Modify Z3 rack? change torsion bar

[Dirtboy]

Just installed the Z3 rack in my car. While I like the quickness of the rack compared to the original e30 rack, I'm not liking how it feels "over-boosted". I'm comparing it to my 2002 e46 and 2007 X3. The e30 just feels too light.

Does anyone know if the torsion bar in the rack can be changed to a stiffer one?

[R3Z3N]

^^That I do not know, but I feel the same. Changing caster will also alter how much effort is needed off-center should you desire to play with the feeling that way. You might call rackdoctor.com (they rebuild racks) to see if they know.

[Todd Black 88]

Strange. I put a z3 rack in my e30 cab and I find it to be much less boosted than stock, and less than my e46 was or my new e93

[bubbajan21]

Get a smaller steering wheel

[R3Z3N]

^Smaller wheel still would not produce the desired effect.

[jlevie]

If the steering feels too light at speed and the alignment (front & back) is correct, adding front caster may help some. But the real cure would be to reduce the pressure provided by the power steering pump.

[jeffnhiscars]

I had an email exchange with Rich@rackdoctor.net and he said he could put e30 internals in the Z3 cores he has. I have no idea what he means but I'm guessing he is referring to the torsion bar or the valving. Since he is offering them outright with no core required you may want to get in touch with him as it sounds lie he will custom spec these.

[Danny]

I've heard the e30 m3 high pressure line has a restrictor in it to make the steering a bit heavier. Maybe try that.

[Dirtboy]

I've heard the e30 m3 high pressure line has a restrictor in it to make the steering a bit heavier. Maybe try that.

Hmmmm.....

[R3Z3N]

Yes, the high pressure line I used from an E36 also has the smaller diameter hose in the middle on a clamp.

[nokincy]

I know it's ricer, but try a power steering delete?

[Dirtboy]

I know it's ricer, but try a power steering delete?

Car came with no power steering from the factory. Hated it. I like how quick the Z3 steering rack feels, just feels a bit over boosted. Guess I'm too used to the feel of my e46 steering.

[rturbo 930]

I might be making this up, but aren't e36 racks adjustable in that you can adjust the amount of power assist? Or did the Z3 racks come without that option?

[R3Z3N]

No, but that is the job of the torsion bar that dirboy and I are talking about, not a simple thing to change. You are thinking of the cap that some speculate as to its job.

[Hellabad]

Yes, the high pressure line I used from an E36 also has the smaller diameter hose in the middle on a clamp.

Those are actually not restrictors.

It is more like a little tiny muffler to keep the fluid from hissing like a Mustang.

The torsion bar flexes and "tells" the power steering when to start assisting, which is the only pure way to add feel to the power steering. (bypassing make the steering jumpy at slow speeds, but works on a race car)