Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: elite col on 23 July 2010, 21:26:20

Title: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: elite col on 23 July 2010, 21:26:20
my only big issue with the car is the steering is crap,massive turning circle,i know its a big car but when giving it some against another car i couldnt even see the rev counter when slight turn on the wheel
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 23 July 2010, 21:28:36
Quote
my only big issue with the car is the steering is crap,massive turning circle,i know its a big car but when giving it some against another car i couldnt even see the rev counter when slight turn on the wheel

Lol, its actualy a small turning circle....just over 10m...which is less than a Mondeo and many other cars.

Hence I guess you dont actualy mean the turning circle  :y
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: tunnie on 23 July 2010, 21:30:51
massive turning circle? These 2 ton huge beasts turn tighter than a Ford Fiesta!
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 23 July 2010, 21:31:57
And they dont have racks either  :y
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: johny5 on 23 July 2010, 21:33:18
I 2nd that the omega is pretty good compared to other similar sized car turning circles
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Entwood on 23 July 2010, 21:33:44
Omega is extremely nimble when manouvered. I have beaten numerous 4x4's on manouvering tests with a 'van on the back. Turning circle is very good.

The Steering inputs may be a little large lock-to-lock but the power steering weight and response makes it a very easy car to handle at all speeds, but especially at low speeds IMHO
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: tunnie on 23 July 2010, 21:34:40
on the subject of seeing the dials, i have no problem seeing them at all times, even when parming the wheel to a full lock. Also i suggest you look at the road rather than rev counter  ::)

You ears should tell you when to change if you have a manual!
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 23 July 2010, 21:38:23
Elite Col, do you have an adjustable steering column?
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 24 July 2010, 00:40:13
Quote
Elite Col, do you have an adjustable steering column?
or/and height adjustable seats.
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: johny5 on 24 July 2010, 00:45:53
if he cant see the dials he hasnt adjusted his driving position correctly.  :D
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Andy B on 24 July 2010, 00:51:45
If he thinks an Omega's 'rack' is crap, he should have had a go in an 827 Rover. They needed a football field to turn around in


 .... FWD doesn't help!  ;)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Kevin Wood on 24 July 2010, 01:06:28
Quote
If he thinks an Omega's 'rack' is crap, he should have had a go in an 827 Rover. They needed a football field to turn around in


 .... FWD doesn't help!  ;)

.. and they need both lanes clear on the M54 to cruise at a hundred and <mumble> MPH, such is the directional stability. ::) So I'm told. ;)

Kevin
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Vamps on 24 July 2010, 01:06:29
Quote
If he thinks an Omega's 'rack' is crap, he should have had a go in an 827 Rover. They needed a football field to turn around in


 .... FWD doesn't help!  ;)

Possibly the best car I have ever owned..... :y
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 24 July 2010, 04:50:53
i thought rovers disintegrated above 31 mph, or is it just the beige ones :-/
if you cant turn the car in its own length, either your traction control needs turning off, or you drive a 2.0 8v. :D
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: henryd on 24 July 2010, 13:03:23
I used to run an 827 vitesse and no stability issues,didn't handle like a mig but would eat it in a straight line,engine was a gem :y
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 24 July 2010, 13:06:59
If you believe the turning circle on the Omega is insufficient, just turn it in the direction you want it to turn in and apply full throttle to throw the back end round! :D :D ;) ;)

You will turn even more tightly then! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 2woody on 26 July 2010, 14:09:44
I kinda agree.

though the turning circle is adequate, the steering feel is laughably poor, clearly the worst feature of the car.

and don't even get me started on the Servotronic system.

I find it takes a LOT of work to get an Omega steering adjusted anywhere near right.
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 July 2010, 14:20:17
Quote
I used to run an 827 vitesse and no stability issues,didn't handle like a mig but would eat it in a straight line,engine was a gem :y

Lighter and shorter than a Mig but, performance figures are on a par with the 3.0 (although engine output is closer to that of the 2.5)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 July 2010, 14:30:37
same position full turn, Omega turns shorter than the clit.. tested..  :o ;D
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: feeutfo on 26 July 2010, 14:55:21
thought a rear wheel drive will out turn a front wheel drive due to the lack of drive shafts inhibiting full lock in the steering/hub components.....
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: TheBoy on 26 July 2010, 15:23:05
Quote
If you believe the turning circle on the Omega is insufficient, just turn it in the direction you want it to turn in and apply full throttle to throw the back end round! :D :D ;) ;)

You will turn even more tightly then! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Thats the only way, seeing as the handbrake isn't up for much ::)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 26 July 2010, 19:52:47
hand brake technique is ok but for front wheel drives..

for a rear wheel as Lizzie said : steering full turn, right foot out of the bonnet ;D
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Vamps on 26 July 2010, 22:17:09
Quote
i thought rovers disintegrated above 31 mph, or is it just the beige ones :-/
if you cant turn the car in its own length, either your traction control needs turning off, or you drive a 2.0 8v. :D

Does TC on or off affect the turning circle then????
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Kevin Wood on 26 July 2010, 22:21:08
Quote
Quote
i thought rovers disintegrated above 31 mph, or is it just the beige ones :-/
if you cant turn the car in its own length, either your traction control needs turning off, or you drive a 2.0 8v. :D

Does TC on or off affect the turning circle then????

Only with Ditchfinders on the back in the rain.

Kevin
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 July 2010, 01:29:23
 ;D ;D lizzies' method works best with tc turned off. as kevin said, with cheap tyres it's a lot less scary in the wet if you leave the tc on. drive a 3.2 on a frosty morning with the tc off and you'll soon see how good the tc is. :o
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: elite col on 27 July 2010, 22:34:34
sorry yeah never meant for parking,i just mean its an easy half turn on the wheel for very small manouvers

as for not being able to see the clocks,i was taking a very small bend in the road full throttle in 2nd and as i was about to straigten up ,thats when i couldnt see clocks for the huge airbag lol

i can certainly see my cossie reaching 8k no matter where the wheel is

why have a steering box over a rack anyway?

+i used to have an x police 827i manual years ago,fwd  i know but rapid on a cold morning,shame about the gearbox
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: feeutfo on 27 July 2010, 23:18:07
No room for the rack with a v engine ? Maybe?
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: TheBoy on 27 July 2010, 23:30:03
Quote
sorry yeah never meant for parking,i just mean its an easy half turn on the wheel for very small manouvers

as for not being able to see the clocks,i was taking a very small bend in the road full throttle in 2nd and as i was about to straigten up ,thats when i couldnt see clocks for the huge airbag lol

i can certainly see my cossie reaching 8k no matter where the wheel is

why have a steering box over a rack anyway?

+i used to have an x police 827i manual years ago,fwd  i know but rapid on a cold morning,shame about the gearbox
I lot of exec cars (and a lot of sports cars) use steering boxes.  A lot of small, cheap, nasty cars use racks....   ;)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Lazydocker on 28 July 2010, 08:58:56
Quote
sorry yeah never meant for parking,i just mean its an easy half turn on the wheel for very small manouvers

as for not being able to see the clocks,i was taking a very small bend in the road full throttle in 2nd and as i was about to straigten up ,thats when i couldnt see clocks for the huge airbag lol

i can certainly see my cossie reaching 8k no matter where the wheel is

why have a steering box over a rack anyway?

+i used to have an x police 827i manual years ago,fwd  i know but rapid on a cold morning,shame about the gearbox

More reliable, stronger and allows the wheels to move further and properly.

To be fair, they don't wear out as quickly as racks either ;) ;)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 2woody on 28 July 2010, 12:05:56
agreed - steering boxes are stronger and last longer, plus they can usually be packaged easier under the bonnet.

BUT, they never have as good steering feel as a rack, and for me at least, that outweighs all the other things considerably.

I have as good a comparison as its possible to get in the Omega and the Holden - almost identical cars, yet steering feel on the Holden is very good - straight out of the box. Compare that to the Omega, indeed any Omega and I've got to spend a half a day to get the steering adjusted to the best it can be and this is still nowhere near as good as a rack.

Older-style exec. cars use boxes, usually for "historic" reasons.

can't think of a sports car that uses a steering box, mind. Maybe you've already thought of some.....?

best-handling cars in any segment always have racks. Think of Lotus Elan (both types), Peugeot 205 GTi, Honda NS-X, Mazda MX-5, Jaguar XJR.
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Martin Nash on 28 July 2010, 21:01:30
I have never had a problem with the turning of the Omega? maybe try turning the the round thing in front of you!!
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: elite col on 29 July 2010, 22:20:16
Quote
I have never had a problem with the turning of the Omega? maybe try turning the the round thing in front of you!!

you ever tried driving the car at full pelt mate?

ive got a 512bhp rwd cosworth,that doesnt even get full traction until 3rd gear,and i find it more predictable than the steering on the omega

but it does have a fast rack,thing is ive had a fair few cars like the omega in the past ie 24v carlton gsi manual,827i manual etc and none i felt were like the omegas laziness when turning in


from other replies i agree rack is best
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 2woody on 30 July 2010, 12:00:11
Quote
Quote
I have never had a problem with the turning of the Omega? maybe try turning the the round thing in front of you!!

you ever tried driving the car at full pelt mate?

ive got a 512bhp rwd cosworth,that doesnt even get full traction until 3rd gear,and i find it more predictable than the steering on the omega

but it does have a fast rack,thing is ive had a fair few cars like the omega in the past ie 24v carlton gsi manual,827i manual etc and none i felt were like the omegas laziness when turning in


from other replies i agree rack is best

what year is the Omega ? some faceelift cars have revised servotronic settings, I always feel that they're improved by removing the control unit.

earlier cars are less "keen" in the assistance department.

for reference, a later car with the servotronic module unplugged is identical to a Carlton GSi, apart perhaps from the tyre size.
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 July 2010, 12:06:40
The assistance can be 'adjusted' via tech 2 on the servotronic setups (3 settings, standard setting appears to be minimal assist)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: 2woody on 30 July 2010, 12:54:52
Quote
The assistance can be 'adjusted' via tech 2 on the servotronic setups (3 settings, standard setting appears to be minimal assist)

Ooh-er  -  must try this
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 July 2010, 13:06:48
Quote
Quote
The assistance can be 'adjusted' via tech 2 on the servotronic setups (3 settings, standard setting appears to be minimal assist)

Ooh-er  -  must try this

Can do next time you're down this way :y

Kevin
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 July 2010, 13:07:33
I should add mine was on the middle of the 3 settings and changing to minimum was certainly an improvement.

Kevin
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: elite col on 30 July 2010, 15:17:18
hi mine is a 2000 w-reg

how much are these tech 2`s to buy?

thanks for replies
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: TheBoy on 30 July 2010, 15:47:34
Quote
hi mine is a 2000 w-reg

how much are these tech 2`s to buy?

thanks for replies
One here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TECH-2-COMPLETE-KIT-COMPLTELY-GENUINE-INC-EXTRAS-/260615941522?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3cadebad92
 ;)
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: Lazydocker on 30 July 2010, 17:19:10
Quote
Quote
hi mine is a 2000 w-reg

how much are these tech 2`s to buy?

thanks for replies
One here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TECH-2-COMPLETE-KIT-COMPLTELY-GENUINE-INC-EXTRAS-/260615941522?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item3cadebad92
 ;)

Looks to be quite a good deal actually :y
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: feeutfo on 30 July 2010, 22:43:11
Quote
The assistance can be 'adjusted' via tech 2 on the servotronic setups (3 settings, standard setting appears to be minimal assist)
Iirc we discussed this at the rolling road day, on mine, minimum assist was the original and best setting, was checked with tech2.

So less assist again with servo tronic relay removed? That was far too heavy on my 2.5 when the the relay failed. Had to pull the steering back straight when pulling out of junctions I'm fairly sure?
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: elite col on 30 July 2010, 22:45:34
ha ha ha,my car never cost me that

might just get someone with 1 to adjust mine
Title: Re: how crap are the omega racks
Post by: TheBoy on 31 July 2010, 10:10:46
Quote
ha ha ha,my car never cost me that

might just get someone with 1 to adjust mine
Indeed, they aren't cheap  :'(