Looking to make steering more "precise" feeling

[gepeto]

Hi!

I have a few suspension mods done to my s14 (Koni shocks, RS*R race springs, suspension technique swaybars) and I'd like to make my steering feel quicker, more precise...

Right now there is "lag" when I turn the wheel, but I know that's mostly due to me running on 15inch crap tires that I normally use for storage...but other than that, what can I do to improve response of the steering?

[EazyBreazy]

as you already stated, tires, wheels 16 or 17 would be a huge help. poly bushings(steering rack bushings) strut tower brace, tension rods. any of these willl reduce chassis flex takin away some of that numbness in your response

[AZhitman]

^

Also, a front ladder bar helps (AFTER you do all the aforementioned stuff).

[Dano]

If your still running on stock tension rods, chances are the factory gel-filled rubber bushings have either cracked and oozed out the goo, or are going to shortly. I had that problem. SPL Parts, who is also a NICO sponser, sells the sweetest tension rods i've seen with their SPL v2 tension rods. I run them on my car and looove them, the stock bushings are replaced with spherical bearings that do not wear out. Under $200 and worth the money, also, if your running on stock tie rod ends, chances are the ball joints are worn out, replacing those will also yeild you better steering.

Hope that helps, let us know if you have anymore questions!

[UncleBen]

I went from stock tension rods/tierods and ends and upgraded to Tein Tension rods w/ the solid spherical bearings instead of rubber bushings, and Tein Tierod and tierod ends. I also threw on a Nismo Powerbrace. I did all of that at the same time, and the car feel GREAT in cornering and responsiveness. I have a front strut brace as well.

I soon plan on purchasing a full suspension techniques poly bushing kit and installing them as well as my SPL Parts solid rear subframe bushings. I anticipate a very solid feeling car after its all said and done.

[RB20DETodd]

Get tension rods like everyone said, and a steering eliminator bushing, and if your realy anal a HICAS rack if your a s13er.

[naed240sx]

Werd to everything said in this thread.

A few things I would like to add:

SPL tie rod ends to correct bumpsteer.

Spring/shock setups will never be as responsive as coilovers. Coilovers with solid pillowball uppermounts are the way to go.

17 inch wheels with a mild tire stretch (Example: 17x9s with 235/40/17s). Tire and wheel setup will probably make the biggest difference over anything else.

[RB20DETodd]

Werd to everything said in this thread.

17 inch wheels with a mild tire stretch (Example: 17x9s with 235/40/17s). Tire and wheel setup will probably make the biggest difference over anything else.

yes werd

[naed240sx]

and Tein Tierod and tierod ends. .

I should mention that tein tie rods/ends are pretty much crap, because they are no better than stock. Maybe a little stronger, but autozone offers lifetime warrantied oem ones, so what is the point in buying tein? They certainly will not offer ANY handling benefits.

SPL rods/ends are simply amazing. They recently came out with the version 2, which is by far the best setup offered for the s-chassis. SPL ends will actually help you to tweak the handling on your car.

[94_240sx]

I should mention that tein tie rods/ends are pretty much crap, because they are no better than stock. Maybe a little stronger, but autozone offers lifetime warrantied oem ones, so what is the point in buying tein? They certainly will not offer ANY handling benefits.

SPL rods/ends are simply amazing. They recently came out with the version 2, which is by far the best setup offered for the s-chassis. SPL ends will actually help you to tweak the handling on your car.

Actually, I've been looking at tie rod ends recently. Yes, Tein ones look just like OEM ones with rubber housing filled with grease. SPL and Kazama look very similar. Those will be my next upgrade along with Whiteline sway bars.

[gepeto]

Ok so next mod will be strut tower bars (car is going in storage in just over a month, I'd rather drive than wrench !)

I will not install coilvers, I love my koni/RS*R race too much...when they are shot...I'll get them revalved..

Then I'll do the tension rods...as for tires I had good tires on it, it was much better but I'd still like it to be better..

I also read Tein tie rods were crap...