e28 manual rack-n-pinion test fit 9-25-11 update

[M. Holtmeier]

This needs to be an MHE product. We just send you our good useable subframe as a core.

[fukoa]

40 Lashes for not knowing what rack this is! I mean do you really expect us to do our own homework? Sheesh!


for your information the rack below looks just like .....



SATURN ION ... with a electrical assist



now do it ...

good luck

[Coldswede]

Saturn ION!!?? Ugh!

I see your running a vacuum booster for your brakes. So, it's either that or some real plumbing nightmares for the hydro boost, eh?

As a general audience question will a vacuum booster clear ITB's, plenum and throttle arm/cable?


Glad to hear your happy with a great mod!

[535is-pa]

Saturn ION!!?? Ugh!

I see your running a vacuum booster for your brakes. So, it's either that or some real plumbing nightmares for the hydro boost, eh?

As a general audience question will a vacuum booster clear ITB's, plenum and throttle arm/cable?


Glad to hear your happy with a great mod!

its damn close to the m30 intake, i know the m5 stuff is bigger so id say it probably dosn't clear , but the e34 540 remote booster works with just about anything you can dream up.....

[rod2190]

Porsche 928 rack and pinion is a behind the axle steering so I shouldn't need to get a right hand drive bmw rack and use upside down. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Philo]

Hi guys, I don't mean to jump this thread but wanted to add to the conversation with my rack project in hopes to learn from one another. I actually started on my rack project years ago after reading a thread on Mye28 back in 2009. http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?p=484357 I can't believe so much time has flown by.., was busy swapping out the engine and trans, but as of now I'm determined to get this rack on my car. I friggin hate the steering box. I had mine rebuilt and I swear it got worse !!

The rack in the pics is off a 1989-93 Porsche Carrera 2 and is a rear steer rack. Picked it up from AutoBahn in San Diego, was $250 I recall. I did make the rookie mistake of fitting a front steer rack at first.., but Joe Cain set me straight ! Nothing like tapping on the shoulder of experience. So once I got the right rack the setup was quite easy. The plan was to place the rack's horizontal center in the same place as the original center link. The C2 rack is only 1 inch longer then the E28 center link so bump-steer shouldn't be an issue. For tie-rods I like the 911 turbo tie-rods http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads1 ... 188981.jpg but not sure if the length is correct. Might have to cut and weld on an E28 tie-rod end, still working all this out.

Very soon I'll do a test fit to see if I have any issues. I'll check the clearance and angle of the steering shaft and linkage, take some more measurement and see where I'm at. The C2 rack has a pretty cool mounting system but it was a pain in the A** to get it adapted over to the E28 sub-frame. In the pics you will see that there are aluminum clamps that go around the rack at two points. There are also rubber vibration spacers which I really like so my plan was to keep this mounting system. The challenge was that the rack clamps were actually part of a much larger cast part that made up the front sub-frame on the 911. I had to cut out the clamps and then devise a receiver mount on the E28 sub-frame. I think in the end it will be pretty slick. If I need to make adjustments I can re-cut the receiver angle as it's just tack welded. Finally, securing the rack to the top plate I'll use longer bolts and drill holes through the top plate of the receiver. This way I can get the rack clamped properly using the OE clamps and rubber and then bolt it to the E28 su-frame as a unit. Again, Joe Cain stepping in with this advice.

Let me know what you guys think, and any feedback you can provide.

Thx.
______

[charofire]

I used the same rack on a Bavaria install last year. Works great.

[KrautnotRice]

This is awesome!

[demetk]

Nice thread. What about center-take-off racks, do they minimize bump steer better?

[Philo]

Any rack will work but it's more about getting the rack mounted in the right location. With a center-take-off rack the center link and tie rods might be too far aft. But not to familiar with these types of racks.

[ronin]

Philo,

Any update on your conversion? That is very nice looking. Have you been able to install it on your car yet?

Thanks,

Eric

[fukoa]

Yes , I was driving my car already with it , may be I put around 1000 miles since I installed it .
now I am putting another set up - it has a electric power steering pump from a 2013 Durango/Grand cherokee

[Philo]

Nothing yet Eric, no time yet.

[ronin]

Philo,

Believe me, I understand. I think your design is really clean looking so I am curious to hear more when you have any updates.

Fukoa,

Interesting, i have heard of others putting electric steering in various older cars. I'd love to hear more about your build.

Thanks,

Eric

[M106]

any updates?

[Philo]

Nadda, sorry man, too many other thing that are of higher importance.

[linen grey ghost]

thought since it has been a couple of years to inquire if any updates, status of modification?