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Changing a steering ratio for better steering performance

8 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2007 at 8:33 PM

You are in the Speed Shop Tuning and Modification Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Park Avenue

Messages Page 2 of 2

#5 of 8 Re: Changing a steering ratio for better steering performance [pau03] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 25, 2007 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: pau03 (Jul 25, 2007 3:59 pm)
Well I'll have to think about this and get back to you. I just don't know enough at the moment.
 
I'm still not sure that you want to do this though...putting very quick steering on a car that's not built for it...well...could be a bit treacherous...you might end up with a very unbalanced car at the exact moment you don't want one.

#6 of 8 Re: Changing a steering ratio for better steering performance [Mr_Shiftright] by paisan

Jul 25, 2007 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 25, 2007 5:48 pm)
Lots and lots of reasons why you shouldn't do it.
 
130,000 miles- This car is far past it's prime.
 
As mister shiftright said, putting a tigher rack on a car not meant for it, means that it may act different than expected at the wrong time.
 
I doubt there is a plug-play rack that would fit that car any tighter than the current one.
 
Save up and buy a grand-touring car with a less barge-like feel
 
-mike

#7 of 8 Re: Changing a steering ratio for better steering performance [pau03] by bucksys

Oct 18, 2007 (1:06 pm)

Replying to: pau03 (Jul 16, 2007 4:29 am)
Hey pau03, I have a park ave also and I was thinking them same thing. I tried to do some research for you and I came up with this. Try to go to a junkyard and find a pontiac bonnville look at it rack, it should mate up in the PA. The problem is what do you do about that power assit on the PA? Leave the connector unattached(cover them up) ad that should do the trick. Good luck

#8 of 8 Re: Changing a steering ratio for better steering performance [bucksys] by pau03

Oct 18, 2007 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: bucksys (Oct 18, 2007 1:06 pm)
Hi Bucksys,
 
I had already contacted the company that does the rebuilt racks for O'Reilly Auto Parts. I had the same idea about the Bonneville. The guy told me that the Bonneville rack would bolt up. Unfortunately, it would have the same steering ratio. They both use the same gears. He did tell me that the spool valve would be different which would increase the effort needed to turn the wheel, but not the steering wheel/tire angle ratio. That may improve things somewhat but I had already designed my own amplifier to put on the Magnasteer actuator coil. That would electrically increase the steering effort. I've kind of put this project on hold because I'm still fighting this friggin' vibration issue with the wheels and suspension. If I can't get that fixed I'll get rid of the car and try something else.
 
By the way, the Bonneville SSEi's have Magnasteer like the PA. So if you can find one of them you should be able to connect in your electronics. I'm not sure if they use the same current algorithm so it might be a little funky that way. Good luck. PAU3

Messages Page 2 of 2

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