Drag Racing Tech - Manual Rack

I am building a 98 Camaro Street/Strip car.

The car is a 6cyl so the rack the car currently has will interfere with the
driver's side header.

The car won't be a daily driver and will always have skinny tires up front.

I am leaning towards one of our sponsor's rack but came across this conversion today (1998-1999 FE2/FE4/FE7) http://shop.rackdoctor.net/CAMARO_c40.htm

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1998-1999-Chevrolet-Camaro-Manual-Rack-15995-3570-Custom-C.htm

Does anybody have any used this conversion rack before?


Thanks,
Mike

The part number from gm on mitchells is the same for a v6 and v8 my buddy was having a problem with a car he bought with the shaft hitting the motor mount and it was because the kmember had wrinkled we even called where he got the reman rack and they only listed one pn i dont know if the kmembers are the same and they just swap motor mount pedestals or not i have not done a v6 conversion but u might wanna call up a dealer and double check

madman

We offer a manual rack conversion kit including a real Flaming River pinto rack, sealed needle bearing u-joint steering shaft, lightweight chromoly bolt-on rack mounting adapter, USA aircraft grade tie rod ends and tapered adapter for the spindles. Includes all necessary hardware. 575.00 shipped. We offer different versions depending on your header clearance needs.

That is an interesting cheap bolt in oem way to do it. I'd be interested in results or experience with them.

We offer a manual rack conversion kit including a real Flaming River pinto rack, sealed needle bearing u-joint steering shaft, lightweight chromoly bolt-on rack mounting adapter, USA aircraft grade tie rod ends and tapered adapter for the spindles. Includes all necessary hardware. 575.00 shipped. We offer different versions depending on your header clearance needs.

Do you offer a version for use with the stock K member?

Thanks,
Mike

That's what I was quoting... it is a full bolt-on conversion for use with stock k-members or aftermarket with stock rack mounts.

[QUOTE=LongIsland63SS409;16107104]I am building a 98 Camaro Street/Strip car.

The car is a 6cyl so the rack the car currently has will interfere with the
driver's side header.

The car won't be a daily driver and will always have skinny tires up front.

I am leaning towards one of our sponsor's rack but came across this conversion today (1998-1999 FE2/FE4/FE7) http://shop.rackdoctor.net/CAMARO_c40.htm

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1998-1999-Chevrolet-Camaro-Manual-Rack-15995-3570-Custom-C.htm

Does anybody have any used this conversion rack before?

Thats a heck of a deal for those like me who can't affford 600.00 for a manual rack.
I wonder what ratios they use? Can beat that lifetime warranty.

[QUOTE=LongIsland63SS409;16107104]I am building a 98 Camaro Street/Strip car.

The car is a 6cyl so the rack the car currently has will interfere with the
driver's side header.

The car won't be a daily driver and will always have skinny tires up front.

I am leaning towards one of our sponsor's rack but came across this conversion today (1998-1999 FE2/FE4/FE7) http://shop.rackdoctor.net/CAMARO_c40.htm

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1998-1999-Chevrolet-Camaro-Manual-Rack-15995-3570-Custom-C.htm

Does anybody have any used this conversion rack before?

Thats a heck of a deal for those like me who can't affford 600.00 for a manual rack.
I wonder what ratios they use? Can beat that lifetime warranty.

Spoke to RackDoctor today about the manual rack conversion.
They were very nice on the phone and answered all my questions.

The rack is disassembled and the pistions are machined down to eliminate the any internal resistance they would cause.

The spool section has parts removed and modified with welds to strenghten areas were the parts were removed from.
Hydraulic fitting bores are welded up and ground.

Unit is packed with grease, new seals and boots.

The ratio remains stock.

Thinking about trying one.


Mike

Let us know how it works out, I'd go that route. Saving $500 ain't no joke

Let us know how it works out, I'd go that route. Saving $500 ain't no joke

Absolutely!

^ agreed!

In for results

I am building a 98 Camaro Street/Strip car.

The car is a 6cyl so the rack the car currently has will interfere with the
driver's side header.

The car won't be a daily driver and will always have skinny tires up front.

I am leaning towards one of our sponsor's rack but came across this conversion today (1998-1999 FE2/FE4/FE7) http://shop.rackdoctor.net/CAMARO_c40.htm

http://shop.rackdoctor.net/1998-1999-Chevrolet-Camaro-Manual-Rack-15995-3570-Custom-C.htm

Does anybody have any used this conversion rack before?




Thanks,
Mike


What brand of headers and size are you using?

American Racing Headers 1 7/8. They are located 15 min from my house.

Mike

What kind of weight savings and horsepower (from freeing up the power steering) can one expect with doing a manual conversion?

What kind of weight savings and horsepower (from freeing up the power steering) can one expect with doing a manual conversion?
You aren't going to notice a power difference

+1 and the weight savings will be from the PS pump. But there is a benefit in both areas, the effects may be little but they add up. It's mainly because PS and skinnier is just crappy feeling

In for the cheap manual rack results.

Going to place an order today. Will post some pics when I receive it.

Mike

updates?

updates?

Found out this morning it will be shipping out today.
Will post pictures when I receive it.


Mike

Any pics?

Received the rack and for the price it is very nice. The fitting bosses are removed welded and ground shut.

Unit operates smoothly by hand with no binding.

Been crazy at work will post pics this weekend.

Mike

interested in this rack now

If you can, post up the weight difference between this rack and all component and the stock with fluids hoses and pump, Im very interested in this

Received the rack and for the price it is very nice. The fitting bosses are removed welded and ground shut.

Unit operates smoothly by hand with no binding.

Been crazy at work will post pics this weekend.

Mike

Pics attached.

Mike

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack5.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack4.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack3.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack2.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/LongIsland63SS409/Manual%20Rack/manualrack1.jpg

<------ interested! I run skinny's always. I want the clean look of the no power steering. I like that it keeps factory steering ratio.

it has stock tie rods?

that turned out really nice. i will soon be looking into a rack doctor conversion for my car.

it has stock tie rods?

Yes , the rack is an OEM power steering rack converted to manual.


Mike

i dont know how you can pay someone to do the conversion., plus the cost of the core and make a profit. buy one before they get hot and double in price!
looks like a nice piece for the money.

So how much of a pain is it to turn the wheels now on a SUCK scale of 1-10....

Yea please tell us how it performs!

Yea please tell us how it performs!

I currently have the car disassembled and will not be able to test and post the results until late summer or early fall.

The rack does operate very smoothly by hand with the shaft attached to it.

Mike

i just ordered a depowered rack from them yesterday for my 95. they said 2-3 weeks for delivery. :burn:

Just curious but with these racks how are you correcting the bumpsteer issue thats inherent to these cars?

Just curious but with these racks how are you correcting the bumpsteer issue thats inherent to these cars?

Honestly I did not know GM had a problem with the bumpsteer on their OEM racks.

What is causing the bumpsteer with the OEM rack?


Mike

Oh love this idea and like to see more experience with people using it.

What about just ordering one from Unisteer.com?

What about just ordering one from Unisteer.com?

dont think they make them, but i know they do do custom orders. may not be cost effective.

Uh, yes they do. I got mine from them through PA racing. You just need the correct part number.

Uh, yes they do. I got mine from them through PA racing. You just need the correct part number.
factory manual rack or was it a pinto box?

factory manual rack or was it a pinto box?

Pinto style.

Pinto style.

thats what i thought. we have been discussing a converted stock rack........

In for results, wish I heard about this a couple weeks ago, could have saved about 700 dollars ( I went with power though, and turned out not to need a rack)

dont know why you would send it in and pay for it, some of us have been doing this for 10-20 years.
Unscrew the tube and cut the seal on the piston, screw it back together and put plugs in all the holes. DONE

You are only paying for the welding and grinding that you can have any local shop do or do yourself

That easy huh? Ive never seen the inside of a rack got any pics?

dont know why you would send it in and pay for it, some of us have been doing this for 10-20 years.
Unscrew the tube and cut the seal on the piston, screw it back together and put plugs in all the holes. DONE

You are only paying for the welding and grinding that you can have any local shop do or do yourself

doing it yourself is a great idea, but for the price its convenient. i dont know anyone who would weld up, grind down and paint the rack for 149. not to mention having to drive across town to drop it off, then gas and time to pick it back up.

I started this thread to show a cost effect way to have a manual rack.

Since I am converting a V6 to a V8 I needed a LS1 rack for header clearence.

Most eBay racks were around $79. The manual rack conversion ends up being a very cost effective solution.

Also the spool valve is machined and welded for strength in addition to the pistons.

As I stated in a previous post the rack operates very smoothly without binding.

Mike

Pretty cool Ive decided to go manual just didnt want to spend the big money other places are asking. What is the benefit of buying the MWC or Madman kit over this???? If there is a real performance or weight saving its worth it! If there isnt this seems the way to go IMO.

pinto rack will be lighter, and less muscle to turn. more flexability if you custom mount it for header clearance.

Anyone else use this rack?

Ill be ordering on in a week or so. There is a couple options so how do I know which one to get?

Sweet cant wait for reviews!! im interested. I like it because its cheep, keep stock turning radius, cleans up engine bay, and removes weight off front of car.

Ill be ordering on in a week or so. There is a couple options so how do I know which one to get?

Options?
When I ordered mine I don't remember options.

What are they so I can help you in the right direction.


Mike

How do you know if you have the F41 or FE2, FE4, FE7 rack?

How do you know if you have the F41 or FE2, FE4, FE7 rack?

Look at the drivers door decal for the production codes. I needed the rack for a LS motor for header clearance.

Call Rich if unsure what to order. Nice person to deal with.

I will check my invoice tonight.

Look at the drivers door decal for the production codes. I needed the rack for a LS motor for header clearance.

Call Rich if unsure what to order. Nice person to deal with.

I will check my invoice tonight.

I don't have a door decal anymore.
My steering rack has 26048277 R/2 stamped on it.

Never checked, but dose the stock setup have bumpsteer?
heres the kit to add some adjustment on the stock rack, I found.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BAE-3301011/

I know some of the aftermarket rack placements do.

O.K. when to the dealership today, they ran my VIN.
I have the FE4 suspension.

O.K. when to the dealership today, they ran my VIN.
I have the FE4 suspension.

Checked my invoice and that is the one I ordered.
Invoice part number is 3570-custom c.

Mike

I don't have a door decal anymore.
My steering rack has 26048277 R/2 stamped on it.

Also checked the rack and it has the same part number cast into it.

Mike

Thanks Mike.
I call Rich today and he said the best way to order is online.
I just order mine!

Thanks Mike.
I call Rich today and he said the best way to order is online.
I just order mine!

No problem glad I could help!
Post some pics when you install it.

Mike

Sure will.

Anyone got pics yet? Waiting for mine to show up but want to see it beforehand lol.

I posted a while ago pics but not installed ones.

Mike

Wish someone would get one of these racks installed already and post up how it performs lol. " patiently waiting"..... jim.

My car is a part and won't be running till late fall. Hopefully others have purchased and will report the results.

The rack operates very smoothly by hand and I don't see any problems with it.


Mike

I'm definitely wanting to go with one of these manual racks but want a little feed back just incase there is some unforeseen problems although i doubt there would be any but you never know.

Probably just going to order one on monday and get the ball rolling.

Got mine yesterday.
Looks awesome, if it works as good as it looks, that will be great.
Seems like a very nice product.
I think for the money, you can't beat it.

cant wait to see pics and weight difference

Got mine in today. Looks good just need to find an afternoon to get it all apart and back together, then get an alignment

Ive been slacking on ordering one lol. still in for pics and feed back..

My camaro is getting tuned on monday, so any free time till then is devoted to finishing that. Monday night i'll start the install of this manual rack with pictures etc.

A little tip: DO NOT get the upper radiator hose w/o power steering cooler from napa...$32 for a f'in hose?!?!

Any updates?

I was going to wait until someone reviewed this, but I got impatient and ordered mine today. Now I just need a tubular k-member and some coil overs so I can install it all at one time.

Ordered mine today aswell...

Install mine last nite, still on jack stands, but turns nicely.

Nice any pics?

Mike

RENE, did you get a bumpsteer kit to go with it?

In for updates

I'll get some pics.
Really didn't know about a bumpsteer kit.
My car is track only.

you can get the BAER one from jegs/summit for about $175 bucks or the one from spohn for $165. Highly reccommended when using a manual steering rack.

do you need it?

its a stock rack length, in the stock place?

you can get the BAER one from jegs/summit for about $175 bucks or the one from spohn for $165. Highly reccommended when using a manual steering rack.

More details please.
Why would you need it on a stock rack?

Me either why is it needed?

Mike

^^ +1 does pws act as a dampner or something?

Ive never checked bumpsterr with a stock rack/setup, but I would think GM set it up right?

Any new updates on this?

Well i installed my rack doctor manual rack and went to the track Friday night. It worked good for me, not to hard to steer for a manual rack and handled well going down the track.

Pix pix pix pix. Have u used it on street?

I'll try and get pictures this week, I didn't drive it on the Street but I drove it around the pits and it seemed to do great. Sitting still you have to use some muscle, but once your barely rolling it's a piece of cake.

Just need to get it aligned:

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_22-06-20_950.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_22-06-57_827.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_22-07-17_958.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_22-07-46_164.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_22-07-56_93.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp232/89ROC-Z/98%20Trans%20Am/2012-08-12_23-08-44_720.jpg

Really hoping the car is VERY close to 3000 pounds without me...after the alignment i'm getting it weighed

What wheels/tires do you have on the front?

Nice!
Thank for sharing the pictures.


Mike

Im running skinnies on the front of mine.

89IrocZ, I see you didn't put a pulley on top of the alternator, does your water pump spin ok like that?

What wheels/tires do you have on the front?

MT Sportmans on Welds. Used a 5/15" spacer to get them to clear the caliper. Rears are MT ET streets at Weld XP's

Nice!
Thank for sharing the pictures.


Mike

No problem! Taking pics on my phone and automatically uploading them to photobucket is really handy lol

Im running skinnies on the front of mine.

89IrocZ, I see you didn't put a pulley on top of the alternator, does your water pump spin ok like that?

Seems to spin fine. Other people have had the same setup without issues. If i ever do run into a problem i'll invest in an electric water pump

sweet i may do this. I mostly want to do this to clean the engine bay up :) mine is driven on street mostly but i dd o skinnys and fattys

Kinda off topic but, did you have to modify your alt bracket in any way for the bottom bolt? My lower bolt is very close to the belt.. Only thing I can think to do would be to grind down the bracket some. Thanks.

I cut a little over half the head off the bolt with a saw it cleared the belt and I can still get a socket on it to tighten it up or take it out in the future.

I machined the bracket down a solid 5/16" around the bolt area, then ground the "lip" off the head of the bolt. I bet it has 1/8" of clearance at least

what belt are you using when deleting the ps ?

I'm running a Gates K060547 (55 1/4").. That's using the stock balancer & a grooved idler pulley in place of the factory smooth one. Mine is set up just like the one in this pic. You get a little bit more belt wrap on the waterpump vs not running an idler.

http://album.hybridz.org/data/500/medium/ShortBelt1.jpg

i may do this

I haven't noticed any belt slip on mine

I haven't noticed any belt slip on mine

how hard is it to remove (or cut off) the driver side rack pinion mounting bolt to remove OEM rack?

I don't have a saw saw, do have a hack saw and a small dremal cutoff wheel.

images of this would be nice, or is there a writeup on a RP swap?

Thanks

Anybody have any feedback about how the rack doctor rack performed on the street?

great. I know a rack with better gearing would be better, but with skinny mickeys on front it doesn't turn bad at all. I also have a posi tho, with a spool i bet it would get pretty bad

I'd like to now how it does at low speeds in a parking lot. I ran a power rack without hydraulics and you could not park the car without using 2 big arms.
Planning to use one of these on weekend street car.