e36 rack conversion / is it worth while???

[Alwyn]

A rack conversion has been number two on my list of mods since I got my 325; as my rack is now showing signs of leaking from both ends, I think it is the time to get it done.

Is there any chance of a list of parts that would be required for:

(1) an e36 conversion, or
(2) a z3 conversion.

I am looking to do it 'properly' so please mention anything that may be needed, including piping and fixings.

Also, is there some definitive information on what the effect of the mod will be, and the effect on the suspension. My 325 is a touring and will be running standard springs (de-mod from 30mm drop).

[Brianmoooore]

You need the track rods from your existing rack, and they won't last long if the grease is washed out of them by leaking steering fluid.
Suspension geometry isn't affected at all by the mod.
Someone will be along soon and post links to the pipe mods required, and to making the hybrid steering shaft section.

[schuey]

I used the z3 track rod ends on my conversion,worked fine,and they are easier to adjust than the e30 ones.
You can bend the standard pipes to fit,if like me you break them,any hydraulic place should be able to help,mine cost a tenner.
Handling is improved,I don't know about the universial joint mod since the rack is pretty much astraight swap on the 4 pot cars

[klu99apm]

Really dumb question question coming up!

I don't know about the universial joint mod since the rack is pretty much astraight swap on the 4 pot cars

Why do the 4 pot cars not need the joint mod? I thought the joint was to do with the combinedjoint length - isn't this the same on 4 pot cars??

[schuey]

The pinion sticking out of the rack is a few mm longer than the e30 rack,hence the standard joint works fine.
The mod must have something to do with manifold clearance on the 6 pot cars,I need to borrow one off some body to have a look......
My mate is back from fighting the taliban shortly,he needs a car and I am going to badger him in to a 325 sport or an m3.If he sees the light and gets a sport I will do conversion on that and see what the score is with the joint.

[DRIFTBOY]

The E36 rack I used had different splines than the E30 rack so I had to use the top half of the E30 coupling and the bottom half of the E36 coupling.

[kevo]

how do all just to add my little ditty, i changed from an E30 power steering rack to an E36 power steering rack two days ago and i have found a fairly big change a definite improvement between the two. My other car is an MX5 an i don't know if you've ever driven one but they have super sharp steering so my yardstick is very high. however i still feel that there is a dramatic improvement. if the car had had this rack on there before i bought it i would never have said the steering is awesome if you know what i mean but having driven before and after it is definitely better. i will be looking into eventually a quicker rack be it z3 or demon tweeks but that will be a fair bit in the future cos i can cope with the steering now whereas before i found it practically undriveable in the tight stuff. there we are those were my two cents hope that provided an honest comparison

kevo