2009 new steering rack
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
See post 12 in the attached thread. Paul and I were at the meeting in BG and Paul took some pics of the information being provided by GM. The new rack basically just reduces the amount of total turns from lock to lock. I think 2 1/2 turns for the 08's and 2 1/4 turns for the 09's. This just helps a little with slow speed manuvers such as in parking lots.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2010292
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2010292
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,615
Likes: 60
From: Haymarket Virginia
See post 12 in the attached thread. Paul and I were at the meeting in BG and Paul took some pics of the information being provided by GM. The new rack basically just reduces the amount of total turns from lock to lock. I think 2 1/2 turns for the 08's and 2 1/4 turns for the 09's. This just helps a little with slow speed manuvers such as in parking lots.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2010292
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2010292
I can't wait for the "I'm glad I waited and got a 09 instead of a 08 arguments."
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,893
Likes: 4,345
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Some of this stuff is absolutely ridiculous. You buy the FREAKEN year you buy, end of story! You could say that about every new model year but then again someone will............ 
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
Don't be silly. I'm waiting to place an order for 2009 after reading about the steering rack change and software updates for 2009. I mean it's only another two month wait to get the car. I've already been waiting for a lot longer than that.
If the post bash info didn't reveal any changes I wanted, I would have placed a last minute 2008 order and taken advantage of some additional discounts.
You don't just buy what you buy. You buy what you want to get.
I want to get a 2009. I want the variable ratio steering.
Sure, you can make fun of "waiting for the 2010 model to come out" mentality, but the end of 2008 order taking has already passed, so making fun of people who'd rather wait another month or so to get a 2009 is not very smart.
If the post bash info didn't reveal any changes I wanted, I would have placed a last minute 2008 order and taken advantage of some additional discounts.
You don't just buy what you buy. You buy what you want to get.
I want to get a 2009. I want the variable ratio steering.
Sure, you can make fun of "waiting for the 2010 model to come out" mentality, but the end of 2008 order taking has already passed, so making fun of people who'd rather wait another month or so to get a 2009 is not very smart.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: meraux louisiana
People wil always make fun of people on this forum
Hey,, we are all APLHAs! 
But deep down we know we are all Brothers. I like That!
When we are not the King of the Hill, we become uncomfy... Imagine the pain I suffered enjoying my '00 for 8 years....
LOL Yea ,, the pain of Enjoyment and Pride. There will be always something new AND Improved. It is the American Way.
andy NOLa
But deep down we know we are all Brothers. I like That!
When we are not the King of the Hill, we become uncomfy... Imagine the pain I suffered enjoying my '00 for 8 years....
LOL Yea ,, the pain of Enjoyment and Pride. There will be always something new AND Improved. It is the American Way.
andy NOLa
Don't be silly. I'm waiting to place an order for 2009 after reading about the steering rack change and software updates for 2009. I mean it's only another two month wait to get the car. I've already been waiting for a lot longer than that.
If the post bash info didn't reveal any changes I wanted, I would have placed a last minute 2008 order and taken advantage of some additional discounts.
You don't just buy what you buy. You buy what you want to get.
I want to get a 2009. I want the variable ratio steering.
Sure, you can make fun of "waiting for the 2010 model to come out" mentality, but the end of 2008 order taking has already passed, so making fun of people who'd rather wait another month or so to get a 2009 is not very smart.
If the post bash info didn't reveal any changes I wanted, I would have placed a last minute 2008 order and taken advantage of some additional discounts.
You don't just buy what you buy. You buy what you want to get.
I want to get a 2009. I want the variable ratio steering.
Sure, you can make fun of "waiting for the 2010 model to come out" mentality, but the end of 2008 order taking has already passed, so making fun of people who'd rather wait another month or so to get a 2009 is not very smart.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
Hey, I wanted an 08 and not an 07, so I ordered an 08! Since I only got to drive it 3 weeks before winter, I guess I should have waited and ordered an 09! Oh well, very happy with what I have.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,615
Likes: 60
From: Haymarket Virginia
Hey, I wanted an 08 and not an 07, so I ordered an 08! Since I only got to drive it 3 weeks before winter, I guess I should have waited and ordered an 09! Oh well, very happy with what I have.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
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From: Short Hills, NJ
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,511
Likes: 22
From: Southern MD
I disliked the steering in my 07 Coupe..it got really tight/heavy at highway speed and made the car feel very twitching. The 08 Z06 on the other hand with the new rack feel perfect. I agree with the other guys though with everyone else..buy the car and be happy with it
Guest
Posts: n/a
The steering on these cars feel heavy and sluggish because everything is rubber based, i.e., shock mounts, ride height adjusters, a-arm bushings and the steering rack bushings. Change to solid, bearings and / or poly and everything will improve. Much cheaper than trading in the car.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
The variable rack is particularly helpful when you're steering with your left arm. In multi-level parking garages, often you need to steer with left and shift with right. The amount of turning of the car you can get with a one-arm throw of the wheel during an emergency dodge of some dope doing something dumb isn't very much. You get more with a variable ratio rack.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 3
From: Silicon Valley California
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
The steering on these cars feel heavy and sluggish because everything is rubber based, i.e., shock mounts, ride height adjusters, a-arm bushings and the steering rack bushings. Change to solid, bearings and / or poly and everything will improve. Much cheaper than trading in the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Hey, I wanted an 08 and not an 07, so I ordered an 08! Since I only got to drive it 3 weeks before winter, I guess I should have waited and ordered an 09! Oh well, very happy with what I have.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Doubt anyone drving an 09 will notice much at all about the steering. You might while parking if you sit there and count the steering wheel turns.
As far as software updates, this was only done to allow use of the Bosch traction/handling components rather than the Delphi components previously used. No improvements, just updates so these different brand components can work with the present systems.
Just kidding.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Old Forge PA
Blah, every year there will be a little improvement. Comes with the territory. Just buy one.
However, that being said..... it is good to know because lets say you're looking at two used Vette's both at $30K. One is an 05 and one is an 06. Well you know in the 06 you don't have to put the shifter into gear for fear of the battery draining. That could influence your decision slightly.
But in reality, we're comparing Vette to Vette. Any stock C6 Vette is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than a new stock Mustang, for instance.
I had no qualms about buying an 07 LS2 even though I knew the LS3's were right around the corner. (Although I do kinda wish I had the option of NPP. Arrrrgh! ha ha, I'm doing it!)
However, that being said..... it is good to know because lets say you're looking at two used Vette's both at $30K. One is an 05 and one is an 06. Well you know in the 06 you don't have to put the shifter into gear for fear of the battery draining. That could influence your decision slightly.
But in reality, we're comparing Vette to Vette. Any stock C6 Vette is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than a new stock Mustang, for instance.
I had no qualms about buying an 07 LS2 even though I knew the LS3's were right around the corner. (Although I do kinda wish I had the option of NPP. Arrrrgh! ha ha, I'm doing it!)