Heavy Steering at Speed
06-05-2007, 09:47 PM
#1
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Heavy Steering at Speed
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I noticed an article in the February issue of Excellence comparing an 89 911, Boxster, and 968. With regard to the 911, they describe a condition which I accepted as normal.
I expect the steering to be heavier with 225/50 up front but, the steering is only heavy when pushed hard. 1983 SC - not sure it matters; but rear- 245/45; monoballs, poly-bronze bushings, Smart Racing sway bars, 23/33 T-Bars, and other suspension mods, cage; 2490 pounds dry. Currently not enough shock for the spring, and the sway bars are set up a little loose -- Car is corner balanced and aligned.
What are these minor suspension mods that will work wonders for the steering?
I noticed an article in the February issue of Excellence comparing an 89 911, Boxster, and 968. With regard to the 911, they describe a condition which I accepted as normal.
'Some muscle is required at turn-in, but its the job of holding the wheel through the turn that takes real effort. While the unassistend turn-in is pure joy, maintaining your line is more work then pleasure. Delicate inputs or a light-touch won't get the job done; this 911 demands both heavy inputs and precision --.... it doesn't need to be this way... minor front end suspension work and revised alignment settings would work wonders for this Carrera.'
What are these minor suspension mods that will work wonders for the steering?
06-05-2007, 10:25 PM
#2
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Good question. I have also noticed that my steering is very heavy when pushed hard on the track.
06-05-2007, 10:32 PM
#3
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I think you'll find the Boxster and 968 have power steering where the 911's don't until the 964's came out. Up until then, 911's have always had stiffer steering when pushed hard. However, the proper setup of the suspension can make a little difference, i.e., understeer or oversteer.
06-06-2007, 12:44 AM
#5
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I like that 911 non-power steering is progressively heavier as speed increases - provides tactile feedback, immediacy in high speed curves & transitions. for me.
06-06-2007, 11:14 AM
#6
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Steve, thanks for the update. I just pulled up one of the alignment sheets and the caster value is missing. I assume caster set by fore and aft movement of the top of the strut? It was almost dead on at 6 degrees +/- a few minutes. I have far more camber adjustment available at the top of the strut. Is there enough for .8 degree? (are the new shocks on their way yet?)
Spider, I have a Boxster as well and sometimes I am aware of the differences.
The Smart Bars have allowed me to experiment quite a bit over the last few years. I just thought the heavy characteristic was normal until I saw the line in Excellence. My old SCCA Z car was dreadful at low speed in the paddock, but would take a light touch on the track. The SC is just the opposite.
Spider, I have a Boxster as well and sometimes I am aware of the differences.
The Smart Bars have allowed me to experiment quite a bit over the last few years. I just thought the heavy characteristic was normal until I saw the line in Excellence. My old SCCA Z car was dreadful at low speed in the paddock, but would take a light touch on the track. The SC is just the opposite.
06-06-2007, 12:30 PM
#7
RL Technical Advisor
Hi Alan:
Yessir, caster is adjusted by moving the tops of the struts fore & aft and 6 degrees makes for a higher effort steering as the wheel is moved off center,...
I should see shocks within 2 weeks.
Yessir, caster is adjusted by moving the tops of the struts fore & aft and 6 degrees makes for a higher effort steering as the wheel is moved off center,...
I should see shocks within 2 weeks.
