any1 using a Z3 steering rack? if so...

[Fast Frankie]

I got my Z3 rack on ebay for ~ $100 I think.

I run the z3 rack, full power steering delete and I would never go back. SOOOO much better than before and I've never experienced a problem with the travel.

[Adrian_Visser]

So just checking what is the average price one would pay or should pay for:
A) a '95 m3 rack and:
B) a z3 rack

[guibo09]

Regular E36 and '96+E36M racks are both 3.2 turns lock to lock. It's the E30 M3 rack that's 3.5 turns.

it's 3.0 turns not 3.5 turns.

and once again, turn to turn is of little significance. a 3.2 ltl can be quicker near the center, or all over compared to a 3.0 due to variable ratios.

[Wh33lhop]

'95 M3 = 3.0 L-L
'96 + = 3.25 L-L
all z3 models = 2.7 L-L
Z3M = 3.25 L-L
non M e36 = 3.5 L-L

Regular E36 and '96+E36M racks are both 3.2 turns lock to lock. It's the E30 M3 rack that's 3.5 turns.

[coolasacuc]

you saying the m has a quicker feel?

[guibo09]

I have a z3 rack in my E30 cabrio autocross/weekend cruiser and a 95 M3 rack in the E30 M42 turbo club race car that I co-own.

The 95 M3 rack is great but I like the Z3 rack better. Although the numbers say 2.7 vs 3.0 lock to lock they get their differently. The z3 rack is linear and the 95 M3 rack is exponential (I think that's the right way to explain it).

i think variable is the correct term.

lock to lock is not a very important spec, as travel may be different.

[e30pq]

I have a z3 rack in my E30 cabrio autocross/weekend cruiser and a 95 M3 rack in the E30 M42 turbo club race car that I co-own.

The 95 M3 rack is great but I like the Z3 rack better. Although the numbers say 2.7 vs 3.0 lock to lock they get their differently. The z3 rack is linear and the 95 M3 rack is exponential (I think that's the right way to explain it).

[coolasacuc]

'95 M3 = 3.0 L-L
'96 + = 3.25 L-L
all z3 models = 2.7 L-L
Z3M = 3.25 L-L
non M e36 = 3.5 L-L

[nmlss2006]

Did anyone actually figure out what the turn/mm ratio of the various racks is? There used to be a site about it. IIRC, the Z3 1.9 rack is *equivalent in gearing* to the 3.0 turn M3, but has less travel. Would anyone care to confirm/deny?

[craz azn]

E46 m3 ftw.

What is the rack ratio of that compared to the 95 e36 M3 rack?

[SA E30]

E46 m3 ftw.

[Aptyp]

i want a z3 rack so bad to replace my e36 one. As soon as I source one for $50 or so, I'll do it.

[erik325i]

I wouldn't recommend the Z3 rack in reality. It shortens the overall turning angle.

95 M3 is where it's at.

On a track car with wide tires it's not an issue because the tires will rub before the rack runs out of movement.

Erik

[Philo]

I wouldn't recommend the Z3 rack in reality. It shortens the overall turning angle.

95 M3 is where it's at.

[RLLOVER]

Maval is good stuff.