Can anything be done to improve the turning radius on 1st Gen Camaros? Rack and Pinion would probably do it, but very expensive I would think. What are y'alls ideas on this matter? graemlins/clonk.gif

The actual turning radius is only slightly larger than a corvette!
What makes it feel worse is the front tires slip and don't really follow where they are pointed. This is due to poor camber control of the front tires.

If you do the normal improvemements, the car will turn and respond like a sports car!

I have a lot of suspension info on my page below.
David

Years ago I had my car's springs so hard that it would almost skip sideways going around a corner!!

Back then I didn't know a thing about spring/ride science, but the sucker NEVER bottomed out!!! Rode like a lumber wagon though....

I ordered mine with the optionl, non-power quick ratio steering and it would turn a 90 degree corner in about one turn!! But was an absolute bear to parallel park!! I din't P/P it at all!!

NOW, it's got a new rebuilt P/S gearbox on it along with my stock, short spindle bolt-on steering arms b/c of it being so hard to steer..

pdq67

a good way to get a nice, tigh turning radius with a rear wheel drive car is to use the throttle to help the rear end kick out a little bit.. works especially wells if you've got deeper gears and a posi along with a torquey engine. some people call it doing donuts, i call it making a tight radius turn...

I heard something about a late model, quick ratio gear with a longer pitman arm to make it turn sharper...anyone else know what to do for sure?

The simplest is to buy a box from Detroit Speed, or AGR. I have more steering box swap info on my page below.
David

Right, Nobva,

I did use the throttle to "kick" the ass-end out while almost skipping sideways making a fast 90 degree turn on a smooth street!

My car was sprung so hard she almost didn't lean but the tires scubbed...

pdq67

Lee manufacturing can rebuild your box with a quick ratio. I had mine done in 1989 and the cost was pretty high then, but G-machines were not very popular. Mine is 12-1 ratio with a 35lb valve. Works very well with a lot of road feel. I would think his prices would have to be competitive for todays market. SS

National Nostalgic Nova Club had some fast-ratio gearsets for manual boxes for sale last year. They may still have some, or know where to get them.

Lee did a pump and box for me, I supplied the cores, it was a little over $600.
David