Did the Z3 Rack Conversion and It's Awesome

[mr ilia]

How did it do with the install?

I'm starting to think that is the case! I started this solo and after giving up attaching the knuckle to column and then knuckle to rack (w/ spacers installed). I separated the knuckle, inserted the top and installed rack to subframe w bottom half of knuckle. Now im looking and there is no way the spacers will fit, and Im doubting everything. [ATTACH]73841[/ATTACH]

[mccor023]

I ended up making just using a couple thin spacers to connect the knuckle. The possibility does exist that the reason for the spacing is I tapped the knuckle down too far on the rack creating the unusual space.
Im getting alignment now, and will see if they can zero out the toe, and Ill test drive to see how it all feels. Fingers cross, buddha belly and all that.

[mccor023]

I only got about 30 mins of driving in after alignment but Damn is tight! Ive been PS delete for a few months now w the stock rack, but Im thinking I might need to reinstall it now with this new rack. I'll definitely give it a few more days to decide though, but w/ my 225's initiating turns is a bit tough.

[mr ilia]

Does your steering wheel centers after the turn or you have to help?

I only got about 30 mins of driving in after alignment but Damn is tight! Ive been PS delete for a few months now w the stock rack, but Im thinking I might need to reinstall it now with this new rack. I'll definitely give it a few more days to decide though, but w/ my 225's initiating turns is a bit tough.

[mccor023]

When moving yes it centers. It wants to go straight! Convincing it to turn is a challenge, but the turn itself is not bad. Reverse is bit$& though.

[JonnyOg]

Did you put your rack spacers on the top or bottom? And did you use e30 or e36 tie rods?

[ClayW]

Did you put your rack spacers on the top or bottom? And did you use e30 or e36 tie rods?

Spacers go on the top, unless you want bump steer. I used E30 tie rods. The Z3 tie rods are of a different design.



With the E30 tie rods:

[JonnyOg]

Doesn't the type of tie rod you use depend on where you put the spacers? I used the z3 tie rods and put the spacers on the bottom and my car seems to follow the dips in the road a lot more now.

[bastianshaw]

I think the e46 ZHP rack is the one to get

[ClayW]

I think the e46 ZHP rack is the one to get

I've never heard of using that one Details!

As for this one, I put the spacers on the top to eliminate bumpsteer. I just reused my [new on the car] E30 tierod ends.

[acolella76]

E46 ZHP is nice, I recently installed one in my car, but it isn't as 'fast' as the Z3 rack. They are both linear, which is nice. Most BMW racks are progressive IIRC

Spacers go on the top, unless you want bump steer.

Raising the rack (spacers on the bottom) or lowering the outer ball joint relative to the inner joint would result in less bump steer, not more.

[BadfishTX]

I bought the 1.9L Z3 rack. Blunt got it for me....can't recall the p/n. It was a Maval rebuild.

I am doing this upgrade currently. Maval is back ordered on that rack until mid August. Apparently they need more cores. Currently waiting on mine to arrive. Maval part# is 9302M. Glad to hear its a great improvement. I can't wait to drive mine again.

[Wanganstyle]

if one desires More angle the E46 M3 rack is the same ratio of turning as the Z3; but has MORE ANGLE overall-

its the same install as Z3 rack.

[acolella76]

Huh? I thought I read somewhere that tje E46 M3 rack was slower than a ZHP. My whole life is a lie...

[Wanganstyle]

Huh? I thought I read somewhere that tje E46 M3 rack was slower than a ZHP. My whole life is a lie...

Lock to lock is a higher number due to more angle.

I've driven the z3 and e46 m3 racks installed in the same car; feels the same but the 46m rack just keeps turning more past where the z3 stopps.

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