Variable Effort Steering?

[WhiteOut]

I know it was an option in 95', but is there any way to tell that you have it, perhaps an specific RPO code or something? I believe my car has every factory available option and according to the brochure it was standard on convertibles, but I'd still like to make sure.

 

I ask because my PS pump has been groaning recently and I'd like to know whether I have the variable effort system or not (its not noticable if I do), and does anyone know if you can replace it with the traditional setup if you do have it. And has anyone ever driven a GP and a Cutlass and know whether the GP had stiffer steering or not?

[MaroonRegal]

What the fuck is variable effort steering?

[93 cutty 442 conv.]

i think the steering the same feeling i had 89 gp with fe3 and have a 93 cutlas conv. now my pump likes to groan alot on mine too i think the pump is the same but am not positive

[digitaloutsider]

It's Magnasteer Variable Effort Power Steering. It makes it easier to turn the wheel while parking and other low speed scenarios.

[GnatGoSplat]

RPO is NV7.

 

Physically, you should be able to replace it with a conventional setup. Not sure if it'll trip a dash light or not, but you might be able to fake it out. I'd have to see a schematic to be sure.

 

Magnasteer reduces power assist at high speeds. That's basically all it does, you get more power assist at low speeds and less at high speeds. A lot of reviews I've read say it deadens the feel on the highway, so I don't know if Magnasteer is something I'd want or not.

[godofthunder]

its nothing special....and yes, little feel on the highways compared to other cars ive driven

 

jon

[supreme_style21]

I thought Maganasteer came only in the '97+ GP.. I've used tht Magnasteer. Its nice... but it certainly isn't anything to spend money on.

[GnatGoSplat]

Nah, it came out on the gen 1's.

94 or 95 was the first year, I don't know exactly which.

[godofthunder]

its nice actually. i mean, dont get me wrong. But i wouldnt have added it when the car was new.

 

Jon

[supreme_style21]

Thats really interesting. I remember when they '97's came out, they really marketed this magnasteer really heavy. Funny it isn't ever really mentioned prior.

[acke61]

it was an option in the 95 GTP's, not sure about cutty's or luminas but my car has it, I believe it was included in the GTP package for the 95's and 96's

[Heza]

it is an option that came on '95-96 GTPs/GTs. i notice it in comparison between my old '94 SE and my '96 GTP. on the freeway, nothing to really notice.

[midstar]

It definatly is nice when you are at low speeds. On the highway I think it is a little jerky for severe driving (too many power slides at 90-100). You will definatly appericate it when the pump goes out. That darn close ratio steering.