Steering Precision
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Steering Precision
I've seen a number of magazine reviews that have mentioned how (especially) late model C6's and current C7's have much better steering "feel" than the C5's. 911-like was one comment.
Anyone know exactly what they changed? Rack ratio, rack bushings, suspension bushings in general? Castor? Alignment?
Trying to see if a C5 can be a little less "numb" in the steering department. Never going to be as perfect as an unassisted system (had that on my Lotus, and original Minis, many years ago) but would like to improve it if possible.
Anyone know exactly what they changed? Rack ratio, rack bushings, suspension bushings in general? Castor? Alignment?
Trying to see if a C5 can be a little less "numb" in the steering department. Never going to be as perfect as an unassisted system (had that on my Lotus, and original Minis, many years ago) but would like to improve it if possible.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Interesting question. Never seen that evaluation but I really don't read up on the other cars. Would like to see those more knowledgeable to respond. I doubt suspension changes would affect the steering feel to that extent, at least between the C5 and C6.
Try posting this question in the C6 Forum and see if anyone can comment.
Mr. Sam
Try posting this question in the C6 Forum and see if anyone can comment.
Mr. Sam
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Nate - poly bushing might well help. The older cars I referred to had very little compliance in the suspension bushings, very thin and hard rubber bushes were common, plus the racks were bolted down hard to the body/chassis.
I've seen ads for both Delrin and metal replacement bushes for the C5 rack, but have never seen a comment as to what they deliver it terms of steering precision and feel.
I've seen ads for both Delrin and metal replacement bushes for the C5 rack, but have never seen a comment as to what they deliver it terms of steering precision and feel.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
In the C6 Tech section, there was a discussion about that very topic. There were some Magnasteer system, Variable Effort Steering valve changes along with the EBTCM programming that controls the electronics inside the rack.
Some people were trying to figure out if they could just change out the rack with the newer rack and get the up-graded steering.
Gene Culley was even offering to sell the parts necessary to someone at a excellent price and free shipping to someone who was willing to try the up-grade.
Here is the entire C6 Post if you care to bone up on the topic..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ering-box.html
Its still open ended so,,,, Us C5 guys wont be able to use this anyway.
You can however, purchase the steering rack bushing up-grade and get a nice improvement in steering response feel.
Bill
Some people were trying to figure out if they could just change out the rack with the newer rack and get the up-graded steering.
Gene Culley was even offering to sell the parts necessary to someone at a excellent price and free shipping to someone who was willing to try the up-grade.
Here is the entire C6 Post if you care to bone up on the topic..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ering-box.html
Its still open ended so,,,, Us C5 guys wont be able to use this anyway.
You can however, purchase the steering rack bushing up-grade and get a nice improvement in steering response feel.
Bill
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Bill, I agree re us not being able to use this. So, short of buying a 2008-up C6, we are not going to experience that "new and improved" steering.
Anyone care to comment on any benefits - or downsides - to harder replacement rack bushings?
Anyone care to comment on any benefits - or downsides - to harder replacement rack bushings?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 874
Likes: 107
From: Detroit MI
I'd be really interested to hear firsthand impressions of the delrin rack bushing upgrade. I haven't been able to find anyone that has had any impressions on it other than they performed the upgrade.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 13
From: Sherman Oaks CA
The mods are not cheap, but worth it IMO. How fast do you wanna go?
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
good tires and a more aggressive alignment help a LOT. the c5 steers like a truck and this is the only way i have found to address it. something like a pilot super sport and near zero toe up front will really bring up the response
steering and the clutch are my two biggest complaints on the stock c5
steering and the clutch are my two biggest complaints on the stock c5
