86 Coupe poor handling

[zog]

I finally got my 86 coupe on the road. I bought it in February, and replaced almost everything behind the tranny. Anyway, it just does not seem to handle very well.

I know those wide tires catch all of the groves and bumps, but it seems like I have to fight it all the time. On a straight smooth road it rides straight and true. The slightest variation in the road causes the car to sway....is that normal or ????

It has new rear spring, hubs, bushings, all around brakes, shocks, exhaust, and the tires are 255x50x16 with excellent tread.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. This is my first Vette, and maybe this is normal....thanks

 

[vader86]

Hard to say, I dont know what you personally feel about the tracking on rougher roads.

They really do like to ride rough and you do need a steady hand on the wheel if the road has any rivets or anything.

If your alignment is correct, this sounds normal.

 

[vettin1]

Here in NYC the roads are some of the worst in the country. I usually need an alignment every 8 weeks, although i push it to about 12. on a straight smooth surface, she handles GREAT!! On a highway or road w/a few bumps, its a constant struggle. I hear ya!! It seems that your car is normal like my 85 it's just annoying (especially when you just drove another newer car). KEEP Fightin'

 

[RedRagTop]

Alignment every 8 weeks! You must drive on a motocross track.
Mine "hunts" a lot with the 285/275 tires and any little ripple in the road will cause a twitch. My 4x4 Z71 is easier to drive! My rack&pinion is on the way out and sometimes gives a slight notchy binding feel.

 

[bradvette]

Also might be Z51 suspension, if you have this option.

 

[zog]

I guess my '86 is ok for the most part. I had the front hubs and ball joints checked, but they are fine. Guess I'll just have to muscle my way to the front of the pack....

 

[vettin1]

Drivin in NYC especially "da Bronx" is REALLY bad. I drive on some roads and scream THATS $200, THATS $400, or IM KILLING HER!!! Its not pretty!

 

[jsinga]

Rack inner tierods, outer tierods and excessive play in the rack preload will let it jerk over ruts.
If you replace the rack don't get a cheap rebuild, they only replace the badly worn parts.
Last Detail has a Delco rebuilt rack for about $100 more than AutoZone, ect. must be something more done to their's since other parts have good prices.

JS

 

[LuckyVette]

I have an '86 Z51 and it is VERY sensitive to any type of verticle variation in the pavement.

I am by no means an expert on suspension, but my car still handles like a haas when driving, so I figure that steering sensitivity built FOR the driver is also experienced BY the driver on rough roads.

It IS an effort to drive, but man does it respond!

I have nothing to compare with my '86, so if I'm wrong please let me know!

Thanks

 

[RedRagTop]

Guess we all have similar charachteristics.
Guess that's why they pull 1 G!