Did the Z3 Rack Conversion and It's Awesome

[Wanganstyle]

I see. So it is not possible to use the z3 tie rod ends at all? Sorry for the confusion I am doing the upgrade right now. I damaged my e30 tie rods upon removal and am going to have to buy new ones if I can't use the z3 ones.

E36 or e36/7 (z3) have tie rods that fit perfectly into e30 knuckles.

Im running a z4 rack with e36 tie Rod ends; installed in an e30.

the e46 and z4 have a larger diameter taper

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[BadfishTX]

See post #22 above. I removed the Z3 tie rods altogether, including the ends.

Removing the Z3 tie rods:




E30 tie rods and ends installed:

I see. So it is not possible to use the z3 tie rod ends at all? Sorry for the confusion I am doing the upgrade right now. I damaged my e30 tie rods upon removal and am going to have to buy new ones if I can't use the z3 ones.

[ClayW]

So you left the inner tie rods that came on the rebuilt maval rack on and just swapped the outer tie rod ends?

See post #22 above. I removed the Z3 tie rods altogether, including the ends.

Removing the Z3 tie rods:




E30 tie rods and ends installed:

[BadfishTX]

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.

So you left the inner tie rods that came on the rebuilt maval rack on and just swapped the outer tie rod ends?

[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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[acolella76]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[bastianshaw]

I think the e46 ZHP rack is the one to get

[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.

[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]

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

[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.