Are all Z3 racks the same?

[reggiegasket]

Just wondering if all Z3 racks fit adn if there's one which is better than the rest?

[Wav]

No, the z3m has 3.2 turns lock to lock not the std 2.8. I would recommend going for the std quicker rack.

Paul

[reggiegasket]

Thanks Paul

[Lloydie38]

Hi guys,

Please can you give me more info on a quickrack for the E30. I know that a lot of people have gone for the Z3 1.9 rack as it's 2.4 (?) turns lock to lock but if there isa quick rack available I would love to know where from... and do they post to the Isle of Man??

My e30 325 track car is great but it would be fantastic with a quick rack...

Look forward to the info

Ian

[miniblob]

iirc the Z3 1.9 rack, is the rack of choice!!!

I got hold of one briefly, but then found out it can't be used with a BTB 6 branch

I know some people use an E36 rack, but don't think that clears my manifold either!!

If anyone knows of a better/quicker rack that will fit alongside a BTB, please let me know!!!

[Lloydie38]

iirc the Z3 1.9 rack, is the rack of choice!!!

I got hold of one briefly, but then found out it can't be used with a BTB 6 branch

I know some people use an E36 rack, but don't think that clears my manifold either!!

If anyone knows of a better/quicker rack that will fit alongside a BTB, please let me know!!!

I'll buy you Z3 1.9 off you (he says knowing it's already been sold but there's a ever so slight chance )

[GeoffBob]

My e30 325 track car is great but it would be fantastic with a quick rack...

E46 rack. 3 turns lock-to-lock. Very similar to E36 rack in shape and size, and almost as quick as the Z3 1.9 rack. Some info here http://www.e3024v.com/board/index.php?topic=556.0 that may be of some help.

If anyone knows of a better/quicker rack that will fit alongside a BTB, please let me know!!!

I'm not sure about the BTB manifold issue. You will likely need to deal with that by modifying the linkage that joins the steering column to the rack input shaft (regardless of which rack you choose). I have a solid linkage on my track car that clears just about anything, but I couldn't say if that would work for you. I'm guessing that your clearance problem with the header tubes is due to the shallower angle of the input shaft on the E36/E46/Z3 racks? which would mean that the BTB was intended for use with the standard E30 rack, with the input shaft inclined slightly more upwards? If a modified linkage between the rack and steering column can't solve your problem then I would think that your only other option would be to modify the header tubes.

[UweM3]

quicker steering rack.

Another subject I can't make my mind up. Do I really need one? (keep in mind the M3 rack is already a bit shorter than standard E30)

A shorter rack will make driver input far more direct and whilst this is a good thing for a race car, do I (and I mean myself not generally speaking) really need that? I can imagine that a very short rack will/can make the car quite twitchy on the limit. I am quite happy with rack I have and was never in any serious trouble because of the "longer" ratio.

Need to find a car which has one fitted and drive it maybe.

[GeoffBob]

quicker steering rack.

Another subject I can't make my mind up. Do I really need one? (keep in mind the M3 rack is already a bit shorter than standard E30)

A shorter rack will make driver input far more direct and whilst this is a good thing for a race car, do I (and I mean myself not generally speaking) really need that? I can imagine that a very short rack will/can make the car quite twitchy on the limit. I am quite happy with rack I have and was never in any serious trouble because of the "longer" ratio.

Need to find a car which has one fitted and drive it maybe.

I made my decision to fit a quicker rack based upon a very simple test: With the E30 power assisted rack fitted, and with my hands glued to the three and nine o'clock positions, I simply couldn't execute turns as sharply as my car is capable of (the limit being that point where my arms crossed). My E46 rack is a huge improvement with which I am very pleased.

But at the end of the day its entirely a matter of personal preference.

[reggiegasket]

Z3 rack being fitted on thurs, will let you know how it feels

[MunichMotorsport]

I'll be watching the updates with interest......

[mt1104]

I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised...