Faster Steering

[Blurvfocus]

Does anyone know a way to quicken the steering? Aftermarket steering racks? I thought about re-drilling the steering knuckles to make them in effect shorter, but I don't think I have the courage for that. Has anyone ever done that?

[thisdude_05]

Do push-ups and make your arms stronger.....

[misfire]

the best bet is to look for another rack

[WeeAsp]

Just curious, how much faster do you want it?

You could accomplish the same thing with grippier (is that a word?) tires or larger tires.

The turning response of the focus is really quite good.

To get a full appreciation, turn later into the apex.

[Blurvfocus]

Originally Posted by WeeAsp

Just curious, how much faster do you want it?

You could accomplish the same thing with grippier (is that a word?) tires or larger tires.

The turning response of the focus is really quite good.

To get a full appreciation, turn later into the apex.

How much faster? I don't know- at some point I'm sure it would be too fast and you couldn't keep the thing on the road. I thought maybe there was some aftermarket rack or easy trick somebody knew about.

I put neogens on here and that's when I got this bright idea. In a series of tight turns, I almost feel like the tires could do more and do it faster if only I could steer faster. Does that sound wierd?

Maybe I could rosin the steering wheel. Or would that put me in a different class?!

[SkaAddict]

I'm pretty sure the SVT has a higher-ratio rack than a regular Focus, that might be something to look into...

[WeeAsp]

Originally Posted by SkaAddict

I'm pretty sure the SVT has a higher-ratio rack than a regular Focus, that might be something to look into...

That's a good point. I would start there and that should satisfy the need.

Beyond that and things become a little unwiedly with a car as big (yes, I really said that) as a focus.

If it were something really lightweight, I don't think it would be as much of an issue.

[Focus_3XZ]

Originally Posted by SkaAddict

I'm pretty sure the SVT has a higher-ratio rack than a regular Focus, that might be something to look into...

No, it actually dosent. The only difference is the SVT version does not have as much travel, lock to lock. They made the steering stops shorter due to the larger 17" wheels and tires.

[WeeAsp]

Originally Posted by Blurvfocus

How much faster? I don't know- at some point I'm sure it would be too fast and you couldn't keep the thing on the road. I thought maybe there was some aftermarket rack or easy trick somebody knew about.

I put neogens on here and that's when I got this bright idea. In a series of tight turns, I almost feel like the tires could do more and do it faster if only I could steer faster. Does that sound wierd?

Maybe I could rosin the steering wheel. Or would that put me in a different class?!

Take it to an autocross and see how it does. That will give you a baseline.

From there, you can play with tire pressures. That will increase your turn in speed (increasing pressure) to a point. Once you reach the limit of adhesion, the car will handle worse.

So, finding the right balance is key.

If that seems to work, then consider an R-compound tire to carry to the next level.

[Egz]

You can also try 1/8" total toe out in the front alignment.