06 vs 08
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
06 vs 08
What is the major different between an 06 and 08 power steering system. I have an 06 coupe and the steering seems to be very heavy. I've heard that the 08's have a better system, if so, can I convert my system?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 0
Not sure what you mean by "system". The 05-07 has the LS2 engine and the 08 has the LS3 engine. The 08 has improved steering and (i think) the paddle shifts are more responsive.
When I purchased my 08, I felt it was a bit "heavy" compared to my fathers' 06. I added a K&N high flow air induction system, changed the pipes, and purchased the Predator Tune (voids power train warranty). The changes made a huge difference in the feel of my car.
When I purchased my 08, I felt it was a bit "heavy" compared to my fathers' 06. I added a K&N high flow air induction system, changed the pipes, and purchased the Predator Tune (voids power train warranty). The changes made a huge difference in the feel of my car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Basel Switzerland
St. Jude Donor '07
Several articles were written on the 2008 model, and included some details about the "improved steering system."
Per Edmunds Inside Line:
Chevy also claims that it has made some improvements to the Corvette's steering system, which we've always felt to be a consistent weak point. And though it's been a little while since we last spun the steering wheel of a Corvette C6, we suppose this one feels better.
Specifically, Chevy says that more precise machining of internal Per components, a stiffer intermediate shaft and calibration changes have unlocked a big box of "feel," that most esoteric of dynamic traits. Sure, OK. Maybe it is better.
Per The National Corvette Museum
Steering system – The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Per Car and Driver
The new steering system is mechanically similar to the old car's variable-assist rack-and-pinion arrangement. The ratio remains the same, but according to Chevrolet engineers, the rack is manufactured with tighter tolerances and roller-element bearings that replace bushings to give less compliance and, ergo, more precision. The variable assist was recalibrated for a more natural buildup of steering forces.
Per Edmunds Inside Line:
Chevy also claims that it has made some improvements to the Corvette's steering system, which we've always felt to be a consistent weak point. And though it's been a little while since we last spun the steering wheel of a Corvette C6, we suppose this one feels better.
Specifically, Chevy says that more precise machining of internal Per components, a stiffer intermediate shaft and calibration changes have unlocked a big box of "feel," that most esoteric of dynamic traits. Sure, OK. Maybe it is better.
Per The National Corvette Museum
Steering system – The Corvette's precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system's internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Per Car and Driver
The new steering system is mechanically similar to the old car's variable-assist rack-and-pinion arrangement. The ratio remains the same, but according to Chevrolet engineers, the rack is manufactured with tighter tolerances and roller-element bearings that replace bushings to give less compliance and, ergo, more precision. The variable assist was recalibrated for a more natural buildup of steering forces.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
Also, how long have you had your 06? Might be time for a wheel alignment.
And if your tires are worn... new tires, balancing, and an alignment will do far more to improve steering & ride & handling.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
I know what he means! some 06's were deliverd with the variable steering, you need to ID your sys. the helms man. tells how, as with any mod or upgrade all it takes is money! I know the steering "feels" heavy, do you want it to be light and darty at say.... 160mph? go 140 in your car and the steering "feels" just right!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: Forestville CA
Got to watch out for the airplanes though! My transparent top helps the "spotter" keep an eye on the sky as well as the road, but if radar evens sniffs you at a "buck40" the man is going to be all over you big time. Be safe
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 2
I would classify the pre-08 steering as numb. Not much feed back, especially noticeable to me was the lack of turn-in feel. When I test drove the 07, I felt my C5 coupe, with Z06 springs and sways, had better steering feel. The 08 steering feels crisp with good feedback.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
From day 1, I found it much more difficult to drive our 06 Z51 precisely when compared to our 01 Z51. Two alignments and two sets of Supercar tires didn't change things.
The first day of driving our 09 Z51, I suddenly realised how precise but light the steering felt. The difference was really great.
When you add the extra 36 hp, NPP exhaust, "blip for downshift" on the A6, and a few other things; I'm really happy to have bought the 2009
Other folks like cclive don't find much difference. Go figure...
BTW, I was told also that adding the 2009 steering system to our 2006 was not practical.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
I have a 2005 Corvette and don't see what the problems is with the steering?
I can understand moving up for the LS-3 engine with slightly more power and any other improvements that may have been made since 2005. But in appearance they all look alike. Styling seems the same in all base corvettes from 2005 to now, interior and body. When I sit in 2005 and sit in a new Corvette or even a Z-06 it doesn't impress me as one would think there would be a big difference in the price you pay for these cars with different years and engines but just sitting in one feels the same in the others.
I can understand moving up for the LS-3 engine with slightly more power and any other improvements that may have been made since 2005. But in appearance they all look alike. Styling seems the same in all base corvettes from 2005 to now, interior and body. When I sit in 2005 and sit in a new Corvette or even a Z-06 it doesn't impress me as one would think there would be a big difference in the price you pay for these cars with different years and engines but just sitting in one feels the same in the others.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 0
08 steering is easily superior to 05-07 systems because it's lighter and more communicative (registers more road feel) 2009 got even better with a quicker ratio at lower speeds which gives the car a nimbler feel around city driving and parking.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 0
I have a 2005 Corvette and don't see what the problems is with the steering?
I can understand moving up for the LS-3 engine with slightly more power and any other improvements that may have been made since 2005. But in appearance they all look alike. Styling seems the same in all base corvettes from 2005 to now, interior and body. When I sit in 2005 and sit in a new Corvette or even a Z-06 it doesn't impress me as one would think there would be a big difference in the price you pay for these cars with different years and engines but just sitting in one feels the same in the others.
I can understand moving up for the LS-3 engine with slightly more power and any other improvements that may have been made since 2005. But in appearance they all look alike. Styling seems the same in all base corvettes from 2005 to now, interior and body. When I sit in 2005 and sit in a new Corvette or even a Z-06 it doesn't impress me as one would think there would be a big difference in the price you pay for these cars with different years and engines but just sitting in one feels the same in the others.