Steering feedback parts

[pbmr2]

Hey all,

There is very little I dislike about the mk2, the biggest (and almost only) issue is the fairly numb steering feedback.

Years ago we had a mk2 rev1 with no power steering, this seemed to have more feedback. It could just be my poor memory though.
Now I know it's possible to fit a manual rack but I'm not sure this is the only part needed to gain more feel.

Is it possible to fit the rev1 adjustable caster tie rods to the later rev4 lower arms and the chassis? Think that a little more caster would help loads.

Have any of you retro-fitted a manual rack, maybe for track use? How much did it change the steering feedback feel?

[Race Idiot]

If you want adjustable caster just buy a set of aftermarket tension rods. The mounting point on a rev3 is different for them compared to the rev1.

[ashley]

For what it's worth- I've had a rev3 with power steering, I then added the Tien adjustable tension rods which was "ok", I then converted the power steering rack to non-power steering (but kept the power steering rack and pinion)...it is heavy at slow speeds (i.e. under 5 - 10 mph), but once you're going it is fine and has made a huge difference to steering feel.

I took all efforts to reduce the input torque required though- so I gutted the rack and removed the power steering ring from the rack, all the fluids, and reduced the pre-load on the pinion. To me it feels like a "quick-racked" car now- so heavier, but meaningful steering feel...I would still like an even smaller ratio- but I think we'd then be in the realms of too heavy!

I didn't want to use the non-PS rack as it increases the ratio too far for me, so on track you'd be turning the wheel all day to get round hairpins...

[SonicSW20]

If you want adjustable caster just buy a set of aftermarket tension rods. The mounting point on a rev3 is different for them compared to the rev1.

Only need to change the brackets over though, just a few extra bolts.

Never had an issue with the Power Steering feel wise on mine tbh!

[pbmr2]

Thanks for the input guys.

Having driven a number of quite focused cars, this feels very numb. Not as numb as a Fiat 500, but to compare the Fiat to the MR2 the 2 seems great. Compare the 2 with an old MX5, Porsche 944, Elise S1 or even an Alfa 33 Perm' 4 and the MR2 feels vague.

Sure it loads up but you can't really feel what the tyre is doing on the road surface. It's quite direct, just with only a tiny amount of feedback.

Didn't realise the manual racks were slower turning, don't really want that. Have read about people doing the de-powered rack mod. Spotted there is a 'proper' way to do it also. Might have to look into this.

After market tension rod would be good. Any ideas where to start looking?

[ashley]

Didn't realise the manual racks were slower turning, don't really want that. Have read about people doing the de-powered rack mod. Spotted there is a 'proper' way to do it also. Might have to look into this.

This is what I did- towards the bottom of this page:

http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/viewtopic. ... &start=980

After market tension rod would be good. Any ideas where to start looking?

Tein seem to work well and do come up second hand on here reasonably often

[thomp1983]

I'll have a set of rev1 front arms and mounting brackets going spare in a few weeks

[SonicSW20]

I'll have a set of rev1 front arms and mounting brackets going spare in a few weeks

Does anyone know how much extra caster these can give on a Rev2+ car?

[pbmr2]

Do the rev1 tension rods fit the rev4 suspension arms? I understand the mounts fit the chassis in the same way, is there any difference at the lower arm end?

Found a lovely set of tubular wish bones from an American site, but don't think that sort of equipment will survive the roads of Sussex. Not a cheap option if you bend them on a sunken drain cover on the way to work.
http://www.huxracing.com/mkii_tubular_control_arms

[SonicSW20]

Definitely don't want rose jointed arms on a road car.

[pbmr2]

yeah, bone shaking and short lived parts I think.

Maybe just a refresh of all the bushes and ball joints would help. Some lighter wheels, maybe even some alu calipers.

This is all research and planning for the September handling update and refresh.
Got to get a drive of a de-powered rack now. See what that feels like.