E36 steering rack conversion

[alexbaby88]

How would you guys rate an E36 steering rack conversion for the E30 on a scale of 1-5 (1=bad, 5=good)? Would you do it even if your existing rack was working well? Or would you just wait for the E30 rack to take a dump before doing one?

[Garageaholic]

many guys here do it because it has a faster lock-to-lock ratio and makes for a sportier feel.. .do a search. There's a couple excellent writeups on how to do it... Some use a '95 m3 rack (3 turn), some use a regular e36 rack(3.25 turn), and some dare to use the Z3 rack (2.7 turn). but it's possible. They just sell the old rack to offset the cost of the project..

[cheades]

Made a very nice difference especially for autox, only annoying part is now my turn signals don't get turned off because you don't turn the wheel enough.

[Garageaholic]

Made a very nice difference especially for autox, only annoying part is now my turn signals don't get turned off because you don't turn the wheel enough.

Interesting thought. Never would've thought about that....

[RobertK]

Hmm.. that weird.. mine still work fine.

[Sean]

Love my rack to death.

Take that as you may.

But I do...lol...the ratio is frickin awesome. nothin like being able to make small adjustments to the wheel, and have it make a bigger difference.

Let me tell you, though. Since my power steering is dead - it's quite interesting. My wheel really has a mind of it's own, especially around corners! heh

[ldsbeaker]

I'll let you know after I do mine. ('96 Z3 rack, woot!)

[Brew]

I'll let you know next week, as I'm about to install a '95 M3 rack in my 318is.

One of the misconceptions about the conversion is that the Z3 rack with 2.7 turns lock-to-lock is the "best". It actually has the same steering ratio (quickness) as the '95 M3 rack, but with less travel.

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

if you have spare money, then do it! if youre not going to track or auto-x.. then don't as you don't need it in street driving.

[fabby318is]

I'll let you know next week, as I'm about to install a '95 M3 rack in my 318is.

One of the misconceptions about the conversion is that the Z3 rack with 2.7 turns lock-to-lock is the "best". It actually has the same steering ratio (quickness) as the '95 M3 rack, but with less travel.

Interesting, tell us more.

Also, are you running power steering? Make sure to let us know how it goes!

[ldsbeaker]

^^ I was originally planning on getting the '95 ///M3 rack, but the Z3 rack practically fell into my hands. Good timing.
I'm sure there isn't much difference between the two, but there is a hell of a difference from stock, eh?

[Garageaholic]

DOES ANYBODY HAVE A Z3 OR '95M3 OR EVEN E36 RACK FOR SALE???

[ldsbeaker]

your best bet if you don't have a core: EBAY
That is all.

[Brew]

car-part.com

There are at least 5 or 6 '95 M3 racks listed under $180.


Fabby,
The only difference between the '95 M3 rack and the Z3 rack is the total travel side-to-side. So you will have a smaller turning radius with the M3 rack, as long as the tire doesn't bottom out on the inner fender.(Which I don't think it will) They have the same steering ratio.

[Kilomph]

car-part.com

There are at least 5 or 6 '95 M3 racks listed under $180.


Fabby,
The only difference between the '95 M3 rack and the Z3 rack is the total travel side-to-side. So you will have a smaller turning radius with the M3 rack, as long as the tire doesn't bottom out on the inner fender.(Which I don't think it will) They have the same steering ratio.

I remember reading that none of the racks effected turning radius. I'd love to decrease my turning radius. The '95 M3 rack is linear, right? I was planning on going with the Z3, but if that's true i'm pickin up an M3 instead.