So in my quest to build a SM car....REMOVE EVERYTHING

[Fair!]

Non-power steering rack is over 4 turns lock to lock. Would be ok for track, but IMHO isn't fast enought for auto-x. You can try to fill the rack with oil, plug the holes and see how that feels.

I like my power steering and ABS.

+1 to this! The power steering rack is slow enough as it is on the E30... couldn't imagine running with the manual rack for autocross! Ditto the ABS (our 91 E30 has it, and it works). Nothing like having the confidence of ABS as you dive into a corner sideways and stab the middle pedal. No flatspots, no worries.

I'm a bit partial to the E36 Z3 rack, the fastest of the E36 racks (what we run in our XP classed E36 LS1), and the E36 racks can be made to work in an E30 with a bit of effort. We even make the proper BMW splined steering u-joints and a complete steering shaft (needs to be shortened a bit to fit the E30) to make the E36 steering rack swap easier. We've got a few in E30s now and they all love the new steering shaft assembly. SMOD legal? I have no idea... haven't looked at the SMOD rules in months.



We bought the last two Z3 steering racks we installed at freagin AutoZone! :D

Cheers,

[1990m3]

Fair, does that piece in your pic above allow a rack to be installed in a late model e30? I understand a z3 or e36 rack will require cutting of the firewall to work in an airbag e30, got any tips to making this work? I have an e30 m3 rack, manual now and just considering future options in case the manual steering doesn't work out

[iflytii]

Terry, do you have any pics of your steering shaft installed in any of your e30's? It needs to be shortened quite a bit and I'm interested in how you maintained the telescopic function.

[Fair!]

Terry, do you have any pics of your steering shaft installed in any of your e30's? It needs to be shortened quite a bit and I'm interested in how you maintained the telescopic function.

Hmm... I found this picture from a customer but he only used our splined lower U-joint that goes to the rack and pinion unit (the upper joint was an off-the-shelf unit that went from the DD to a more common GM splined shaft onto a custom steering shaft).



I'll see if I can round up some other pics. That's pretty dang short so I don't know if there's enough length to keep it telescopic... but I know we have had customers use this shaft (shortened) in E30s with stock steering columns. It just might not have "much telescoping" room. ;) Since our steering shaft is made to fit an E36 we don't list the shaft assembly in our E30 section on our website, just the lower BMW splined u-joint. But again, it should be able to work...

[DSP74]

Just an FYI that the steering column is specifically excluded from modifications allowances pertaining to steering......Unless you could somehow prove you had to modify it for engine clearance...But even that would be iffy.

[iflytii]

Hmm... I found this picture from a customer but he only used our splined lower U-joint that goes to the rack and pinion unit (the upper joint was an off-the-shelf unit that went from the DD to a more common GM splined shaft onto a custom steering shaft).



I'll see if I can round up some other pics. That's pretty dang short so I don't know if there's enough length to keep it telescopic... but I know we have had customers use this shaft (shortened) in E30s with stock steering columns. It just might not have "much telescoping" room. ;) Since our steering shaft is made to fit an E36 we don't list the shaft assembly in our E30 section on our website, just the lower BMW splined u-joint. But again, it should be able to work...

That's my car. I was just curious if you guys made it work while keeping it telescopic. At any rate it's good stuff! ...And since sell single u-joints now, 2 u-joints and a $20 length of double d shaft and Bob's your uncle... :D

[iflytii]

Just an FYI that the steering column is specifically excluded from modifications allowances pertaining to steering......Unless you could somehow prove you had to modify it for engine clearance...But even that would be iffy.

The steering column inside the passenger compartment, yes. I think the steering shaft is probably okay since it could easily be considered a "related component".

F. Steering modifications are permitted as follows:
1. Steering components, including the steering rack and/or box,
tie rods, idler arms, power assist devices, and related components,
may be replaced, added, moved, or removed. The
steering column, within the passenger compartment, is specifically
excluded from this allowance. This does not permit
removal or modification of column-mounted accessories.
Wheel-mounted electrical switches such as those for the horn,
radio, cruise control, or shifter may be relocated and/or replaced,
or eliminated.

[bmwpower]

Under the dash, well maybe the a/c evaporator and the lines ? not very heavy. The a/c compressor under the hood and the condenser was most of the weight. I am using the a/c fan as the electrical fan, you can find oem bmw brackets to make it fit right infront of the radiator w/o using the a/c condenser.

I am keeping PS though, I tried running w/o it and it was too much at low speeds and it's all low speeds/ tight corners in autox anyway ... my 2 cents.

Anyone know which bracket this would be?

[DCColegrove]

I'd give you some pointers on strategic chassis lightening...

But I'm sick of catching shit...

[Jean]

Anyone know which bracket this would be?

Read post #11

[z31maniac]

I'd give you some pointers on strategic chassis lightening...

But I'm sick of catching shit...

You catch shit because you don't actually provide any information, just claims.

Quit going around posting shit like this. It makes you sound like a heartbroken teenage girl.

[bmwpower]

Read post #11

Thanks, got it.

How does it mount to the top of the core? Do I need additional parts to accomplish this?

[DCColegrove]

You catch shit because you don't actually provide any information, just claims.

Quit going around posting shit like this. It makes you sound like a heartbroken teenage girl.

Hmmm...

Heartbroken teenage girl.

Let me take this opportunity to tell you to get stuffed.

[rwh11385]

You catch shit because you don't actually provide any information, just claims.

Quit going around posting shit like this. It makes you sound like a heartbroken teenage girl.

I wouldn't be surprised if douchegrove had a myspace page and liked to cut himself at night.

[DCColegrove]

I wouldn't be surprised if douchegrove had a myspace page and liked to cut himself at night.

You may blow me as well.