Improving the steering feel/sensitivity of a '13 SS - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

S3XPanther · 10-22-2012, 12:02 PM

Hey all, a friend just recently purchased a 2013 SS. After he drove my 2012 and I drove his 2013, we came to the consensus that the steering on the 2013 is too light and at times feels completely numb. This is in stark comparison to my '12 SS, which uses a traditional pump style system, and another friend's '13 ZL1, whose electric steering is nicely weighted and precise.

So the goal is to improve the '13 SS's steering feel. Could the stock electric system be easily upgraded or replaced by the ZL1's system? Or, would it be easier to switch to a '12 or older pump? I think I would personally prefer the latter, in which case can anyone ballpark the associated costs of going to a traditional pump system?

Any help is much appreciated. Feel free to PM me as well with suggestions.

Big thanks guys.

S3XPanther · 10-22-2012, 02:01 PM

Here's another question: since the system is electric and uses speed sensors to vary the level of assist, can the system be tuned? In other words, decrease assist so as to eliminate the excessive "lightness" of the stock system?

S3XPanther · 10-23-2012, 05:00 PM

bump

Enough · 10-24-2012, 08:17 AM

Programming of the steering would be done in the BCM (body control module) which is usually not accessible with tuning software. Tuning software accesses the ECM.
You could have an alignment shop add some caster to slow down the steering if that is what you are after. The ZL1 also has wider tires which might give it more of the feel you felt.

10-22-2012, 12:02 PM	#1
S3XPanther by Odeon Drives: '12 SS/RS A6 IOM SOLD, '13 1LE IOM Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Good question Posts: 1,707	Improving the steering feel/sensitivity of a '13 SS Hey all, a friend just recently purchased a 2013 SS. After he drove my 2012 and I drove his 2013, we came to the consensus that the steering on the 2013 is too light and at times feels completely numb. This is in stark comparison to my '12 SS, which uses a traditional pump style system, and another friend's '13 ZL1, whose electric steering is nicely weighted and precise. So the goal is to improve the '13 SS's steering feel. Could the stock electric system be easily upgraded or replaced by the ZL1's system? Or, would it be easier to switch to a '12 or older pump? I think I would personally prefer the latter, in which case can anyone ballpark the associated costs of going to a traditional pump system? Any help is much appreciated. Feel free to PM me as well with suggestions. Big thanks guys. __________________ "It works 60% of the time, every time." "Some say it's a waste of time, others say it's an incredible waste of time." "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 2013 IOM SS/RS - 1LE. Born 5/6/2013 (1 of 32 1SS IOM 1LE's) Last edited by S3XPanther; 10-22-2012 at 02:20 PM.

10-22-2012, 02:01 PM	#2
S3XPanther by Odeon Drives: '12 SS/RS A6 IOM SOLD, '13 1LE IOM Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Good question Posts: 1,707	Here's another question: since the system is electric and uses speed sensors to vary the level of assist, can the system be tuned? In other words, decrease assist so as to eliminate the excessive "lightness" of the stock system? __________________ "It works 60% of the time, every time." "Some say it's a waste of time, others say it's an incredible waste of time." "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 2013 IOM SS/RS - 1LE. Born 5/6/2013 (1 of 32 1SS IOM 1LE's)

10-23-2012, 05:00 PM	#3
S3XPanther by Odeon Drives: '12 SS/RS A6 IOM SOLD, '13 1LE IOM Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Good question Posts: 1,707	bump __________________ "It works 60% of the time, every time." "Some say it's a waste of time, others say it's an incredible waste of time." "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 2013 IOM SS/RS - 1LE. Born 5/6/2013 (1 of 32 1SS IOM 1LE's)

10-24-2012, 08:17 AM	#4
Enough Drives: 2013ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 94	Programming of the steering would be done in the BCM (body control module) which is usually not accessible with tuning software. Tuning software accesses the ECM. You could have an alignment shop add some caster to slow down the steering if that is what you are after. The ZL1 also has wider tires which might give it more of the feel you felt.