Ok, the ’69 is back on the road after several mods. I just installed a Keisler Tremec TKO-500 5 speed to back up my previously installed ZZ4 crate engine. I also installed a Steeroids rack and pinion, VP&B Grand Touring Plus suspension kit with the smart strut upgrade, and new wheels and tires (AR Torq Thrust II’s in 17 X 8 with Sumitomo 245/45 17’s front and 255/45 17’s rear. I also rebuilt the a-arms and trailing arms with poly bushings and installed new rotors and pads with rebuilt calipers and replaced my half shaft u joints with Spicer Lifes.

The car drives and rides like a dream. My goal was to get it as close to my C5 as possible and it’s is very close. The ride is just a bit harsher but I think that’s cause I’m still running the original aluminum body mounts, which I think I’ll stick with at least for now. I haven’t worked the suspension hard yet but can’t wait to get it on some twisties.

Now for the alignment issue…. I’m afraid to get one. The car drives prefect right now. And the steering is fantastic. Not too sensitive and it has absolutely no play at all. I let the wheel go at 80 and it tracks straight as a bullet. All I did was carefully measure my old tie rods and rear strut bars and set the new stuff to the same lengths. Of course I used the same a-arm shims as I had in the car before. I do trust my alignment shop and they have did several vettes for me in the past including the previous alignment on this car, I just hate to chance the car not driving this perfectly. The steering wheel is even aligned perfect.

Oh well I guess this is a good problem to have.

Steve

 

I redid my front suspension and put all shims back in the same place.
Getting the toe in fairly close by myself was easy. I noticed that the alignment shop had to add shims for front camber and caster adjustment though.
On the rear, I had then adjust the camber only and simply check the toe in.
It was only about $100. Have it done before you kill your tires.

 

Small shops will usually work with you and at least do a check of the alignment for cheap $.
That's my minimum recommendation.

 

I have a zz4 and a TKO600 and I love the setup. I did much like you (except the steeroids setup) and I went and got an alignment. I went to a corvette alignment shop. Basically, there is a difference between aligning the car to factory specs and how the car tracks going down the highway. If your car is tracking fine it is probably ok BUT it wouldnt hurt to get the alignment checked.

(no intent to hijack but while we are here...)

BTW -- I have been toying with the Steeroids idea. I have rebuilt the old steering system and added a flaming river aftermarket quick ratio steering box (16:1, I think). I hate the quick ratio because it makes the steering too responsive, and I feel as though I am being taken for a ride versus being in control.

My question is; Does the steeroids offer an improved feeling of control over the original steering system w/o being too responsive?

Cheers,

Crunch

 

Sounds okay as far as tracking goes. Is she twitchy in back? Keep a close eye on tire wear front and rear. If the alignment is out, you'll start chewing up tires.

 

Crunch,

So far (I've only put about 20 miles on this set up) i'm extremely satisfied with the Steeriods. I really notice a couple of big differences from stock.

1. Absolutely no play in the steering wheel.

2. Quicker steering response.

I was nervous about ordering the Streeriods system because I had heard some negatives about it. I had heard the feel was too light/ sensitve but I don't see that at all. I do feel the quicker response but at least in my case it's very welcome. The car seems to want to go in the direction I want it to go very effortlessly. Almost like it knows what I want before I turn the wheel but not in a way like it's taking me for a ride. I actually like the steering better than on my C5 now. I have heard in the case of Steeroids it's all about getting the alignment dailed in just right for this set up. That's why I'm afraid to bring it to the alignment shop...it's so sweet right now. May be you just don't have your aligment quite there for your set up yet.

The other negative I had heard were the brackets are flimsey. I don't see that at all. They are very well made with nice welds and a beautiful powder coat finish.

Steve

 

Thanks for the input guys.

OK, yeah, I'm going to bring it to the alignment shop and let them check it to start with. I'll hear what they have to say but they may have a hard time convincing me to let them change it. We'll see.

Thanks again, Steve

 

Steve,

Thanks for the info. I am getting real close to pulling the trigger on the Steeroids mod. My car feels very "darty" - minimal movement of the steering wheel results in significant direction change. Almost as if the steering is hypersensitive. I know the quick ratio steering box is part of my problem if not the culprit.

I also agree with your stance wrt your current setup. If your car is tracking the way you want it, you are probably right to leave it alone. Vettes are a pain the A$$ to get aligned and tracking properly.

Best of luck and thanks again!

Crunch