PG.
Question on handling
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Question on handling
I have my 1980 Vette on the road now and love driving it. The only thing I don't like is that it tends to get squirrely on the road. If I really get on it it weaves a bit and then straightens out, if I hit the brakes hard it weaves a bit and then straightens out. Is something worn out or loose? Most of the front end is new. The rear isn't. Not sure where to start with this one. Brakes were bled recently, power steering lines have been replaced recently. The steering wheel is very sensitive to imput as well. Is that normal?
Thanks
Brian
Thanks
Brian
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Hmmm.... Well,
I too have a 1980. When I first bought it, the tires had flat spots from sitting so long and definitely needed balancing. New tires with a proper balance made huge improvements which were immediate & needed. Are your tires old (came with purchase)? If so, get them replaced. If not, get them balanced & check pressure.
Eventually, I went down this improvement path...
1. Steering box rebuild (rebuild your existing box)
2. Bilstein shocks. (Sport) in my case
3. Replace power steering pump, control valve & Cylinder.
4. Replace bushings
5. New (oem) Rag Joint
6. You indicated new brakes. Are these "new" that prior owner said were new? (which means 4 years old
) or, are they indeed new pads,controller, fluid & lines?
Once those are tackled, put on a VB&P 360lb rear shock (imo) and 550 front coils.
The 1980 handles 100% better.
good luck, but like posters said, before spending $ first check the easy stuff like a tire check. (balance, pressure, flat spots etc)...
I too have a 1980. When I first bought it, the tires had flat spots from sitting so long and definitely needed balancing. New tires with a proper balance made huge improvements which were immediate & needed. Are your tires old (came with purchase)? If so, get them replaced. If not, get them balanced & check pressure.
Eventually, I went down this improvement path...
1. Steering box rebuild (rebuild your existing box)
2. Bilstein shocks. (Sport) in my case
3. Replace power steering pump, control valve & Cylinder.
4. Replace bushings
5. New (oem) Rag Joint
6. You indicated new brakes. Are these "new" that prior owner said were new? (which means 4 years old
) or, are they indeed new pads,controller, fluid & lines?Once those are tackled, put on a VB&P 360lb rear shock (imo) and 550 front coils.
The 1980 handles 100% better.
good luck, but like posters said, before spending $ first check the easy stuff like a tire check. (balance, pressure, flat spots etc)...
Last edited by Vette80regon; Jul 6, 2008 at 01:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
thanks guys, I will start looking at these things. By the way, what does TA stand for. I'd like to get the car to handle nicely. I can tell at times that it can be a nice handling car but then it likes to act up some times as well.
Last edited by bruiserman; Jul 6, 2008 at 12:22 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
check to see if the rear strut/camber rods are tight..... they might have some play with the egg shaped washer and giving you .5" or so each side......maybe????
what about the diff. bushing?
b
what about the diff. bushing?
b
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas
Also check for play, in the half shafts, in your differential. If you can move them out more than .015 inch then they can be worn, not serious but if they move a lot the retaining ring inside could be broken, and needs to be fixed.