FE1 front ends jumpy?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Rumford Rhode Island
I've continued to research this topic. I found an interesting article regarding front end alignment. As you all know there is caster and camber. Well, apparently, too much caster makes front ends "jumpy", causing bump steer. Not enough caster and front ends feel "loose". It also suggested using a shop local racers use, since these shops are better at performance cars. So I'm gonna try a new alignment first. If that doesn't fix the problem, then Z51 Bilsteins baby! 
Last edited by CP5150; Feb 11, 2005 at 11:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Originally Posted by CP5150
Hi. I've got a '96 LT4, FE1, with 58,000mi. Stock as far as I know. I have what I think is called bump steer. Gets a little scary at times. When you hit a bump and the car changes direction(slightly). Only the front changes direction. Back stays solid which is the opposite from what I'm used to. Had a '94 LT1/6spd Z28 and the back would jump and change direction but that was easier to control than the front like with the "Vette. Is this a common issue with the FE1 or is it sign I need shocks or something? Oh, no other suspension issues. Car is straight as an arrow and rides excellent. Thanks.
If you want the front end to stick like glue over bumps then the Camber Brace from R-D Racing is the ticket. Combine it with better shocks and you'll have what you expect a Vette to be.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Evansville IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
My '92 does that too. I've grown accustomed to it, so it doesn't bother me near as bad as it did. Seems to improve a lot when it's warmer outside. Maybe the weather is affecting them? 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Rumford Rhode Island
Originally Posted by FELNGR8
My car was improved quite a lot with new Bilstein Z51 shocks. The base shock just doesn't control like you would expect for a Vette when they get some miles on them. The Z51 is not too harsh at all.
If you want the front end to stick like glue over bumps then the Camber Brace from R-D Racing is the ticket. Combine it with better shocks and you'll have what you expect a Vette to be.
If you want the front end to stick like glue over bumps then the Camber Brace from R-D Racing is the ticket. Combine it with better shocks and you'll have what you expect a Vette to be.
Anyone put in shocks themself? Front looks easy, but the back... I usually break interior parts trying to remove them. Like door panels and such. Are the bolts difficult to remove? Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Helotes TX
Mine does it too with 67K. I personally think the big problems are the Goodyear GS-C tires. I thought it might be the shocks but usually when shocks go bad, the tires will start cupping and I do not see that issue with my car. I am getting close for new tires and I am going with the new Goodyear GS-D3. They are rated very high at Tire Rack for ride and noise. The GS-C's are dinosaurs in comparision according to the ratings. The previous quotes on the camber brace are right on the mark. It made a world of difference on my car. I even installed the rear brace which also helped.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 1
From: Levittown NY
mine does it too. its a good way of waking me up during my early morning commute. baer claims to have a solution for this for 1984 and up vettes. anyone try these? http://www.baer.com/Products/BaerTracker.aspx
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
I too have the fe1 and it seems to skip around somewhat over rough pavement. I am seriously considering going with the qa1's sometime soon. I don't want a buckboard ride but want the handling. If/when I do a track day I can stiffen them up. I only have heard good things about them...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 4
From: Severna Park MD
Originally Posted by CP5150
Hmm, Camber brace...not something I would normally look into. Seems more like a road-racing type item. But I'll Definetly look into one now. Thanks!
Anyone put in shocks themself? Front looks easy, but the back... I usually break interior parts trying to remove them. Like door panels and such. Are the bolts difficult to remove? Thanks.
Anyone put in shocks themself? Front looks easy, but the back... I usually break interior parts trying to remove them. Like door panels and such. Are the bolts difficult to remove? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Rumford Rhode Island
Originally Posted by FELNGR8
On the rears the shock replacement is all done from the wheelwell with the tire off the car. There's no going inside the car for this.
