I just got my GTA last Sunday, so I'm still learning its quirks. While going forwards or backwards very slowly (such as while parking), when i have the steering at or close to full lock, there seems to be an incredible amount of drag on the car. So much so that at idle it will not move. No other car I've driven has done this that I remember, but this is my first thirdgen, is this normal?

Is this something in the front end alignment maybe? There does seem to be something going on up there, some sort of scrubbing, it doesn't seem happy turning tightly at low speed. The front tires are only 225 (50 or 60?) so I doubt that they would be rubbing on the fenders. Thanks for any help guys.

Edit: On the highway (Pittsburgh to Detroit) I got 20.8 mpg. Is this low, high or normal? it seems to be somewhat low to me, I was going under 70 through PA and OH and most of the way through MI. Mostly 60-65mph

 

Should have 245/50's if they are the stock size. Yes you will get plenty of drag when the wheels are turned all the way. The tires aren't small and thirdgen's are fairly heavy and the idle speed is pretty low. Sounds normal. Never hurts to get the alignment checked--especially since you just got it. The mileage seems a little low for a stock GTA. Try an ignition tune up. I'm happy when I get 18. Oh, and it's probably not the posi causing the drag.

 

Thanks, I didn't think that it would be the posi, but this is my first car without an open diff. so I thought I'd ask. I'll see what a tune up does and get the alignment checked.

 

Actually if it's anything like my '90 GTA, the problem is that the inner fender skirts are improperly installed (from the factory, so I've been told in the past. I only checked myself recently.). Mine are on the outside of the fender lip instead of on the inside where they should be. Turn the wheels to the point where the car shakes and slows down, and get out and take a look. It's probably rubbing along the rear edge. It should be an easy enough fix, although you (we actually) will probably need new plastic clips. Of course I could be way off (I am still a rookie) but it's worth a look.

 

G0D, all these cars must do that, mine does...

 

Hmm, thanks, I'll check the skirts later today if possible. This is the only car that I have driven that acts funny while the wheel is hard to one side or the other. I don't remember if any of the 4th gens I ahve driven have done it (I doubt it, you don't notice a problem if its not there). Seems to be a third gen thing, I know my great aunt's '73 chevelle (dog dish hub caps and all) doesn't do that.

 

Both my IROC's and my long since sold 82 Z28 with IROC rims and tires do this. I have come to the conclusion it is in the geometry of the front end.

Rich