Low speed handling problems !!! ???

[so called]

As with my Mk1 I have made upgrades to my Mk2 as mentioned on the thread below by dvs dave so to improve handling. The mods dont just improve high speed handling but also improve moderate speed, stop tram lining etc. and generally make your car feel much more planted.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Get spacers on the front wheels. (£25) - Not done but have SP12 wheels.
Get the geometry sorted and tyre pressures right.(£100) - Done
Get decent dampers fitted and car corner weighted (£1k) - Done
Fit a front splitter. (£250, for Mk1 splitter which is a simple bolt on fit and just as effective) not done.

My problem though is that at 50mph on normal A or B road my steering feels a bit vague.
I've been reading all the threads about this including the "spacers" comments with interest.
Part of the discussion was with regard the Mk2 not needing the spacers. Is this correct ?
I also understand that the SP12's dont need spacers as its already taken care off.

Does this mean that I have inadvertantly introduced a 12mm off set on my Mk2 that I shouldnt have ?
Could this be responsible for my 'unplanted' feeling ?
If so......bummer, I swapped my spiders for the cost of a service.

Any advise greatly appreciated.
Tony.

[TUS 2 CON]

I have a Mk 2. When I fitted the spacers I found the handling much improved.

I find the power steering on the car a bit 'light'. My Dad's Mk 1 felt much more connected and I think it is because they had a different steering rack to the Mk 2. I suspect this is where your problem lies.

[Basil Brush]

How long is it since the alignment was done? I had the same feeling when mine had developed a bit of toe out due to bumps/pot holes etc recently.

[so called]

Its not so much the steering feeling light but that the front ends is light on the road.
Doesnt tram line very much but just seem to be adjusting alot.

Had new shocks and geometry done in June before driving down to Spain for a holiday.
Had it checked again when I got back in July or August.
Derek checked it the second time so I am confident its correct as he did my Mk1 3 years ago.

So if the 12mm spacers improved your Mk2 is it correct what I heard about the SP12's not needing them ?
I called and e-mailed Silverstone Performance but of course now I understand no call back.
Maybe Tim at ACT can advise me.
BUT what is ACT's web site, I cant find them !!

Edited by so called on Sunday 10th October 14:42

[S6 Devil]

so called said:

Maybe Tim at ACT can advise me.
BUT what is ACT's web site, I cant find them !!

Edited by so called on Sunday 10th October 14:42

Here you go: http://www.actproducts.co.uk/

[so called]

Thanks very much.

[dvs_dave]

so called said:

As with my Mk1 I have made upgrades to my Mk2 as mentioned on the thread below by dvs dave so to improve handling. The mods dont just improve high speed handling but also improve moderate speed, stop tram lining etc. and generally make your car feel much more planted.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Get spacers on the front wheels. (£25) - Not done but have SP12 wheels.
Get the geometry sorted and tyre pressures right.(£100) - Done
Get decent dampers fitted and car corner weighted (£1k) - Done
Fit a front splitter. (£250, for Mk1 splitter which is a simple bolt on fit and just as effective) not done.

My problem though is that at 50mph on normal A or B road my steering feels a bit vague.
I've been reading all the threads about this including the "spacers" comments with interest.
Part of the discussion was with regard the Mk2 not needing the spacers. Is this correct ?
I also understand that the SP12's dont need spacers as its already taken care off.

Does this mean that I have inadvertantly introduced a 12mm off set on my Mk2 that I shouldnt have ?
Could this be responsible for my 'unplanted' feeling ?
If so......bummer, I swapped my spiders for the cost of a service.

Any advise greatly appreciated.
Tony.

Before worrying about your SP12's/spacers, owners of later cars with the electric power steering pump have complained of exactly this "vagueness". The remedy from them, simply unplug the grey power relay for the PAS pump. Apparantly it transforms the steering feel so is well worth a try.

[nrick]

Bought mine from Matt at Sp on ebay, arrived next day will fit them tomorrow.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TVR-Tuscan-SP-Wheel-Spacers-...

[nrick]

Bought mine from Matt at Sp on ebay, arrived next day will fit them tomorrow.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TVR-Tuscan-SP-Wheel-Spacers-...

[so called]

dvs_dave said:

so called said:

As with my Mk1 I have made upgrades to my Mk2 as mentioned on the thread below by dvs dave so to improve handling. The mods dont just improve high speed handling but also improve moderate speed, stop tram lining etc. and generally make your car feel much more planted.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Get spacers on the front wheels. (£25) - Not done but have SP12 wheels.
Get the geometry sorted and tyre pressures right.(£100) - Done
Get decent dampers fitted and car corner weighted (£1k) - Done
Fit a front splitter. (£250, for Mk1 splitter which is a simple bolt on fit and just as effective) not done.

My problem though is that at 50mph on normal A or B road my steering feels a bit vague.
I've been reading all the threads about this including the "spacers" comments with interest.
Part of the discussion was with regard the Mk2 not needing the spacers. Is this correct ?
I also understand that the SP12's dont need spacers as its already taken care off.

Does this mean that I have inadvertantly introduced a 12mm off set on my Mk2 that I shouldnt have ?
Could this be responsible for my 'unplanted' feeling ?
If so......bummer, I swapped my spiders for the cost of a service.

Any advise greatly appreciated.
Tony.

Before worrying about your SP12's/spacers, owners of later cars with the electric power steering pump have complained of exactly this "vagueness". The remedy from them, simply unplug the grey power relay for the PAS pump. Apparantly it transforms the steering feel so is well worth a try.

Thanks again. Will try it when I get home.
Tony.

[glow worm]

I hope you have strong forearms, parking and slow speed manoeuvring without PAS is not that easy as I have discovered with numerous failed relays. In fact , I thought I would break the steering column , and I've got 225s on the front not 255's. No problems with my steering by the way.

Edited by glow worm on Sunday 10th October 23:28

[TVRMARK500]

glow worm said:

I hope you have strong forearms, parking and slow speed manoeuvring without PAS is not that easy as I have discovered with numerous failed relays. In fact , I thought I would break the steering column , and I've got 225s on the front not 255's. No problems with my steering by the way.

Edited by glow worm on Sunday 10th October 23:28

I've been running without P/S for months now with no problems (255 tyres), Never had low speed handling problems with the Sag thou, but for road feedback/feel and high speed driving it's so much better without the P/S.

[so called]

My Chimaera was non PAS so not bothered about that.
I'll be delighted if it sorts the feel out though.

[Hotwheels.]

I agree, i disconnected the PAS and the steering has so much more feel...too light a steering ruins the drive of any car!