Specifications on steering ratios:

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/ar...spx?id=3274-en

According to the article the 2.x CL has a steering ratio of 16.3:1 while the 3.0 has a steering ratio of 17.1:1

After looking up the part numbers on acuraoemparts

(1998 2.3 CL)
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

and

(1998 3.0 CL)
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

It would seem to be the only part numbers that differ themselves is the actual steering rack part numbers.

I will confront a friend of mine about my findings and look further into if the change in steering racks would be sufficient to bring down the steering ratio of a 3.0 CL from 17.1:1 to 16.3:1

 

Massimo Power replied with:

"You have to take in account the steering wheel size as well but if they have different part numbers then yea the internal gearing could help a bit. But you have to take into account that the lower the steering ratio, the harder it will be to turn the wheel."

With that said, I went ahead and looked up the part numbers to the steering wheels:

1998 2.3 Cl steering wheel
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

and the 1998 3.0 CL steering wheel
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

The part numbers differ for the steering wheel alone. Does anyone have experience driving both the 4cylinder and the 6 cylinder CL? Did you notice a difference in the size of the steering wheel?

If they happen to be the same size in diameter, then I'm going to go ahead and conclude the steering rack for the 2.X CL will drop the steering ratio from a 3.0 CL at 17.1:1 to 16.3:1

Everything else that could affect the steering ratio have the same part numbers (per suspension components. tie rods, lower control arms, etc have been cross checked).

Woot woot!

 

Steering wheel controls could also be a reason for that change in part numbers, just fyi.

 

Correct, the part number for the clock spring changes from 97 to 98-99

 

I'm excited about this because it beats trying to fit a prelude steering rack onto the CL. That would have netted to a 15.6:1 steering ratio. But this route is headache free thus far.

This is an alternative for those with 3.0's whom would like to reduce the amount of turns in the steering wheel in relation to how far the wheels turn.

 

Interesting, informative threads FTW

 

Some good information there.

I don't have too much experience with driving both CL's (although im sure I have). I worked for Honda for 5-6 years and definitely felt a difference between 4cyl and V6 Accords and there is a noticeable difference. I've driven countless 6th, 7th, and 8th gen Accords. Steering feels alot more tighter and responsive on AV6's.