Rack swap: Z4 to E30

[Desmond]

Hey everyone,

I am building a daily driver/weekend fun E30. I plan to wintercross the car this season, and do the occasional autocross too.

One of the first things I ever noticed when I drove the E30 was how slow the rack was. I know its pretty common to do rack swaps, but there is SO much information out there, alot of it conflicting, that I figure I better start a personal thread on it, so that I dont drop $500 on a rack and find out later it wasnt what I wanted.

So, I understand the Z4 is the quickest non-progressive rack, and will give you the most angle? Where is a good place to buy racks anyways? I found one here:

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/2003-2005-BMW-Z4-Rack-And-Pinion-16995-25957-z4.htm

Then there are these part numbers on RockAuto:
Part # 36R0071
Part # 242664

Also, I know there are several kits that come with spacers and stuff, and I know you need to grind the knuckle, I'm ok with all that stuff.

Is there anything else I will need to complete the swap? Tie rods? Thanks.

[ST1G]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=279984

[e30_302]

I got my Z3 rack for $115 shipped from a salvage yard, www.car-parts.com.

[Desmond]

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/2006-2008-BMW-Z4-Rack-And-Pinion-with-30L-engine-16995-25957-z406.htm

I want to go with this rack, but there seems to be some difference between this one and the one I posted in my original post. I cant tell what it is tho. Yet there must be a reason that they sell them as different racks.

Anybody have any ideas? Thanks

[mulletman]

If I remember correctly, all non-M Z4 models use the same rack. It's non-powered, as the Z4 uses electric power steering that is mounted on the steering column. So Z4 = old school manual rack.

See the previously linked thread for information on installation. It's not quite a plug-and-play job.

[Desmond]

Thanks for the response! Yeah, I read through that thread a few times, sounds like one guy welded the column shaft, another guy bought special linkages...most of it seemed pretty confusing. The guy opens the thread saying its super easy, but then goes into all this stuff he had to do to get it to work. I DO like the idea of a non-powered rack though.

What about this kit? Anybody have experience with it? Seems a bit expensive, but probably more drop-in friendly:

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/screen/prod/store_code/6134/product_code/E30SRC.htm

[mulletman]

The Zionsville stuff should be pretty straightforward. Expensive, though.

[SLCE30318is]

I have a 318is airbag car and trying to figure out how this would go. I know the original poster said it was self-explanatory, but I'm still not seeing how it's possible without notching the firewall as with E36 steering rack swap.

Also read through the older thread on e30tech but still clear as mud for me.

Can anyone clarify for airbag cars?