Which steering rack?

Post Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:34 pm

I've seen another thread like this somewhere but couldn't find it using the search

I've found a breaker who has got 3 steering racks in stock:

e46 325ci
e36
e36 m3 evo

Which is the best as an upgrade for my 318is? and roughly what price should I be paying as I don't want to get ripped off!

Thanks.

Post Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:54 pm

You DON'T want the e36 evo one. It's the same ratio but less lock than the bog standard e36 one, and they'll probably ask twice as much money for it!

I think the e46 one is slightly quicker than the e46 one, the e46 racks to go for have a purple tag and 067 number.

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:16 am

The evo one is exactly twice as much!

so avoid that?

So you would recommend the e46 rack over the e36?

Will it make a big difference as the e30 is 4 turns, the ad's say the e46 is 3.2 turns and the standard e36 is 3.5?

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:00 am

Dont bother with any E36 racks, waste of time now there are so many E46 racks about which are so much better

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:16 am

Why are e46 racks better?

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:20 am

They're newer for a start, so won't have the decades of wear and tear that every E36 rack will have by now.

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:34 am

E46 067 rack FTMFW!!!!

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:41 am

*edit*

just read the wiki saying that the 067 is less turns lock to lock.

would it still be worth while if its not an 067 and easy to tell if its an 067 or not just incase he hasn't got a clue what im talking about?

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:07 am

I can only speak for the 067 as its the only rack I've used apart from the standard one. There's a metal tag on the rack that has the part numbers on, if you click onto my cars thread you will see a pic on one of the last page showing this tag

All I can say is - DO IT!

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:25 am

Ive messaged the seller to see if its an 067 but ive not got high hopes as the Ad states its 3.2 turns (although the wiki says 067 is 3 and standard is 3.4)

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 1:39 pm

ive just fitted an 067 and its just under 3 turns. there's a few on ebay, dont pay more than £40

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:36 pm

Go for the 067.. not long fitted one, and have smiled driving all 1143 miles around Cornwall over the last 5 days.. a worthwhile upgrade..

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:14 pm

another vote here for the e46 067 (purple label), i run one 'manual-ed' and really like it.

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:15 pm

also don't bother what model it's off. they fitted them to all sorts - compacts, 330s etc, its just the purple label and number you need.

Post Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:37 pm

I hadn't considered a rack upgrade until reading this thread. What parts other than the rack are needed for the install (in a 318iS too)? I know there are other install threads on here but I didn't see anything specific to the e46 rack and 318is!

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 7:27 am

The seller has confirmed its an 067 and its under £40 so im over the moon and I will be collecting tomorrow as its quite local!

I hadn't considered a rack upgrade until reading this thread. What parts other than the rack are needed for the install (in a 318iS too)? I know there are other install threads on here but I didn't see anything specific to the e46 rack and 318is!

Im also a little curious about what is needed as there are so many threads on the net and in each one its almost impossible to find a detailed write up for the model of e30 and rack you have

From what I gather you can use the E30 hoses and track rod ends, the UJ is where I am unsure but I think you can add spacers to the original and it will work.

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 9:15 am

davelarge wrote:
What parts other than the rack are needed for the install (in a 318iS too)? I know there are other install threads on here but I didn't see anything specific to the e46 rack and 318is!
Im also a little curious about what is needed as there are so many threads on the net and in each one its almost impossible to find a detailed write up for the model of e30 and rack you have From what I gather you can use the E30 hoses and track rod ends, the UJ is where I am unsure but I think you can add spacers to the original and it will work.

Read through this thread...

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=148445

You can bend the original hoses yourself.. Dan (the OP of the linked thread above) can supply custom hoses, new washers and spacers.. made to a very good standard.

Escort engine mounts from Burton (as recommended by Dan) helped me with clearance of the manifold, although I am getting a bit of rubbing still when turning left hard..

Have a look on wiki too and yes there are plenty of threads on here with all the info you need.. you just have to floss thorugh it all.. the best way to learn

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:02 am

Ive read through that thread and the wiki along with this thread from r3v:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247

I think im going to just do a bit of trial and error starting with the standard joint, then ill try the corsa c joint and then as a last resort I will get the custom joint from Dan. Sounds like i'm being tight but if the joint from Dan is £40 + the cost of two e34 uj's its worth a try as I'm at a point where I can have the car off the road while I do this.

Are these the mounts Dan recommends?

http://www.burtonpower.com/engine-mount ... fp292.html

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:14 am

davelarge wrote:
Are these the mounts Dan recommends?

http://www.burtonpower.com/engine-mount ... fp292.html

Yep...

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 10:22 am

Ill get some of them ordered then, I think mine are shot anyway. Cheers

Post Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:09 am

I'm gonna use an e36 rack, just because I have a spare 1 which cost me nothing. Also kept the hoses from the e36 aswell. Going to use/bodge e34 uj's as I'm breaking a 540 for engine conversion.