Steering rack preferences

[brads2002]

Seem to be a lot of ideas out there. What do you 318 guys dig? Mines wearing pretty bad. I may be mistaken but I don't think they can be reasealed.

Thanks

[I8UR911]

Z3 1.9L rack..... only way to go

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[brads2002]

I will take your word for it since you are from NH. Any tips for install? Did you have to modify the firewall, knuckle or hoses? There seems to be conflicting information out there. Also, did you go top or bottom with the washers? Any bump steer issues?

Thanks man

[Danny915]

E36 m3 rack, 1.5 turn lock to lock.... Amazing

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[pantelones]

Z3 1.9L rack..... only way to go

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

No... It depends on your personal preference, and car set up. On a stock e30: 96 m3 progressive 3.2 turn rack, Flamming River knuckles, and a proper P.S. delete was just amazing feeling! Very, very light on straights and bites more in the turns so you don't have to cross your arms or "hand off" the wheel.

The only rack I have not driven is the z3 1.9L, and honestly, I think it would be too tight. There are 3 100mph+ sections and 3 tight technical sections that make up a "sprint" I test on, and my set-up is borderline too tight. I run: e36 328i 3.2 turn rack, AKG solid disk, P.S. delete (not as good), and a spacer kit. Mine is also spaced wrong; the m3 set up is measured to retain the stock center-line of the actual rod that is driven back and fourth by the worm gear. Spacing is .300" bottom and .250" top IIRC for that rack specifically.

Just remember, personal preference and car set up. Some people hate the progressive rack, and some people love it; the same goes for any other rack and I would highly recommended driving a swapped car before you do it.

[Danny915]

^
Agreed

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[I8UR911]

I will take your word for it since you are from NH. Any tips for install? Did you have to modify the firewall, knuckle or hoses? There seems to be conflicting information out there. Also, did you go top or bottom with the washers? Any bump steer issues?

Thanks man

I've had just about every swap rack possible in an e30. I understand personal preference.

I did have to SLIGHTLY modify the firewall. There are no washers needed on 318is cars, or airbag e30's in general. You have to SLIGHTLY modify 1 of the PS lines. No bump steer issues. IIRC, I used the 2 forward holes in regards to mounting.

I don't recommend deleting your power steering whether track or street. This rack is VERY direct and has a somewhat "heavy" feel. Very tight and very fun. I use my car for HPDE and auto x.

My suspension set up is GC coils with Billie sports, ST front sway bar, disconnect rear bar for events, M3 offset FCAB's, stage 2 camber plates, stock RTAB and subframe bushings and 205/50/15 tires.

Steering feel is amazing!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[wazzu70]

I thought the Z3 rack was the same as the other E36 racks....just with less travel. The actual rack and pinion are the same ratio.

[brads2002]

Thanks for all of the information on this. I really appreciate it. Does anyone know the stock ratio for the current rack?

The car is a DD with H&R/Bilstein sports. Stock wheels.

[Todd Black 88]

E36 m3 rack, 1.5 turn lock to lock.... Amazing

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

What the hell are you smoking? No rack that BMW makes is 1.5 l-l. You fart and you would be in the ditch.



Get an e46 330 rack of some sort if you are going to stay with power steering, or a z4 rack if going without.

[pantelones]

Stock rack is 4.2 turns I think? Not sure, but sure of 4+

What the hell are you smoking?

Yeah, I was going to ask for some, but then realized he meant center to lock...

Get an e46 330 rack of some sort if you are going to stay with power steering, or a z4 rack if going without.

Glad you mentioned those! Both of those are good choices, and you can use e36 tie-rod assemblies; spacers, I have no idea, but you can use the knuckles (IIRC) to make your own Flaming River joints. There is a thread on e46 racks search for it...

[Danny915]

What the hell are you smoking? No rack that BMW makes is 1.5 l-l. You fart and you would be in the ditch.



Get an e46 330 rack of some sort if you are going to stay with power steering, or a z4 rack if going without.

My apologies, meant center to lock


Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[brads2002]

I learned a few things by talking to the rack doctor today. They seem to know the brand fairly well. The 95 M3 is listed as 3.2 lock to lock, after 95 as 3.4...they also said the later ones are not progressive only the 95's were. The e46 ZHP is 3.0 turns but pretty expensive especially without a core. You have to provide a like core for credit.

[pantelones]

I The 95 M3 is listed as 3.2 lock to lock, after 95 as 3.4...they also said the later ones are not progressive only the 95's were.

Yep, my bad I miss-spoke.

[brads2002]

No problem man, there is a lot of confusion on this topic. I am not sure they are 100% correct. They did seem to know a lot about it though.

How does a progressive rack work? The teeth on the round gear and the long gear would have to be the same spacing throughout the range of travel....no? Having trouble picturing it otherwise.