I just got a new daily driver (06 MINI), and I am starting to deal with the contrasting differences between driving these two cars. Of course, the MINI is no match when it comes down to power, but there are 2 things that I wish I could correct on the EVO now, that would really help me transition between the 2 cars. The first one I have given up on, because I don't believe there is a solution -- getting the clutch to engage lower (almost as soon as you let off the clutch). The MINI literally engages right off the floor, maybe 1" after letting go. Speak up if there is something I can do here, but searching has lead to nothing conclusive (or thats just the way the car is...).

However, is there any way to get a stiffer steering response (shy of deleting the power steering)? Its an 06 EVO with 37k on it, so its not like anything is really worn down. I have just started to get accustomed to a stiffer steering response on the MINI, and like it. Is there any way to make the steering firmer, and slightly more forceful to turn / react to steering changes? It seems way to easy to whip around the wheel on the EVO. And just like I like a firm, forceful clutch, I'd like firm, forceful steering (just not the the point of doing a PS delete....)

Thanks,
Erik

 

Wouldn't touch the clutch - it's good the way it is for a performance car and it will save wear on synchros and trans.

ACD tuning remap will give you much better steering feedback with a slightly stiffer feel and a lot more ...

 

I would imagine you can get an underdrive pulley for the power steering... that may help. The clutch you should leave the way it is or it may not fully disengage

 

In a comparative sense, the CT9A Evolution has one of the best steering systems ever introduced to the entirety of humanity. I guess you could make it heavier to manipulate by adding abnormally wide and heavy wheels and tires, but to what end? Making the car worse to drive?

 

ball7068

try smaller diameter steering wheel

 

The artificially light and nervous FWD steering feel during normal driving comes from the ACD disengaging the rear diff upon steering input - personally for me it ruins what is a brilliant car. ACD reprogramming absolutely cures that - it actually feels like dialing in more caster. It also sufficiently cures any understeer issues without having to resort to rear bar and spring changes ....

If that does not do the trick for you, next option is to add caster. PSRS adds a little bit of NVH but not much. Or use camber plates and set them up for max caster or camber/caster plates with caster maxed - some more NVH. At some point that will mean coilovers if you want to keep maxing things out ... but you probably only want to do that on a full track car.

 

You don't say what tires you are running. The choice of tires will determine steering response. The OEM tire was very responsive.

 

^^^ +1. Add more caster. I changed to CiroDesign camber/caster plates on my Bilsteins and added caster to the alignment. That firmed up the steering quite a bit. Just for reference, the stock Evo has about 4 degrees of caster. My previous E36 M3 had 7 degrees - a big difference. No doubt the Mini has a lot as well.

 

Thanks for the ideas. I'll look into the ACD flash.

I have camber plates - but there are also plates that have both camber and caster adjustability?

 

Yes. There are a few out there that allow caster adjustment. Those are the ones to get .

 

Any recommendations? I saw Whiteline has some. Oddly the product I see on retail websites / ebay does not appear to the same as what they show on their actual website.
Thanks,
Erik

 

I don't leave my wheel's turned when I park. ever. I'm not 100% that this helps keep the tightness but I do it anyways.

 

OP, let me know if you have any questions on the acd programming. The flashing does indeed quicken the response and feel of the already great evo system. It will be a night and day difference- others can testify to this.