Hey guys i currently own a TE Magna, 5 Speed with the following steering, suspension mods.

Boge Shocks All Round
King Lows
Whiteline Strut Brace
Reco Power steering rack.
18" PDW Mags with some crappy tires. (Now run with only 36PSI, as 40 was too much)

Now i don't like how my car bump steers or how it tramlines and i am wanting a "tighter" steering feel.

Do i look at a larger/stronger front sway bar? or what else should i be looking at first?

Thanks in advance.

Dropping to a small rims size :) I know that would help but not and option lol

Dropping to a small rims size :) I know that would help but not and option lol

I want pimp wheels and racing steering lol.

Get decent rubber on your pimp wheels this will help :)

Upgrading to a newer steering rack would help.
The TL-TW's had the same rack as the Ralliart, so that would probably be a nice upgrade? :)

McPherson strut suspension has some disadvantages, factory setup has been designed to minimize these, but once you lower the car and put big rims on, you are on your own. lol Racing cars use a double wishbone system to reduce flex and control all aspects of the steering geometry. Some Merc models can be ordered with a proper racing setup, but owners report very short tyre life in street use. lol

"RightNow?" I just paid $800 2 weeks ago to get a rack fitted, so im in not hurry to replace it again.

Max, so you dont think a bigger front sway bar would help? Note even a rear one?

I have had some luck by dropping my car only 20mm and fitting my car with 205/55 R16 tires on my TR which run a similar set-up as a third gen. So it all the right balance when it comes to handling :) But I'm no expert at all, just lucky and trial and error always help lol

Max, so you dont think a bigger front sway bar would help? Note even a rear one?

Do some research on the McPherson strut system and decide for yourself.

http://auto.701panduan.com/article-details.php

The result of using the MacPherson struts means that car designers and engineers have less free-play or freedom to select camber change and roll centre. Under-steering chances are higher as the wheel would subsequently lean with the body, and this directly affects handling properties of the vehicle.

BETTER:
http://ateupwithmotor.com/images/stories/cars/1971_Chevrolet_Chevelle_suspension.jpg

http://ateupwithmotor.com/images/stories/cars/1971_Chevrolet_Chevelle_suspension.jpg

Maybe try and source a whiteline anti-lift kit
Dunno if theres much more you can do to improve the steering in the mangas due to their massive turning circle

what about poly steering Bushes?
or replacing Worn Bushes
and/or TL powersteering Pump, as isnt it assisted less?
i tihnk mine need to get done

I thought Magna FWD + front swaybar = MASSIVE understeer.

Rear swaybar + strut brace seems to be the most common choice.

I think once you have a rear swaybar you can chuck on the front, but front by itself just makes things worse.

I could be wrong, anyone to confirm?

I would start with some solid steering rack bushes and some rose jointed tie rod ends, but apart from that. Talk to a suspension specialist, there would probably be some way of tuning your suspension to feel better, IE more castor, toe out.

1) Rear sway bar as your car does not appear to have one fitted.
2) Castor increase bushes.
3) Camber adjusting bolts. Only to put a smidge of negative camber on, and adjust out any side to side variance.

Do 2) and 3) together as then you will only need to have one wheel alignment done.

On a straight level road, does your car want to pull to one side?? If so you really need to increase the castor on that side.
If you have had a recent good wheel alignment done with a printout then put the results up for comment.



Gerry

what about poly steering Bushes?
or replacing Worn Bushes
and/or TL powersteering Pump, as isnt it assisted less?
i tihnk mine need to get done

Definitely look at replacing your bushes as the TE's are getting on a bit now.. Mine's done 270 odd thousand k's and was starting to do all sorts of freaky bad stuff around corners.
I replaced a few bushes quite cheap (Cheers Shaun @ Phillcom!!) and it made a world of difference..
Another thing to consider with magnas is that when you lower them, it strains the OEM bushes as they are fixed rubber style jobbies and need to be loosened & re-tightened with the car sitting at it's neutral height.
The standard bushes should be pressed out but it is possible to get them out creatively!! ;)

Also, a full wheel alignment would be beneficial, especially if it hasnt been done since lowering it!

I had an alignment done when the car was lowered, then again after the power steering rack was replaced.

I had a feeling i would need to look at doing the bushes especially since my car has done 350xxxk's.

Try driving someone else's car first. It will tell you if there is a problem with your car or if it's just the way magna's are.

Get a wheel alignment, some decent tyres and replace your bushes. That'll get rid of as much tramlining/bumpsteer as possible.