AutoX: To power steer or not to power steer?

[jlevie]

For Autox, you want the power steering. But for the track it isn't needed and you gain steering feel by removing it. You can have it both ways by leaving the belt on for Autox and taking it off for the track.

[erik325i]

I love my manual steering w/ z3 rack on the track, but I can't imagine driving that in an AutoX

Erik

[Emre]

with BMWs, you have the option of going with the Z3 rack, which is just under 14.0 i believe for a reasonable price. no reason to look elsewhere, unless you want something even faster.

Problem is, my E30 is a 1991 with a factory airbag. I thought the Z3 rack conversion didn't work with airbag cars.

[nando]

I'm pretty sure that's incorrect, it should work on non-airbag cars just fine.

[BraveUlysses]

Problem is, my E30 is a 1991 with a factory airbag. I thought the Z3 rack conversion didn't work with airbag cars.

It will work, it just requires a bit more effort.

[Hick]

Problem is, my E30 is a 1991 with a factory airbag. I thought the Z3 rack conversion didn't work with airbag cars.

yup, just did mine yesterday

[Nic01101011]

leave it in, if you're running respectable rubber youd have a hard time finishing a single run w/o ps

[Emre]

I'm pretty sure that's incorrect, it should work on non-airbag cars just fine.

I remember reading somewhere that it wasn't a straightforward process like it is in non-airbag models. I'm not sure where the problem lies.

It will work, it just requires a bit more effort.

yup, just did mine yesterday

Cool. Any links or write-ups you can point me to?

[Hick]

its easy.

Key Points:
1] Firewall needs modified a little. the shaft moves down and to the center of the car. you will need to remove a pannel thats on the inside of the car. The firewall will need cut away a little and a new plate made to block off the area.

2] Use the stock high pressure line, needs bent a little to make it fit around the steering joint.

3] 2 x 1/2" spacer needed to bolt the rack to the subframe.

[gearheadE30]

Agreed, the swap really is simple on airbag cars. Mine only took 2 hours ish, and an hour of that was modding the firewall.

As for PS or not, I ran e36 racks with and without it. I loved the feel without it, but I was a lot faster at the autox with it just because I didn't have to muscle the wheel as much, which gives you a lot more precision on steering and throttle inputs because you don't have to brace your body as much.

[Emre]

its easy.

Key Points:
1] Firewall needs modified a little. the shaft moves down and to the center of the car. you will need to remove a pannel thats on the inside of the car. The firewall will need cut away a little and a new plate made to block off the area.

2] Use the stock high pressure line, needs bent a little to make it fit around the steering joint.

3] 2 x 1/2" spacer needed to bolt the rack to the subframe.

Thanks very much for the very detailed reply :D

[AndrewBird]

For reference, here are some steering quickeners:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Produc...kener&deptId=0

Obviously not e30 specific, but I don't think there are any out there that are.

[Hick]

Depends on how "into" autocross you are. most of you swap guys would have to run SM, which dosent allow steering column modifications INSIDE the cabin. if you can fit that between the firewall and steering rack then its legal.

[Nic01101011]

For reference, here are some steering quickeners:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/ProductSummary.aspx?free_text|2/9/2009%2011:55:41%20PM=Steering+Quickener&deptId=0

Obviously not e30 specific, but I don't think there are any out there that are.

has anyone ever fitted one of these to an e30? ill have to look up a diagram of the steering knuckle system, but I don't think there'd be enough space

[Jean]

On a related note, has anyone tried one of those aftermarket steering ratio "quickeners" that are so popular with the rally crowd?

I really got spoiled by the steering in my Evo VIII. I don't know the exact ratio, but it was around 1.5 revolutions from lock-to-lock. You never had to remove your hands from 9 and 3 even around the tightest corners. Also made it VERY easy to catch a slide, since you could suddenly add a massive amount of countersteer without lifting a hand off the wheel. Makes recovery very smooth and intuitive.

Maybe I should start a new thread...

I felt the same way about autocrossing my brothers s2k vs my e30... can't wait to have a short rack in the e30.