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I’m getting a few road test on my 71 Vette after a seven year on the frame rebuild. I recently had the alignment done to performance specs(don’t have the specs here) and was surprised how loose and unresponsive the “turn in” felt. All suspension parts were replaced and the steering box was rebuilt by a reputable shop. I’ve got experience with how well set up Vettes of this vintage should drive, what is your thoughts? I guess I should list all specs, tires, etc but it’s a stock setup with radial tires. I had a worn out 73 and there isn’t any difference in the feel or steering response.
I welcome your input!
The alignment shop gave you a before and after printout?
What size tires and tire pressure?
Idler arm, tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings etc. are all good?
How about trailing arm bushings and differential side yokes?
Not sure if you know who Gary Ramadi is but his posts indicate not all steering box rebuilds are the same.
All of the items mentioned have been done, I cant think of anything not done. I think Gary done the steering box, it was “blueprinted”.
Very surprised to say the least!
All of the items mentioned have been done, I cant think of anything not done. I think Gary done the steering box, it was “blueprinted”.
Very surprised to say the least!
what about all the other questions concerning tires, the alignment, differential, think he did it?
Calwldlife, I’m not great with the Vette power steering system, can you give more detail on too much PS boost? I’m leaning toward issues with the PS as there isn’t many other components that could be causing issues.
Here is the specs from the alignment shop. The tires have almost no miles but will need to be replaced due to age, I’ve been keeping speeds very low due to this.
Calwldlife, I’m not great with the Vette power steering system, can you give more detail on too much PS boost? I’m leaning toward issues with the PS as there isn’t many other components that could be causing issues.
Here is the specs from the alignment shop. The tires have almost no miles but will need to be replaced due to age, I’ve been keeping speeds very low due to this.
Why does the rear toe small diagrams left and right show toe out on both sides?
Did you provide the Corvette specific alignment shims for the rear to adjust toe?
Unless it's because I'm on a phone, I dont see before and after numbers.
Exactly how old are these tires? Old hard tires can not be used to evaluate handling.
Hhmm, if I’m interpreting the specs correct the rear toe is about 1/2” positive? I requested 1/8” negative toe so it looks like I’m making a trip back to the shop. I was surprised they were able to get that much castor in the front. You are correct about the tires, they have no wear but are calendered out.
Hhmm, if I’m interpreting the specs correct the rear toe is about 1/2” positive? I requested 1/8” negative toe so it looks like I’m making a trip back to the shop. I was surprised they were able to get that much castor in the front. You are correct about the tires, they have no wear but are calendered out.
Did you provide alignment shims for toe adjustment?
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Is that the AFTER print out?
Look at the front, camber and caster they are in the red, that can't be good.
At the bottom of the printout in RED it says'values are NOT in specification'.
Time for new tires and then a correct alignment.
I did provide front and rear shims. I’ll check the pitman arm connection. I think the readout shows off (red) because they put in stock 1971 specs and I was going for more of a performance setup.
I did provide front and rear shims. I’ll check the pitman arm connection. I think the readout shows off (red) because they put in stock 1971 specs and I was going for more of a performance setup.
unusual for a pitman arm problem and you have to check it with a running engine.
1971 LS5 Road test
