Got a quick question...
The mechanic friend I've got working on this upgrade called me this morning and mentioned 2 things. (1) He said that the bellows for the 15:1 rack are a bit larger than those on my old 20:1, but he doesn't see any clearance issues, so thinks that won't be a problem. (2) Said that (& I believe I got this right) the mounting bushings for the new rack to attach to the engine cradle will need to be re-used?
Just wondering if any of this sounds familiar to anyone who might have made the swap on a V-6 car? I don't know which rack he's installing, but he said there were multiple options that he narrowed down once he got my car. He had to run new steel lines, as the old ones broke trying to get them off (as I suspected). Putting a new pump on as well.
Thanks for any input! I'm hoping it'll all work out as I'm anxious to try the new steering feel!
Greg
#1 I swapped from the 20:1 to the 15:1 with no issues whatsoever (I have the v8 though).
#2 No way in Heck would I go through all that trouble and re-use the old bushings. Most racks come with a new pair. Otherwise you can buy new ones from any of the major auto parts stores. The soggy old bushings will just negate any improvement in handling the rack swap might gain you.
Honestly, I was a little disappointed in the steering feel. Didn't change significantly. My SN95 springs made the biggest difference. New shocks should be here Thursday.
Hmmmmmm, well I guess I'll see what happens. I had a leaking PS pump, so that was the main reason for replacement. If I don't get significant improvement in handling, well, then I guess that's just they way it'll be. I considered the swap myself, but a lot of time involved I suspected, and as my daily driver, I can't lay the car up for a long time. So long as I don't have leaks, I'm happy! Yeah, maybe I misunderstood him...I can't see him needing to use old worn out bushings, either!
I'm a cheapass and reused the bushings when I swaped a 15:1 into mine. Used rack, used bushings. They looked good so I went for it.
Energy Suspension rack bushings FTW. Or order 'em yourself, save a coupla bucks.
If you want some positive feedback on a stock K-member car you need to use aluminum rack bushings with the correct washers between the rack and the K-Member. Read this:
http://www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_86&products_id=1088
Its a pretty cheap investment and it made a huge difference on my Coupe when I had a stock K-Member in it.
Darren
I just put some on my new rack. Should be nice.