Is your steering too light? Overboosted?

Cobra4B · #1 10-20-2008, 12:31 AM

Most of my on-track experience has been in a modified Z06 Corvette. In comparison the Panoz's steering is way too light for my liking. I assume my GTRA has the stock pump from the Ausie Ford Falcon sedan the motor comes from.

Do I just need to put in a new pump w/ less power boost? Or, is there some kind of adjustment I can make to the system? Or, should I look elsewhere for something to change. The car has a Ford motorsports rack.

~Brian

eric1h · #2 10-20-2008, 09:46 AM

man i am on a roll today

http://www.livermoreperformance.com/..._steering.html

You can pick up a restrictor valve kit to adjust the amount of assist.

Cobra4B · #3 10-20-2008, 10:17 AM

Sweet... do you find yours to be too boosted? Anyone consider switching to manual steering? I mean it'd fit w/ the car not having power brakes etc. The motor would only have to turn a water pump and alternator.

Cobra4B · #4 10-21-2008, 05:39 PM

ttt... anyone go to manual steering or reduce the boost?

Squerly · #5 10-21-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

... do you find yours to be too boosted?

Personally, I would rather have less assistance. I actually have to pay attention to mine or it will drive me right into the wall. It's very touchy!

eric1h · #6 10-22-2008, 09:12 AM

i agree the steering is a bit too boosted and I like the extra "stifness" i plan to use the valve kit on mine once i get most of my other tweaks done. a lot to do to the car over the winter.

Cobra4B · #7 10-23-2008, 10:58 PM

I'm going to ditch the powersteering... I'll let you guys know what all is involved.

eric1h · #8 10-23-2008, 11:00 PM

if you ditch your PS, and replace the rack, let me know what kind of shape your rack is in, boy does that sound bad!!

But mine has a little play in it and may need to be replaced......

nothing better than a nice firm rack right?

Cobra4B · #9 10-23-2008, 11:34 PM

^ Well I'm training for a 1/2 marathon so my rack isn't as good as it normally is... I can only bench around 225 right now.

Seriously though... my buddy who runs www.performanceautosport.com (they build all kinds of road race mustangs) told me the PS restrictor can lead to issues in a RR car and suggested going manual. Manual will only suck around the pits... will provide superior feel/feedback on track and simplify the car even farther.

David Eastman · #10 10-27-2008, 07:42 PM

Brian,

I Think the last thing you want to do is get rid of the power steering. I have tracked a FFR with out ps for several years and ps was one of the features of the Panoz I liked. With out ps these cars will be a hand full. The front of these car weighs about 13 to 14 hundred lbs the cobra weighs about 11 hundred lbs. That a lot of weight to try and move with out help. The FFR Challange guys switched to ps so they can catch a spin faster. If you do some research on the FFR site you may find some info about a larger ps pully that slowed the pump down.

David

Cobra4B · #11 10-27-2008, 08:55 PM

Really? I figured once going manual steering would be superior.

panozracing · #12 10-27-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

Really? I figured once going manual steering would be superior.

I used to own a 1990 911 RS America race car with about 360hp and MANUAL steering. I am so glad I dont have manual steering anymore. I love the power steering in the GTS. I am pretty sure its the same rack in all the diff. versions. I have no issue with the light feel on the wheel. Its precise with a lite touch. Try driving a manual steering car for hours at race speed. Your arms and hands get really tired. Drive smooth and lite and it rewards you with speed.

Now, I havent tried any adjustments so what am I really comparing it too

Cobra4B · #13 10-28-2008, 09:20 AM

Hmmm... I guess I'm just comparing it to a Corvette's feel which is what I've been tracking for 5 years and what I'm most comfortable in.

Maybe I'll hold off on the manual rack and do the motor/suspension mods and wait to get it on track again to re-evaluate. Will do some research on the FF Cobra forums.

Squerly · #14 10-28-2008, 09:27 AM

Actually, I don't think this is an ON or OFF issue, it's a matter of finding a happy medium. I have a 930 which is raw in all aspects. No ABS, no power steering, just a raw driving machine. And it's OK, but not my first choice any longer. I like PS, but I also want some feedback from the car, and I'm not getting it with my current setup.

Cobra4B · #15 10-28-2008, 09:46 AM

^ I think the easiest thing would be to put a larger pulley on the PS pump. That said Maximum Motorsports makes a very nice road racing PS setup for mustangs that addresses exactly the issues we're having, but it's $700 and I'm not ready to spend that. It has a low pressure pump that maintains proper fluid volume/flow but at a lower pressure. Also, has interchangable restriction valves to modify pressure/assistance.

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