Ive been setting up my car for autocross, and Im wondering if all Fieros had the same steering ratio. I drove my friend's Miata the other day, and its SO much nicer for going through twisties because you dont have to turn the wheel uncomfortably far on every turn.
Anyways. My car is an '87 SE V6. Ive got an 85GT and an 84 2M4 for parts cars, would either of those have a lower ratio? If not, is there another GM junkyard car I could use for a swap?
Thanks!
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Originally posted by Frank2:
here's the goal: Build a mid engine car 1/2 as good as a Lotus Elise at 1/10 the cost.
There were at least 2 rack ratios for the 84-87. I don't know about the 88's. I replaced the rack in my first 85GT back in the mid 90's and I remember I had a choice between two ratios. I think they were 3:1 and 3.5:1
You might consider a smaller steering wheel for the "Twisties". Extra effort to move the wheel, but travel makes it feel much sportier. I hated how the grant wheel looked in my 87GT, but it sure was a cool feeling on turns.
I listed the ratios wrongly. (I think they were 3:1 and 3.5:1)
I believe it was 3 turns lock to lock and 3.5 turns lock to lock. Not sure of the exact numbers, but you get the idea. Three turns lock to lock would be the faster ratio.
Joe, did following years have different ratios, depending upon body trim?
You might consider a smaller steering wheel for the "Twisties". Extra effort to move the wheel, but travel makes it feel much sportier. I hated how the grant wheel looked in my 87GT, but it sure was a cool feeling on turns.
If you do this, keep in mind that a smaller steering wheel may partially block your view of the gauges.
Pre-88 GTs (and maybe Indy) had the faster rack, all other trims we're the slow rack. All 88's were the same ratio, which was between the two ratios used previously. I put GT rack in my 86 SE, made a huge difference in steering response!
Pre-88 GTs (and maybe Indy) had the faster rack, all other trims we're the slow rack. All 88's were the same ratio, which was between the two ratios used previously. I put GT rack in my 86 SE, made a huge difference in steering response!
Perfect, that makes my recent acquisition of the 85 GT even more convenient. Thanks
Now if only the clutch wasnt toasted and the brakes worked
Originally posted by viperine: You might consider a smaller steering wheel for the "Twisties". Extra effort to move the wheel, but travel makes it feel much sportier. I hated how the grant wheel looked in my 87GT, but it sure was a cool feeling on turns.
Careful: Some states limit smaller SW sizes. (Was common to see 8" to 10" SW decades ago.) When you wreck small wheel becomes a target for lawyers etc.
I had a smaller wheel (I think was 12") w/o PS and while "fun" to drive sometimes... was a big pain in the ass to park and easier to lose control. Big bumps can easily rip the wheel out of you hand. Worse if you put fingers in spoke holes etc then a wheel hitting a hole the SW can break them and worse.
Fiero steering damper can reduce the problems but many remove. (Good ones won't notice them to drive but RR tracks etc are a lot easier on you.)
3 turn rack is harder to park etc too vs 3.5 rack.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I think I remember reading somewhere that a guy swapped in the 2.0 ratio rack from a Vette, and removed the power steering O rings so it felt like a norma manual rack. Any thoughts on that? Itd be great for the track, but it would suck in traffic.
I think I remember reading somewhere that a guy swapped in the 2.0 ratio rack from a Vette, and removed the power steering O rings so it felt like a norma manual rack. Any thoughts on that? Itd be great for the track, but it would suck in traffic.
