I've got just the SAS on my 99 9-3, 90k. It's been on for the past 15k or so.

The car is definitely much more controllable and predictable in initiating hard corners and lane changes - turn in is sharper, and the rear of the car feels much more connected to the front. I regard the bar as the best bang for the buck upgrade on the car.

When used by itself, however, the bar highlights the precariousness of the stock steering setup. Whilst engaging in any precise weight xfer maneuvers (eg. long, bumpy and/or poorly radiused/banked fwy corners), I definitely notice that it is hard to keep the attitude of the car in neutral balance -as through there is a see-saw in the steering linkage somewhere. I think I percieve the stock rack's shorcomings more now because the more rigid rear yields higher comfortable speed through sweepers, but requires more precise steering input as the wheel experiences deflections. Also, just given basic chassis dynamics, anything that neutralizes initial understeer should probably be accompanied by increased steering precision.

From what you guys say, sounds as though the CKPaden clamp (and brace?) may address my specific issue without causing too many externalities. I have this paranoia that the steering improvement may spoil me for my planned wheel upgrade - viz., I'll perceive more tramlining when I get the larger wheels (I've got 15s, which are too rubbery for agressive driving, unless I upgrade the rack brace at the same time as the wheels.

Maybe I'll just get over it and install the damn rack clamp/brace now, so I'll be able to isolate the changes to the setup.

Decision, decisions.

posted by 67.64.17...

• Steering Rack Clamp - Install & First Impressions, Mr. Science, Sat, 4 Oct 2003 10:57:55
  • Wouldn't the upgraded sway bar aggravate the ..., Saabing in KS, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 08:50:03
    • Expect no change in under/oversteer from rack clamp..., Mr. Science, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 11:35:40
    • Steering rack brace and SAS rear sway bar...., REM in Seattle, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 10:09:36
      • Re: Steering rack brace and SAS rear sway bar...., Nervousaaber, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 11:44:42
        • Re: Steering rack brace and SAS rear sway bar...., REM in Seattle, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 12:07:51
    • Less roll in the rear means less understeer, gen'ly.., Nervousaaber, Mon, 6 Oct 2003 10:06:47
  • Re: Steering Rack Clamp - Install & First Impressions, Ben, Sat, 4 Oct 2003 13:37:07
    • Sounds like I'm the in-between one..., Nervousaaber, Sun, 5 Oct 2003 08:58:10 <-- Viewing This Message

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