7x16 on front

[Wew]

Hi all,

Old 78 sc had 6 &7 which I believe was a stock set up.
New old 81sc has 7’s & 8’s

I love the look of the bigger rims and tires, however the steering is not as nimble.
The car still has original tie rods and no bump steer.
And it seems there is definitely more of a wrestling match when driving it.
Just curious if anyone else has noticed this and was able to improve the symptoms?

Thanks,

Gary

[Otter74]

I have been curious about this myself, but have not driven a car with 7s on the front. However, since 7" wheels will increase the scrub radius, an increase in low-speed steering effort seems inevitable.

[Wew]

Well, I suppose I could hit the weights harder 🤪

[Bill Douglas]

As of a day or two ago I went from 6"+7" to 7"+8" and I haven't noticed any difference. Same tires, but on different rims.

Try putting another couple more PSI in the tires than you usually do and see if that helps.

And I love the look.

[Darkly-Noon]

A bigger diameter steering wheel helps, too. Are you using factory or aftermarket?

[nene]

A year ago I slapped 7+8's on my Carrera from 6+7's and the change (if any) was minimal.

Serge

[Wew]

Hi all,

Thanks for the input. I will check the tire pressure, that’s a good one.
My 78 I took the entire steering mechanism apart cleaned and lubed, turbo tie rods and all new rubber bushing and a bump steer kit. It felt almost like power steering it was so smooth.
Thanks for the input, the knowledge is always appreciated.

Gary

[fiminod]

"My 78 I took the entire steering mechanism apart cleaned and lubed, turbo tie rods and all new rubber bushing and a bump steer kit. It felt almost like power steering it was so smooth."...Well that explains it. Do this to the '81 and you'll have the same result.

[Wew]

Yup. I know. It is 6x compared to 7x. I do agree that what I did prior was a thing of beauty.

[Trackrash]

Alignment settings, especially caster, can make a difference in steering effort.