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What happens if you disconnect the Magna Steer?

Blown97

New member
I'm looking for quicker steering inputs and I'm interested in seeing if anybody knows if a better/quicker responding rack & pinion exists for the 97-03 GP. :burnrubber0:

Thanks
 
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Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

No one has ever heard anything about a different rack that we can use??
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

To be quite honest, I havent. Though if it were available, I would probably get one as well. But I just have never heard of one available.
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

Stock GM or off brand replacement is all I know of myself as well.

My car handles pretty nice, so happy with whats in my car. If I go and change the rack with something different...then I will have to relearn how to drive it as had as I do sometimes.

~F~
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

I'm not sure if they're compatible, but the Impala LS/SS feature a tighter ratio steering rack than the base Impala. I think the base is 15.2:1 and the LS/SS is 13.2:1. That results in less input required for the same output, or in other words a "quicker" feeling in the steering. More sensitive, if you will.

mediaOnline

The 2003 GP (all trims) has a steering ratio of 17.2:1, so if they're compatible an Impala steering rack would be an improvement.

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

just make sure all dimensions are exactly the same or it will handle weird
 


Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

Sabrewings, Thats exactly what Im talking about, thanks.

The one thing I wonder is would it work for our cars with the variable effort steering?
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

I wasn't aware the 97-03 GP had variable steering. If so, I don't believe the Impala had it, and I'm not sure.
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

Nah, I'm not in for the Arm Strong power steering Sinister :th_biggrin2:

Its good to know if the Monte and Impala have the Magna Steer, that way I don't have to waste time looking at them. Does anybody know if the newer GPs have Magna Steer?

thanks for the info thus far. :th_thumbsup-wink:
 


Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

i didnt think that all years of the GP had the magnasteer, nor was it standard... thought it was an option
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

Magnasteer is a variable resistance system in some of our pontiacs' steering systems, it (using magnets) varies the amount of force required for the driver to turn the sterring wheel, It is also called variable assist... I don't know exactly how the system works, but i'm shure some one will chime in, and if you could live without I imagine other w body racks are interchangeble, you'll just have "extra" woring :th_king-normal:
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

i cant find the specs, but i think the intrigue had a smaller ratio rack, too
 


Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

With everything coming out (engine and trans) this would be the ideal time for me to upgrade if such a thing is to be had. So Im kinda watching this thread with much anticipation.
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

With everything coming out (engine and trans) this would be the ideal time for me to upgrade if such a thing is to be had. So Im kinda watching this thread with much anticipation.

If you don't have Magnasteer, there's no reason you can't swap out with a Impala LS/SS rack.
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

Yeah I have a 98 GA also, and it seems to take less wheel to turn in the tight curves, so I hope there is because going around tight curves I swear it seems that I turn the wheel all the way around one to do it. The only thing is to find out if there is a rack that will fit our frame and have all the connections even for the variable steering.

Thanks for the interest guys, I hope there is something available.
:th_peaceout:
 
Re: Looking for a different Rack & Pinion

If you don't have Magnasteer, there's no reason you can't swap out with a Impala LS/SS rack.


I havent figured out yet how to identify whether or not I have magnasteer. But, I am assuming I do because I remember unplugging a connector that went to the steering area on the drivers side and I recall thinking that was odd as I had never seen that before.
 
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