Hi All,
Is there any opinions on alternative steering racks to the mk2 Escort one??
I am interested in using my Fiat coupe one, but i can see there will be several issues....
The steering rack goes the opposite way to the escort rack and this may mean i have to change my Cortina hubs around?
The track rod ends may not fit the tapered hole in the steering arm of the hub....
And i could need to shorten it.
The rack is 2.2 turns lock to lock, will this end up feeling to heavy in my locost?
Cheers, Rob
You've listed a whole load of down sides to using the Fiat Coupe rack but no advantages? What exactly is the reason for wanting to use it and
solve all of these issues?
Just curious as there must be something that it does better, you say it is 2.2 turns but you can buy a Quaife upgrade for a MK2 Escort Rack which
makes it 2.2 Turn LTL
Easy answer, I have one!
My donor car was a complete Fiat coupe 20v turbo. The rack on it looks in good condition so would like to use it.
It will save me a bit of money too not having to by a new one.....
The reason for my post is really just to gauge what others have done and see if my plan to use something not out of the box (so to speak) is worth
persuing.
Thanks for asking though, i should have put some of the advantages on.
Will the Coupe not have powersteering? Is this something you want?
You can always use cortina track rod ends, just means you'll need to weld on some threads on the end of the rack that suit the thread size and
pitch.
With most things in kit cars you can't really just buy stuff off the shelf, you could use the steering rack but you'll need to modify it in
some way, shape or form.
Can a powered rack not be used unpowered?? Can you not just disconnect it??
No, I won't be using the power steering. I had thought about changing the threads to allow cortina track rod ends being fitted.
[Edited on 17/11/10 by b14wrc]
just get a mk2 escort rack from rally design 
will be a WHOLE lol easier, and if you're anything like me, you'll spend ages trying to get
the fiat rack to work, throw money at it, get into a mess, and then buy a mk2 rack anyway 
i did that with:
my steering (tried using a cortina rack, ditched for a mk2 rack)
my wishbones (tried making my own, before buying from SHP and saving all sorts of hassle)
my rear axle (the only exception that worked out a LOT more expensive, but also a lot better)
i think there's others too
quote:
Originally posted by b14wrc
Can a powered rack not be used unpowered?? Can you not just disconnect it??
No, I won't be using the power steering. I had thought about changing the threads to allow cortina track rod ends being fitted.
[Edited on 17/11/10 by b14wrc]
As said above, why go to al the trouble of modifying a fiat rack , when an escort mk2 rack brand new is £85 ish from rally design
that is what ive got, and my old rack is ready for the bin!!
Steve
Hum, some interesting points i was not aware of. Thanks for your help. Once the rack is off i can have a better look at it, but it may be better to
sell it and then with the money i make off that i probabily could nearly buy a new escort one.
Cheers,
Steve, is your old Rack knackered? If you are binning it could i possibly have it to try fit on my mock up?
Regards, Rob
quote:
Originally posted by Rallye_Mark
quote:
Originally posted by b14wrc
Can a powered rack not be used unpowered?? Can you not just disconnect it??
No, I won't be using the power steering. I had thought about changing the threads to allow cortina track rod ends being fitted.
[Edited on 17/11/10 by b14wrc]
Nah you can't just use a PS rack without being fed by the PS pump, will make it a lot heavier than just a normal Non-PS rack due to the fluid pressure that the inners slide on, IIRC.
I have read that you can make PS racks run without the PS system but requires a lot of time and effort, so would probably be easier just using a standard Sierra rack (£30 on eBay New), or a shortened rack for a Sierra (About £100, 2.7 Turns).
Hope this helps
Yesterday I did some measurements on my Sierra rack.
1 full turn on the steering wheel moves the steering arms about 50mm. How can I define I have a normal rack or a quick rack ?