Steering response improvements for 180

[dave23572]

I have never really liked the steering on my Mk1 180 which I've owned since 2006.
I've always found the steering/turn-in rather slow and lacking bite.
It doesn't give me the confidence to carry speed through an "S bend" for example. I don't think there is anything wrong with the car, I guess I've just got to the point where I'd like to make an improvement.

Does anyone have any ideas of how to improve this area?
I'd like a lot more steering bite and a better turn-in.
Perhaps some kind of geometry change?
Please note this is for a road car, not track.


What I have done:-

I have good tyres and have had my alignment/tracking checked.

I have polybushed my front suspension lower arms and ARB bushes, though it made no noticeable difference over the standard bushes.

I haven't changed my dampers to Bilsteins as it's an expensive route and may make no difference in the area I'm looking for.
I suspect new dampers would only significantly affect the handling once the suspension is loaded up (the second phase of cornering if you will), rather than the initial "turn in" phase of cornering.

I did try castor adjustment bushes but it made it worse so I went back to standard castor polybushes.
Has anyone else tried these and have any findings?

[maxtherotti]

Really ???
that's one area mine has never needed any help
and I have driven hundreds of ZS's and all felt much the same

Have you tried another one to see if its the same as yours?

Cheers Rob

[stamford]

I must also say I have never felt the need to improve the steering response or feedback of my ZS. I have owned my 180 for must be getting on for 9 years now and has been the best car for steering and confidence to carry it through fast corners be it road or track. On that basis I can't really comment on yours other than try someone elses?

[petet16]

I'd have to echo the above comments, have you tried experimenting with tyre pressures.

[dave23572]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone else with a ZS to try a back to back test.

I have no reason to suspect there's anything wrong.
I've had it from when it was 3 years old.

I guess something may not be right, or maybe I just have the wrong expectations.

[maxtherotti]

Update your profile with your location someone is bound to be near to you

Rob

[Dan1971]

Nothing wrong with wanting more from your car.

You're just at a point where you want something that you feel is better. Probably nothing wrong with yours at all - you're just used to it. Maybe you just need to try something else to appreciate just how good your ZS actually is.

[dave23572]

I'm South Woodham Ferrers, near Chelmsford in Essex.

I suspect it's just that I'm too used to the ZS now after nearly 8 years of ownership. No reason to suspect anything is wrong with it.
But of course a back to back test would confirm.

The only other car I drove recently was my mate's Mk6 Golf, but that was no better. He also drove my ZS and he thought it was better than his Golf.

I haven't had the chance to drive many other cars over the years.
I did have a hire car a few years ago that really impressed me handling wise. It was a previous generation Astra SRi. Handled much more like I'd like my ZS to.
As far as I can remember anyway, it was a few years ago.
Perhaps I should test drive another one.

[talkingcars]

What tyres and what pressure are you using?

[dave23572]

Originally Posted by talkingcars

What tyres and what pressure are you using?

Pirelli Pzero and the standard handbook pressures.
Had Kumho's on previously, the Pirelli's were no better, which was disappointing given they were an extra £100 for a set.

Dave