Steering rack/ratio vs. the Grand Prix for quicker steering.
03-08-2003, 06:52 PM
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Steering rack/ratio vs. the Grand Prix for quicker steering.
This'll test the hardcore GM guys. 
Is the steering ratio of the rack and pinion on the Grand Prix quicker than our cars?? If so, and I realize that this is probably a stretch, but would it be possible to swap them out so we could have quicker responding steering?
I drove my secretary'* '95 T-Bird, (RWD), and I loved how quick the turn-in was. Felt much more sporty. I realize that we're driving family boats, but it would be nice to have crisper, quicker steering.
Maybe the boys at ZZP or Domestic or Angry Duck could look into this. Maybe it would just be a simple swap of some parts.
Is the steering ratio of the rack and pinion on the Grand Prix quicker than our cars?? If so, and I realize that this is probably a stretch, but would it be possible to swap them out so we could have quicker responding steering?
I drove my secretary'* '95 T-Bird, (RWD), and I loved how quick the turn-in was. Felt much more sporty. I realize that we're driving family boats, but it would be nice to have crisper, quicker steering.
Maybe the boys at ZZP or Domestic or Angry Duck could look into this. Maybe it would just be a simple swap of some parts.
03-08-2003, 11:39 PM
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Before my bonneville i had a 96 mercury cougar and loved the steering. But i think alot of it has to do with the car being rwd because, it can turn much easier and tighter.
03-09-2003, 06:13 PM
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I'm sure some of it has to do with RWD, but I think it would nice to have more responsive steering. The initial turn in of the tbird was nice, made it feel sporty and responsive. I realize our cars are set up more with Grandma in mind and not someone wanting to carve corners.
03-10-2003, 07:44 PM
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Thanks JR, that does help. I've actually got a '96 Olds 88 LS, which is between the LSS and the plain 88. It has the rear anti-sway bar, but I don't know which suspension it has. I'll do some research.
When you say the costlier rack is more responsive, does it have less turns lock to lock, with a quicker ratio or what?
I would imagine one could swap in the rack you're talking about, couldn't they? Mine'* experiencing the GM cold weather stickiness with 128,000 miles on it.
When you say the costlier rack is more responsive, does it have less turns lock to lock, with a quicker ratio or what?
I would imagine one could swap in the rack you're talking about, couldn't they? Mine'* experiencing the GM cold weather stickiness with 128,000 miles on it.
03-11-2003, 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
Well...I'm not totally sure... I think the sport models... Say LSS Olds... SSE SSEi bonneville.. I would think these would have the tighter or more responsive racks.. Not sure... I also would like to know the the lock to lock.. I'd like to know how many turns.. My rack is starting to show signs of play... I wonder if there is a diffrence... There has to be a reason that the SSE SSEi unit costs more... I'll get back to you.. Gonna check something... I'll edit...
Hmmmm... For my 95 Bonnie....
For the FE1 or soft ride, The rack costs $69.99 & $45.00 core..
For the FE2 or ride and handling The rack is $171.99 & $90.00 core....
Wow talk about a diffrence.. :?
Hmmmm... For my 95 Bonnie....
For the FE1 or soft ride, The rack costs $69.99 & $45.00 core..
For the FE2 or ride and handling The rack is $171.99 & $90.00 core....
Wow talk about a diffrence.. :?
03-11-2003, 06:34 PM
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I've got the FE1 
But from '96 on, do all these cars have the rear anti-sway bar? Mine does, and I thought I'd seen posts where guys without them were thinking about installing them.
I'd think if I had the base suspension that I wouldn't have the bar... unless all our bodied cars got them.
Anyhow, a quicker more responsive rack should bolt right up, shouldn't it?
How many turns lock to lock does everyone get on their particular model?
But from '96 on, do all these cars have the rear anti-sway bar? Mine does, and I thought I'd seen posts where guys without them were thinking about installing them.
I'd think if I had the base suspension that I wouldn't have the bar... unless all our bodied cars got them.
Anyhow, a quicker more responsive rack should bolt right up, shouldn't it?
How many turns lock to lock does everyone get on their particular model?
03-11-2003, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
You have to look at the RPO codes on the spare tire cover....
It will have all the RPO codes.. Look at all of the F codes..
You will have either..
FE1
FE2 or
F41 FE1 has the $60.00 unit
FE2 and F41 have the expensive unit...
It will have all the RPO codes.. Look at all of the F codes..
You will have either..
FE1
FE2 or
F41 FE1 has the $60.00 unit
FE2 and F41 have the expensive unit...
03-13-2003, 03:19 PM
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briminder,
The FE1 suspension does have a rear anti-sway bar, it'* just wimpier. I have the FE1 suspension and plan to do the swap. It should entail the following:
Rack and Pinion
Front and Rear anti-sway bars
Springs
Struts/shocks
All applicable bushings.
The FE1 suspension does have a rear anti-sway bar, it'* just wimpier. I have the FE1 suspension and plan to do the swap. It should entail the following:
Rack and Pinion
Front and Rear anti-sway bars
Springs
Struts/shocks
All applicable bushings.