also, some mention of needing to change out the end joints (or something). Does anyone have any other part numbers and/or a link to project details?
Thanks |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 13:30
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Andy 1996 Greenwood Collectors Edition LT4 Previously 1992 Convertible Polo Green. 383 LT1/LT4 forged/balanced. V7-YSi, Alky. 608RWHP... Now sitting at a dismantler with a salvage title. Still runs... |
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| BillH | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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Front wheel drive vs rear wheel drive, you just can't really make a compairson, Andy, even if the 92 has all new parts.
If I'm racing a front wheel drive, I'll use different driving techniques and somewhat different lines. And a light weight, short wheelbase car vs the 92 won't feel the same even if it's rear wheel drive. Plus 2012 vs 1992 is 20 years, your 92 would feel great vs a 72 C3. Your 92 is never going to feel "nimble" but it can get a whole lot better. What the guys said is right, the worn out components contribute to a sloppy feel. Ans assuming your's is a base suspension, the spring is a bit light (for nice road driving) compared to a Z51 (this also is a factor on steering input). If you're running the stock 92 "square" tire setup, the larger tires are a factor (thought there's a tradeoff by going smaller when you get on a roadcourse). The alignment - fairly big factor running the stock specs. C4's have a bunch of castor which coontributes to the heavy feel. Shocks - downplayed way too much, 80% of the cars on the road have shot shocks and they are extremely important. Wheelbearings - check them correctly with a dial indicator. Since your used to driving the car as it is now, you'll probably be very pleased with the improvement. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 15:20
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| BillH | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Quicker turning, Matt. The radius will be the same. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 15:21
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| djxib | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Senior Guru
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Good advice guys - thanks. My first 20 years driving was FWD on twisty lanes in England so maybe it still feels more natural.
Nevertheless I'd like a better feeling of connectedness (sp?) with the front of the 'Vette. I have emailed Turn One to see what they can supply, I'll keep you all posted. As for springs etc., I have QA1 (ex Carrera brand) coilovers that also need replacement. So this year I will attack steering rack, pump, hoses, fluid, coilovers, all bushings (front and rear). Should make a difference!! |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 15:52
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Andy 1996 Greenwood Collectors Edition LT4 Previously 1992 Convertible Polo Green. 383 LT1/LT4 forged/balanced. V7-YSi, Alky. 608RWHP... Now sitting at a dismantler with a salvage title. Still runs... |
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| BillH | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Depends on how old the QA1'a are, they may be rebuildable.
Gary at Hardbar USA has been doing the new QA1 coilover setups, don't know if he's rebuilding them or not. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 16:17
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| bogus | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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I would not do a REAR bushing change. The poly bushings in the rear cause all sorts of binding issues. I would not mess with it. If you want to really improve the rear, get the Banski kit. Seriously. It kicks ass. I have it and love it. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/27 17:48
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| rklessdriver | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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I'll put my 17X4" drag racing front runners on my 92 and you can drive it around corners for a while.....
When you get back in your 92, it will instantly feel improved. Will |
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Posted on: 2012/2/28 3:35
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1984 Corvette. 434 SBC with a Powerglide. Best pass - 8.48@160MPH 1.23 60ft on MT 275/60R15 Radials. 1972 Corvette. LS5 454 BBC with M20 4 speed. Best Pass - Doing good to just pass a gas station. |
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| Matatk | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Yes, thank you for the correction. I misspoke. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2012/2/28 13:57
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| 1Fast04Vert | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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Andy, I doubt you have any problem with the steering rack or the pump, fluid change is easy though and not a bad idea.
But the suspension parts should be checked, same with the hubs and shocks. |
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Posted on: 2012/2/28 20:12
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| Aboatguy | Re: Need some suggestions to improve steering feel on my 1992 | ||
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Senior Guru
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The Banski kit kicks poly's ass handling wise and gives a better ride too..... As for steering feel the RIGHT 4 wheel alignment will make a difference. Currently I'm using settings that where recommended by DRM and to be honest the car carves corners well, goes straight when I'm on long road trips and remains stable at speeds that C4s are supposedly unable to reach. However, my ride height and suspension have been modified so what worked on my car may not be right for you. Mike |
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Posted on: 2012/3/1 1:50
Edited by Aboatguy on 2012/3/1 2:20:15 |
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