dphc18

iTrader: (5)

Does anybody know if someone makes a tighter ratio power steering rack for f-bodies?

And will an LT1 rack work for an LS1 swap?

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

none that any 1 knows of

ZexGX

iTrader: (28)

Pull a rack from a car with the FE2 RPO code. That is the 14.4:1 ratio rack with 2.3 turns to lock. That is the tightest stock rack available, that I know of. The 1LE cars may have had a tighter rack but I don't have any documentation for that.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

Don't the LS1 cars already have a 12.7 to 1 rack stock?

If no one make a faster rack, you might have to modify the spindles. Move the tierod ends back a little. That's common practice on drift cars.

An example would be to cut off the stock spindle steering mount and then bolt on a new one similar to the Bishop Style brake brackets that bolt directly to the spindle usind longer hub bolts.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

BTW, what is the intended purpose of the car?

nhra_crazy

iTrader: (86)

Got any ideas to increase the turn radius of a manual rack? Specifically pertaining to 9" wide rims.

InsaneAuto86

iTrader: (60)

^^ that was my post, was logged on under the wrong username

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

The turn radius is the size of the circle the car makes turning at full lock. I doubt you mean that. So what are you asking? (Usually rim width isn't a factor)

dphc18

iTrader: (5)

I am doing an LS1 swap into an LT1 and the car is a street car that I will autocross and roadrace leisurely

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

Have you driven an ls1 car? I know their rack is faster than the v6 cars. It's plenty fast to me. I think 2.5 turns lock to lock on the steering wheel.

It's possible your lt1 car may have a slightly slower rack, but I don't know for sure. I don't know the specifics on lt1 cars.

joecar

I count 2 turns lock-to-lock on my 2001 TA.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

Dang, that's good. I was just going from memory. Are all the ls1's 2 turns total?

InsaneAuto86

iTrader: (60)

stock rack: 2 1/4
manual rack: 3 3/4

Yup, turn radius. Some note interference on the inside of the wheel, especially with wider rims due to the increased diameter of the turnbuckle thereby limiting turn radius with wide rims

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

I'm tucking 19x10's with a 285 tire and there is zero room for a tighter turn radius.




Even if you ran a narrower tire (255 maybe) and spaced it out a little, I'm really not sure if a stock steering rack will extend further to decrease the turning radius. You might want to disconnect both tierods and see if the rack will go further.

Are the steering stops on the spindle? I can't remember. If they are built into the rack, then you'll have modify the tierod arms on the spindle. Shortening them will give you a faster ratio as well as more wheel angle at the expense of more stress on the pump.

ZexGX

iTrader: (28)

The solution to your problem is to run a custom lower A-arm and custom K member, if need be, that provides the additional wheel angle clearance. Lower A-arm in the way? Redesign it. I don't think many people that would feel the need for it except autocross/road course/drift cars... Might want to see how much clearance people have with tubular lower A-arms and tubular k-member.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

It's not me that is looking for a tighter turn radius, it's InsaneAuto86 that wants it.

A notched A-arm and notched K-member may suffice, but in the front the tire will also rub the swaybar. Maybe the tie-rod as well, but I'm not sure.

So my point is that if anyone wants a tighter turning radius, a slightly narrower wheel/tire combo combined with a slim spacer or a rim offset that pushes the wheel out a little more than stock is by far the easiest way to gain the room that is needed.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

I think the stock LS1 rack would work fine for that. I've driven C5 vettes and the steering ratio feels the same. Quick and sporty. Now the GTO on the other hand has a slow as molasses box. I'd definitely want to upgrade that car.

I've always liked fast steering ratios. Even when I had an 84 caprice I swapped in a quicker unit from a Z28 with a special option code.

You might send an email to Flaming River as they are specialists.

InsaneAuto86

iTrader: (60)

Yes, but I want it on a manual rack. This is the only thing holding me back from getting one.

JasonWW

iTrader: (2)

You still have to get your wheel clearance taken care of. Then you'll need a rack that can extend further left and right.

I don't see steering stops on the spindles so you'll have to ask the place that makes the manual rack if the stops in the rack can be moved as well as if there is enough gear/tooth surface area to make the rack extend further left and right.

It's not a small job.

ZexGX

iTrader: (28)

BMR makes a manual rack conversion kit. May want to ask them for further info...
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.c...d=56&catid=151