Improving steering response and feedback

[valentinoamoro]

To be clear, I think the steering is pretty good in the S550. I would prefer a slightly smaller diameter wheel that preserves factory functionality, but havent seen one yet so might go with the GT350 one (which is same size I believe?).

What I'm trying to do is improve the relatively slowish rack (turn in response - if you have driven an Evo you know what I mean) and channel more feedback. I'm looking for subjective improvements around feedback.

Please let me know if the below is the right list of things to do and if there are any more. Also, do these work?:

Steering response:
- Slight toe out or neutral toe. Are caster/camber plates needed or excessive?
- Increased negative camber
- Wider front tires/wheels. (285's) space/offsetted to increase front track
- Stiffer dampers and springs and stiffer tires
- square setup

Steering feedback:
- stiffer dampers and springs and stiffer sidewall tires
- Improved Front control arm and bushings (no products seem to be out yet for the S550, but I see some for the S197).

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/F...ane-Bushing-rear-2005-2014-Mustang-P1381.aspx

http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-rac...m-bushing-kit-competition-2005-2014/p/M5638C/

http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-racing-front-lower-control-arms-2005-2010/p/M3075E/

http://www.steeda.com/11-mustang-front-lower-control-arms-with-bushings-777-4900/

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[Todd15Fastback]

I have Steeda camber plates and running -2 camber, with 285/35/20 tires with the Steeda G-trac brace, Koni's and their ultralite linear springs and bumpsteer kit that was professional set (.10" of travel per 1" suspension travel).

I feel my turn is very, very quick/precise. Just a slight tug on the wheel, the steering/wheels respond instantly. I love it.

 

[Niz55]

Toe out.

 

[BmacIL]

All the things you mentioned will help. Additional front end bracing always does, too. I have been eyeing the steeda 2 point g-trac brace or the BMR front subframe brace. The one thing to keep in mind is that different tires can be very effective with this too.

 

[valentinoamoro]

All the things you mentioned will help. Additional front end bracing always does, too. I have been eyeing the steeda 2 point g-trac brace or the BMR front subframe brace. The one thing to keep in mind is that different tires can be very effective with this too.

Thanks. How does it help? I was looking into those, but they dont connect with the FCA or steering rods at all, unless I am mistaken.

 

[BmacIL]

Thanks. How does it help? I was looking into those, but they dont connect with the FCA or steering rods at all, unless I am mistaken.

The front end of the car is stiffer. As soon as the wheels turn, the tires produce lateral load, and the reaction force goes straight into the control arms and steering linkage. Stiffening the points where the control arms mount isolates this and lessens geometric change as the load builds up. This improves initial response, feedback and consistency.

 

[DR_]

Free swaybar mod or bigger front swaybar will help. Bigger rear swaybar as well.

 

[valentinoamoro]

Free swaybar mod or bigger front swaybar will help. Bigger rear swaybar as well.

I got the BMR sways. Def improvement in lean. Steering feedback and response, no. (or at least I cant tell). Not crapping on BMR's products (I'm a fan and believe the sways do want they are supposed to), just dont think it really impacts Steering response or feel as far as I can tell.

The front end of the car is stiffer. As soon as the wheels turn, the tires produce lateral load, and the reaction force goes straight into the control arms and steering linkage. Stiffening the points where the control arms mount isolates this and lessens geometric change as the load builds up. This improves initial response, feedback and consistency.

Thanks. If you get the CB005 or G-Track, let me know if you notice a significant improvement. I'm curious for sure. Cheers

 

[BmacIL]

I got the BMR sways. Def improvement in lean. Steering feedback and response, no. (or at least I cant tell). Not crapping on BMR's products (I'm a fan and believe the sways do want they are supposed to), just dont think it really impacts Steering response or feel as far as I can tell.



Thanks. If you get the CB005 or G-Track, let me know if you notice a significant improvement. I'm curious for sure. Cheers

The CB005 is definitely on my short list. The G-Track I might do later on if I'm looking for a little extra. Being a non-PP car that I'm slowly upgrading to equal or better, most of my changes have been significant. The smallest one that is hard to feel off the autocross course is the PP rear bar. It did make a noticeable improvement to the balance of the car, though, to where it only has a very mild understeer that's easy to throttle correct.

 

[Gurjit]

Anyone thinking of upgrading to a manual rack when it becomes available?

 

[valentinoamoro]

Anyone thinking of upgrading to a manual rack when it becomes available?

You mean no power assist?

 

[Bluemustang]

After installing the Steeda bumpsteer kit, I have noticed increased feedback of the steering wheel to the road. Idk if this is what you are seeking but I definitely notice it - for sure.

Running zero toe or negative toe will help increase turn in response.

 

[Gurjit]

You mean no power assist?

yes non power assist
EPA provides me with the amount of driving feel as my 1995 f150
the EPA rack is garbage

 

[Bluemustang]

I have Steeda camber plates and running -2 camber, with 285/35/20 tires with the Steeda G-trac brace, Koni's and their ultralite linear springs and bumpsteer kit that was professional set (.10" of travel per 1" suspension travel).

I feel my turn is very, very quick/precise. Just a slight tug on the wheel, the steering/wheels respond instantly. I love it.

Thank you thank you thank you for this post.

I had been wracking my brain over this. After installing the Steeda bumpsteer kit, I did notice the "tug" on the steering wheel or steering feedback whatever you wanna call it. Now I know it is normal.

 

[valentinoamoro]

Thank you thank you thank you for this post.

I had been wracking my brain over this. After installing the Steeda bumpsteer kit, I did notice the "tug" on the steering wheel or steering feedback whatever you wanna call it. Now I know it is normal.

I think he meant if he tugs the steering, there is a quick response? The tug you are talking about might be a product of wider front wheels on grooved pavement.

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