need help with C2 alignment
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 507
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From: Houston Tx
need help with C2 alignment
Ive got a 1966 corvette coupe with power steering, stock frame, I've installed QA-1 coil overs and global west tubular tubular control arms upper and lower. I had it aligned and it came into QA1 specs for front. Their specs are:
Caster 3 degrees positive
Camber negative 1/2 degree
Toe-in 3/32 total
Heres my problem. While the car goes straight as an arrow it feels really light and any input with my hands and it just moves to easy. Feels like its wondering to much but yet it stays straight. It takes all my attention when driving fast. I run with corvette club usually with my C8 because we are moving fast. I'd like to take my C2 out once in a while and hang with them comfortably up 100 mph if I can do that.
My objection is to have a heavier feel on the steering wheel and I think it would be more enjoyable to drive. I dont travel in this car anymore, Ive done all the long trips I want to take in it so premature tire wear is no concern at all. 17" tires are cheaper than my lawnmower tires! Maybe more toe-in? any suggestions are appreciated as I'm alignment ignorant. chuck
Caster 3 degrees positive
Camber negative 1/2 degree
Toe-in 3/32 total
Heres my problem. While the car goes straight as an arrow it feels really light and any input with my hands and it just moves to easy. Feels like its wondering to much but yet it stays straight. It takes all my attention when driving fast. I run with corvette club usually with my C8 because we are moving fast. I'd like to take my C2 out once in a while and hang with them comfortably up 100 mph if I can do that.
My objection is to have a heavier feel on the steering wheel and I think it would be more enjoyable to drive. I dont travel in this car anymore, Ive done all the long trips I want to take in it so premature tire wear is no concern at all. 17" tires are cheaper than my lawnmower tires! Maybe more toe-in? any suggestions are appreciated as I'm alignment ignorant. chuck
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 28,183
Likes: 2,872
From: Beach & High Desert Southern California
Ive got a 1966 corvette coupe with power steering, stock frame, I've installed QA-1 coil overs and global west tubular tubular control arms upper and lower. I had it aligned and it came into QA1 specs for front. Their specs are:
Caster 3 degrees positive
Camber negative 1/2 degree
Toe-in 3/32 total
Heres my problem. While the car goes straight as an arrow it feels really light and any input with my hands and it just moves to easy. Feels like its wondering to much but yet it stays straight. It takes all my attention when driving fast. I run with corvette club usually with my C8 because we are moving fast. I'd like to take my C2 out once in a while and hang with them comfortably up 100 mph if I can do that.
My objection is to have a heavier feel on the steering wheel and I think it would be more enjoyable to drive. I dont travel in this car anymore, Ive done all the long trips I want to take in it so premature tire wear is no concern at all. 17" tires are cheaper than my lawnmower tires! Maybe more toe-in? any suggestions are appreciated as I'm alignment ignorant. chuck
Caster 3 degrees positive
Camber negative 1/2 degree
Toe-in 3/32 total
Heres my problem. While the car goes straight as an arrow it feels really light and any input with my hands and it just moves to easy. Feels like its wondering to much but yet it stays straight. It takes all my attention when driving fast. I run with corvette club usually with my C8 because we are moving fast. I'd like to take my C2 out once in a while and hang with them comfortably up 100 mph if I can do that.
My objection is to have a heavier feel on the steering wheel and I think it would be more enjoyable to drive. I dont travel in this car anymore, Ive done all the long trips I want to take in it so premature tire wear is no concern at all. 17" tires are cheaper than my lawnmower tires! Maybe more toe-in? any suggestions are appreciated as I'm alignment ignorant. chuck
Make sure the rear trailing arm and strut rod bushings are good and aligned properly.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 6
From: Houston Tx
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,191
Likes: 951
From: Corpus Christi, TX
A restrictor reduces available power steering pump flow so more effort is needed to turn the steering wheel. This is a common and popular fix for cars using Borgeson power steering in place of the factory set up. It won't fix wandering. Thats usually caused by too little toe in, although 3/32 sounds about right. Maybe go to 1/8. Set the caster at +4 to +5 and see if that helps. It will for sure increase the "return to center" feel of the steering.
EDIT, dumb question, any chance the tie rods are in the rear holes (manual steering position) on the steering knuckles? That would sure give a too light feel to the wheel
EDIT, dumb question, any chance the tie rods are in the rear holes (manual steering position) on the steering knuckles? That would sure give a too light feel to the wheel
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 6
From: Houston Tx
Thanks! Its at the alignment shop now adding more caster. Restrictor sounds like perfect idea. I just installed eddie motorsports serpentine system which included a new pump. Im waiting for Ca. to wake up before I can call them to find out what brand pump and also if it has an adjustable pressure regulator of some kind.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 507
Likes: 6
From: Houston Tx
adding castor to alignment today. I do have a slight prob with L trailing arm. But for now not going to address that. If I can get it to stay a little more "planted" I'll be happy. thanks for help! chuck