E36 steering rack modification

[x-works]

Searched the scrap yards far and wide the weekend for a quicker steering rack and while we didn't find the ideal Z3 one, we did get an e36 one. The rack bolts up to the subframe with the aid of a few spacers ok but it leaves the bottom universal joint running periliously close to the exhaust manifold. Any body else face this problem and divise a solution?
Cheers

[Kos]

thats a common problem with the conversion, i'm sure plenty will come in with advise!!

good luck buddy

[TheDutch]

Have you read the tech. article on this site about E36 rack conversions?

And what engine is this on?

[ian332isport]

Searched the scrap yards far and wide the weekend for a quicker steering rack and while we didn't find the ideal Z3 one, we did get an e36 one. The rack bolts up to the subframe with the aid of a few spacers ok but it leaves the bottom universal joint running periliously close to the exhaust manifold. Any body else face this problem and divise a solution?
Cheers

Yes, this is a known problem with the E36 rack conversion. Several people are running the rack, but you need to make sure you have new (preferrably heavy duty) engine mounts to help reduce engine movement. You also need to carefully file some metal off the lower part of the jount to gain a little more clearance.

If you decide to go ahead with the conversion, I still have some of the custom high pressure pipes required to connect it up

Cheers,

Ian.

[x-works]

Thanks one and all for the replys, I've read the article on this moddification but can't find anything to help my situation unfortunately. Thanks for the offer Ian, but the brazing plant and hammer are on standby to make any fine tuning needed for the pipes. Not willing to get overly involved at the mo with modifications, was just hopeing for a quick fix as the 6 cylinder is due to be replaced soon with a V6 and will probably end up having to change everything again.

[x-works]

Anyone else come up with solutions to this problem?