High, I'm building a locost seven thing based on an mx-5, using the uprights (amongst other things), and was hoping to use the steering rack too. However its far too wide so would give me horrible bump steer. I'm thinking of using the escort rack (can get 'em cheap!)

So (as I finally get to my point) can anyone tell me the distance between the two ball joints on the rack?

Also, does anyone know the lengths of the steering arms on the escort uprights?

Thanks in anticipation,

James.

The escort rack is 581mm between centres

Thanks a lot, anyone else got the steering arm lengths? Not so critical I guess, but want to make sure they're not hugely different.

James.

I am doing the same thing. MX5 as a donor and LHD escort MKII steering rack. Still though, i haven't picked up the uprights yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
The question is if the track rod ends of the MX5 fit the escort rack as MX5 track rod ends have a very annoying angle and escort track rod ends wont do.
If you use the mx5 track rod ends, you need to check on the thread of the track rod end and the steering arm, you might need an adaptor.
From the other point of view, you can trim the upright to become level and i believe you need to increase the width of the hole on the upright to fit the track rod end of an escort. (as far as i know)

[Edited on 20/1/09 by l0rd]

i made an adapter/spacer to make up the distance and convert the threads betwen the escort track rods and the mx5 track rod ends.

mine was a +442 though using standard mx5 front track width so was a lot wider than a locost

[Edited on 20/1/09 by liam.mccaffrey]

Check with www.cheapsportscar.net, Keith Tanner. built a Locost in the States using MX5 donor, he shortened the rack. There is a section in his book on this.

Cheers for the replies. Was planning on using adapters to use mazda track rods, I'm also keeping the same track as the mazda so I can use the driveshafts unmodified, will have a look at shortening the rack though.

Cheers!

James