E36/Z3 steering rack swap people: I need your feedback

[Sagaris]

I have seen that alot of info on he web points to the 1.9L Z3 having the 2.7 turn rack. I got mine from a Z3 2.8 and it is indeed a 2.7 turn lock to lock.

It has been about 1000 miles since doing the rack swap and I am so used to how it feels that I forget that its any different from the stock rack. Its definitely worthwhile though.

Looks like the 9302M is the right one to get

[MattAvino]

whats the stock e30 ratio?

[Sagaris]

Count how many revolutions it takes to turn from full left lock to full right lock. Stock E30 rack is something close to 4.1 turns

[bimmer630]

All z3 racks have the 2.7 ratio??

Ive always read that the rack to get is the 1.9 Z3.. but Im finding some stuff on the web that says all z3 racks were the same... and/or 2.8 z3 rack is 2.7 Lock to lock...

conflicting info everywhere I look... I have a normal e36 rack in my e30 and it was a great upgrade.. now its leaking and I want to upgrade to a z3 rack I think... If its worth it. Whats all this about shorter turning radius with the z3 rack? I have rack stops in mine to avoid rubbing tires.. I could probably just toss those if I used a z3 unit?

[Nsquared97]

Check out this thread, lots of good info:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=172261

[ELVA164]

So after reading a ton, it's pretty clear that:

non-M Z3 > M Z3/e36/post-95 M3 > 95 M3

The one thing I can't seem to find a clear answer on is the difference in feel and effort between the first two options. The Z3 rack is linear, which means that things are twitchier at high speed. More effort is then also required at low speed...right? It seems like a lot of guys who go Z3 also delete power steering, so it's tough to find a direct comparison.

Also, I dunno if this would help anyone's explanation, but would you say that a Z3 rack requires more or less effort than the steering box in a 2002? I used to own one, so I could relate there.

[ZekeTheSneak]

1) What rack did you use
96 m3 rack

2) Is the steering effort better or worse than you expected (using power steering )
No power for me, feels awesome

3) Is the steering response better or worse than you expected
Wayyyyyyyyy better, I love the feel

4) Anything else I should know?
Airbag car, I had to finangle some shit but I didnt have to cut anything. I do have a giant air leak there though.

5) Was the rack swap worth it/would you do it again on another e30?
No doubt, way better then the stocker.

[ClayW]

4) Anything else I should know?
Airbag car = clearance the firewall a bit for the steering shaft, also I didn't need to bend the P/S lines for them to fit

Thanks!

What exactly do I need to do to my firewall to install this rack?

I have a 1991 325i with an airbag.

[future rs]

What exactly do I need to do to my firewall to install this rack?

I have a 1991 325i with an airbag.

Looking at the hole in the firewall from the drivers seat. At the 4 o'clock position you need to trim about 3/4" to an 1" of the firewall off. The new steering rack puts the steering column at a slightly different angle and will cause it to rub.

[N2MYE30]

1) What rack did you use
98 M3

2) Is the steering effort better or worse than you expected (using power steering )
Feels the same as the stock E30 rack to me

3) Is the steering response better or worse than you expected
about what I expected and I do like it.

4) Anything else I should know?
Airbag car = clearance the firewall a bit for the steering shaft, also I did need to bend the P/S lines for them to fit.

5) Was the rack swap worth it/would you do it again on another e30?
Absolutely but only if I had the engine out as I was mid engine swap. My original rack was shot so it was time anyway.