Steeringangle

Let’s be honest: most Silvias will see a bit of track time, and, if the current trend is anything to go by, that track time will have a sideways orientation. Upgrading your steering geometry will not only make it easier to hold a slide but also allow you to throw your car into a corner at huge angle with enough on hand to pull it back. Each car is unique when it comes to steering kits, and the combination of suspension and wheels will also determine what you will be able to gain at maximum lock.

Gavin from Concept Parts New Zealand explained that increasing steering angle doesn’t have to be expensive: “You can start off with titanium steering-rack spacers, which will give you another 10 degrees of lock and cost around $19.”

Arguably the most popular option among top-tier drifters is a drop-knuckle kit with adjustable lower control arm (LCA), which will give up to 70 degrees of lock, improving overall steering response and handling. “We often have customers wanting the cheapest option for maximum lock, but they need to be aware of the implications which affect steering geometry, such as bump steer, roll centre, Ackerman angle, and steering bind.” said Gavin. “‘Steering bind’ is a common issue when you try to gain more travel from your steering rack, in which the tie rod and tie-rod end point in a straight line at full lock and the steering wheel will not centre freely. This can be solved by using offset rack extenders or by moving the steering rack forward about 25mm.”

Concept Parts New Zealand stocks a range of GKTech products to improve steering geometry and handling, as well as being the Australasian distributors for Voodoo13 suspension arms. Concept Parts New Zealand // info@conceptparts.co.nz // Conceptparts.co.nz