E30 Zone

Hey guys, looking at doing the conversion from m10 to M52. But i want to know can i still use my manual rack? i'm not a big fan of PAS

Shouldn't be a problem, there are ways to blank off power steering pumps. You will still need to modify the E30 linkage though, using 2 E34 UJ's and one of DanThe's splined shafts to clear the M52 exhaust manifold. 4.4 turns lock-lock is a killer though! I remember steering my old 320i with manual steering around a track. Slow work.

Thanks for the info mate! i find mine quite easy to turn, but i suppose i'd be better with a quicker pas rack

You might find the manual rack ok with the m10 but with the m52 you might be surprised how much harder it is at parking speeds, my 325i chromie has a manual rack and though I prefer the feel of the manual rack at speed, sometimes I wish it had pas! I've often wondered if a electric pump could be fitted so you can have pas when you want it?

I didn't find the weight a problem, even with the M20. Just number of turns. Having to pass the wheel through hands on hairpins or to correct small slides isn't how a sports car should be!

the M52 is a lighter lump than an M20 so weight wise shouldn't be a problem as above its just the number of turns lock to lock but saying that I also prefer the manual rack

I had planned to fit one to my old 318is after driving my mates tech1 sport with a manual rack as I prefered the feel of the steering