CJJones87

iTrader: (3)

Ever since my new engine went in, the car has been driving pretty crazy. One thin that I immediately noticed is that there is now about an inch of plan in either direction of the steering wheel. Just like dead slack. On top of that, the alignment is shot - gotta turn the wheel a little to the left to maintain a straight line. Now this is the part I'm really stumped with: The car wants to sway - alot... Like cruising down the road in any gear, push the clutch, let back off the clutch, and the car will want to head a different direction. Its like this whenever power is applied to the rear tires. Now with the clutch pressed in just coasting, the car will also want to sway back and forth with leads me to believe there may be some suspension problems up front as well. If it helps, I've got an adjustable BMR torque arm and non adjustable lower control arms. So I'm basically asking for input on what may be causing these issues. I'm all for buying aftermarket parts and doing the install, I'm just not sure whats wrong to begin with (the car sat on jack stands for roughly 2 years), so I'm sure somethin isn't right. It could be the motor mounts all the way to a tranny mount for all I know, but I do know something definitely isn't right. I was thinking BMR since its kinda their business, but I'm all ears for reputable shops in the Tampa area. Sorry for the long read, but I gotta get this taken care of while a tune and some drag radials are due up next. Thanks.

SS SLP2

iTrader: (8)

first have a good alignment complete with checking the rear thrust line. the tech SHOULD check all the componets also before doing the align.
Johnny

CJJones87

iTrader: (3)

What would be some examples of what you consider a "good alignment shop"? Not too many are jumping through me mind at the moment other than the normals like Sears, Good Year/Allied Tire Service, Tire Kingdom etc and I dunno if I wouldn't feel entirely comfortable leaving my car there (no offense to anyone who may work at these places). I was thinking more along the lines of having to take it to an actual suspension specialist that really knows what they are doing with these cars. But if any alignment/tire oriented shop can do it, this opens my window of choices greatly and I'm all ears for some recommendations. Thanks again.

On a side note, are there any known suspension parts (either front or rear) that could have possibly just gone bad/worn out over the two years it was sitting? All front end suspension is stock and has 135k miles on it and I have BMR lower control arms and an adjustable Torque arm which only have about 30k on them if this helps at all.

1993 z28 f1

iTrader: (6)

Hey:

Check the steering rack bolts and ends for looseness and wear. Check LCAs and PH bar for centering as well. Start with the simple things and eliminate them.
Ball joints and stock bushings get worn or start to wear rapidly around that mileage, also age has a factor as these cars are not getting any younger.
Before you take it to a shop get it up in the air (Ramps and Stands or a lift at one of those places you mentioned above) and have a quick look under it check for looseness or anything that moves in a direction it should not, check all the places the grease fittings are at. Check tires inside and for cupping, take a camera with you and take pics of anything you may be suspect of and post them on here for help. This way you may be able to fix it or get the parts needed before you take it in to a shop for an alignment and/or repair and you will know what you are getting into price and labor wise.

Dub

CJJones87

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the tips. I'll check all that stuff out before heading to a shop. My lower control arms are not adjustable, and I have a stock panhard bar, so that should be all set. Just replaced the high pressure power steering line, so all the bolts on the rack etc are tight. I just don't get why the slack in the wheel all of a sudden happened when the new engine went in.