Re: 5KCSTQ Questions

["Rudy Consolacion" <rconsolacion@kumhotech.com>]

Richard,
What type of tires are you running?  Tires have a great impact on 
steering feel and handling response.

Rudy Consolacion


> To All:
> 
> I recently upgraded the suspension on my 5KCS TQ -- new BOGE's Turbo Gas
> shocks, new rack, pump, bearings, alignment, and new tires which were
> recently balanced for a second time based on recommendations made from folk
> on the list 00 the steering wheel was shaking at moderate highway speeds of
> 50-70 mph.
> 
> The car handle Much. much better -- no questions about it, but I have some
> concerns.   I had the tires balanced again after 2K miles and it was
> supposed to get rid of the shaky wheel -- it didn't happen.  This could be
> because they neglected to take it for a ride after they balanced the tires
> -- don't know.  It stil-l wiggles.  It was free, and I'll take it back to
> NTB again for another balancing this week.
> 
> My biggest concern may be all in my head.  The car seems to have some
> 'play' n the steering wheel as well -- very mild, most 'normal' folks
> wouldn't notice or care -- but I do.  Even with the 'tight-but'loose' feel
> of the BOGEs, the car still isn't as 'sure-footed' as I was hoping it would
> be.  This could be due to the fact that the 5KCSTQ just isn't as nimble as
> my 4KSQ -- but I don't buy that rationale completely.
> 
> The car sits very high with no lowering springs -- I kept the stock springs
> because I prefer the clearance -- and the car is now beginning to settle a
> bit an get back to normal.
> 
> I guess my question/concern is this:  I've asked 1000 times and I get the
> same great answers, but I want to know if those of you with extremely
> modified 5000/200 TQs have the same experience with the car's handling.
> Does your car seem to have a little bit of play in the steering wheel?
> Does the steering itself seem like it's not powerful enough to direct the
> car -- almost like it's too heavy?  What is the lack of response in
> steering on this car -- and how can I modify it?
> 
> The gas shocks are great -- they are doing exactly what they should be
> doing..  How can I tighten up the steering and reduce the body roll more?
> Did I miss something during the upgrade process?  How can I improve the
> steering ability of the car?
> 
> Don't get me wrong -- it handles 100 times better than before.  I guess
> that for (1) -- I expected I would get more from the new power steering
> rack -- like it would improve the steering and (2) now that the new shocks,
> bearing, etc. have been upgraded -- it points to other things in the front
> end that seem to lack -- e.g. the steering itself.  When I upgraded the
> 4K-- everything changed -- it was like night-and-day -- a brand new car..
> 
> I know the 5Q will never be as 'agile' as the 4Q -- but there has got to be
> a way to make it damn close -- and that's all I'm' trying to do!!!!
> 
> Help, if you can -- if I make any sense!  Thanks.
> 
> Richard
> 87 5KCS TQ
> 85 4KS Q
> 82 VW Cabriolet
> 
>