Having owned 2 LT1 F-bodies, I can't help but notice how heavy their steering is, especially compared to the 3rd gen cars.I know it's good from a performance standpoint, but it can get old on a long trip. Not something that you can't live with, but just annoying sometimes, which brings me to this question: Do the 98-up F-bods feel the same steering wise as the 93-97 cars? I remember reading somewhere that GM reworked the steering a little for the LS1 cars, am I wrong?

 

My 98 V6 camaro is a lot easier to steer then the SS (V6 one feels almost like the FWD cars I'v driven). The SS has fatter tires and a tighter steering ratio though. I don't know how the Z28s compare, I'd imagine it's still a bit "heavy."

 

I felt the LT1 car was heaver to steer then my V6, but I feel the V6 is still way heavier then a normal car.

I dont really like doing city driving much with any of them.

 

You guys might need some upper body workouts! My '02SS steers just about like any other car with big tires. It's never been the slightest issue with me.

 

Solution for hard steering...



Seriously, no wonder people think Americans are lazy...

Waaah, my steering takes too much effort.

Call the Waaaahhmbulance if your arms start hurting

 

Can someone click on that link and Email it to me. It's kinda a lot of work for one person to do it by themselves. But I'm not lazy, though.

 

I'm not sure about any changes made to the steering system, those the less weight up front may have improved things.

For "faster" steering you have a few options ranging from changing the steering rack ratio (2 different ones installed by GM, and plenty of aftermarket ones) and pully size, to increased front sway bar size, narrower tires, higher tire pressure, or even a new upper a-arm for increased or decreased caster.

 

I had the feeling when I posted this, and sure enough......I knew there would have to be some dumb a$$(s) respond to this post. Maybe you guys need to read a little better, I said it's nothing that you can't live with, and just wondered if anyone else had noticed it. Sometimes I wonder why I even visit this board.

PS-to Steve In Seattle: Thanks for answering without being an idiot.

 

I found my '94 Z28 to be harder to steer, but only because my '88 Celebrity's steering is so loose. I really haven't driven a lot of other cars, so the Z felt really tight to me.

I'm used to it now, though.

 

Brian, don't be so sensitive! I've owned three F-bodies (in the sig), and the lightest steering was the Trans Am, and it felt a bit over-boosted. Both Camaros felt "normal" to me, although the '96 had a minor pump-related vibration transmitted to the steering wheel. Compared to other cars I've driven, my '02SS steers perfectly normal, and that's the sentiment I expressed in my post. Maybe you've got a steering-related mechanical problem?

 

Easiest upgrade? more air the the tires
Next? stiffer front sway bar... I run a huge Hotckis bar up front and this really helps turn-in.
last tuning? more

Options:
a) replacing the Z28/SS/WS6 rack/pinion with the higher ratio rack/pinion used on the base models. "bolts right in"... though the heavy-duty version will supposedly last longer. Aftermarket units/ratios available as well with a bit more work.

b) convert to manual steering with a much higher gear ratio or variable gear ratios. This would really change the feel of the car though... probably no fun at parking speeds though... and if not, probably pretty dangerous at high speeds.

c) Electronic Power Steering: 2006 Malibu, 91+ Acura NSX, all Honda S2000 used these... no hp loss from a belt-driven pump (electric assist), no fluid loss or cooler needed, less weight, and tighter packaging. All I need to find is someone with a kit.

 

My Z is sorta stiff, but my friend's 02 WS6 feels way tight, compared to any car ive driven anyway. o well, feels like a race car.

 

LOL, sorry for being a dick

On a serious note though, if you have some good fabrication skills, maybe you could enlarge the hydraulic cylinder... which by Pascal's law would decrease the force needed to turn the wheel. Although I think that's probably the main difference between the V6 and V8 models. Maybe you could even take select parts from each to build one to your liking. Take a look at this to see how the power steering actually works, maybe it can put what I said into perspective:

http://www.todaysclass.com/courses/ss/ss019.aspx

 

I've owned a couple... having and SS/WS6 hood up front with 245's is as light as you are going to get.

You might be happy just going from 275's --> 245's... with the benefit being less tracking on the highway and ruts.

The cars corner better with 275's of course, but it's nothing that would bother most daily drivers.

 

my '95 Z is pretty stiff. I like it.