Vantage steering ratio

[JK_vantage]

I read that later model v8 vantages (+2012) have smaller steering ratios. 15.1 over 17.1...
What's involved in this, can it be achieved by simple "upgrades" or do you basically need to take the whole car appart?

[bogie]

I think its a new steering rack as they are listed seperate for model years. A good used rack is about £1000, then its the fitting. Looking at the workshop manual it does not look like a few hours DIY on the drive. More like a day or more with car on a lift.

Depends how much you want the change I guess, if you want to pay someone £2-3k. Might be cheaper to save up a bit more for a MY2012.25 on car and get all the later upgrades included (brakes, wheels, suspension etc)

[TR-Spider]

As I understood it needs the later models steering rack + lower steering shaft for the modification.

I looked into it once - however, when you calculate the difference between 15/1 and 17/1,
its only 12% faster (more rack movement per steering wheel rotation).

1/2 a steering wheel turn expressed as clock-minutes, so 30 minutes (180°) rotation,
a 12% shorter rack gives you the same wheel movement with 26.5 minutes (159°) rotation.

So now look at your average drive and count when you have to use 1/2 steering wheel.

That's when I personally decided against the modification, for me it was just not enough change for the money.
IMO, its better to invest in some decent tires and a sporty wheel alignment.

Thomas

Edit: and then there is the question of how the stability control responds on the reading of the steering wheel sensor beiing different to the wheels position...unsure on that.

Edited by TR-Spider on Sunday 20th January 16:44

[V8V Pete]

Having owned an early 4.7 for a while, when I test drove a V8S the faster steering was the first thing I noticed (apart from the exhaust note and Lightweight seats!). It may not be a massive percentage change but for me it is very noticeable and welcome. I was thinking of getting all the BR mods on my 4.7 and upgrading the steering rack when my perfect spec Vantage S came along and I snapped it up.

As Bogie says, given all the improvements on the later models it maybe makes sense to upgrade to a newer car than spend a huge amount improving an older one.

[JK_vantage]

I have a 2010 with sports package and had the opportunity to upgrade to a new flywheel and dual plate clutch from a v12s for a very good price.
Ill hold on to her for a bit, the grass is always greener...;)