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E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:43 pm
by Dave_M3
Image

Includes:
Two aluminium 25x15mm subframe spacers
Two hydraulic hose pipes with fittings and banjos to bolt straight into pump, steering rack and resivoir
Set of new banjo crush washers

I'm looking into CNC machining the adapter spacer for the U-Js out of Billet aluminum








Pics of the protype first set fitted to the car can be seen on my write up here
http://www.e30owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2812


Cheers
Dave.

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:46 pm
by Onz
so how much as a total price for the spacers and the hoses? Also can you make a slightly bigger spacer with a 20 degree cut to angle the rack enough so that I can get clearance for my 6 branch manifold?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:51 pm
by Dave_M3
Something like this???
I havn't got Cad running on my lap top so Paint will have to do :(
Image

Yeah, that would be no problem, just tell me the exact measurements and I'll make it up for you.
So that's all that's needed for to make the rack fit around a 6 branch???
It'll be a handy spacer if it is :D

Here's a batch of spacers I made today, They were just fresh off the lathe so I still need to give them a coat of primer and paint so they won't start rusting when they are put under the car.
We don't want anymore things to contribute to our battle against rot!!!

Image

The spacers I have already made up are 25mm outside Dia. just over 10mm inside Dia. (So the 10mm bolts won't seize on the spacer) and are 15mm thick.

I'm not too sure on the total cost yet, I must ask around two or three places here that do hydraulic hoses.

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:57 pm
by agreen
i have a z3 rack dont have a clue what i need or how to fit it

will these make it easier ?

again how much are they

i hear you havae tio bend pipes ?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:27 pm
by Dave_M3
Ya, you have to bend the pipes but it'll just be a bolt in job if ya get these.
You'll have to file out the holes on the crossmember a tiny bit alright, grind off the tab on the back of the sump and cut out a small square on the side of the splash guard (You probably have this in the bin to save weight however)

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:29 pm
by Dan318-is
Can we order just the spacers?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:34 pm
by Onz
yes mate thats the kind of spacer i was thinking of, i will mount my rack this weekend (weather permitting) using seatbelt washers and self bent pipes without the manifold but I want a porper job with the longer pipes and angled spacers for the 6 branch.

once it is test fitted like this I can measure the exact clearances required and give you an exact figure, but from looking at it all 20 deg looks perfect. Ill let you know. :)

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:38 pm
by agreen
sounds good to me not sure about bending the pipes a bit complex for me buy hell ill have anything that makes it easier

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:59 pm
by Dave_M3
sounds good to me not sure about bending the pipes a bit complex for me buy hell ill have anything that makes it easier
Haha, I'll put ya down for a set so will I?

yes mate thats the kind of spacer i was thinking of, i will mount my rack this weekend (weather permitting) using seatbelt washers and self bent pipes without the manifold but I want a porper job with the longer pipes and angled spacers for the 6 branch.

once it is test fitted like this I can measure the exact clearances required and give you an exact figure, but from looking at it all 20 deg looks perfect. Ill let you know.
No hassle, I'll be able to make anything like that anyway. Just make the normal one on the lathe abit longer, then truncate it on the milling machine down to the right thickness
Can we order just the spacers?
Yep, definitely.

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:02 am
by agreen
Haha, I'll put ya down for a set so will I?

what comes in a set dude ? do i just need the spacers ? sorry to be a pain

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:11 am
by Dan318-is
One set of spacers will be fine then please, i already have custom pipes.

Thank you!

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:13 am
by Dave_M3
The two spacers for the rack to fit the subframe.
The two hydraulic hoses from the rack to the pump and the rack to the steering resevior.

Then, you'll just need the rack and a new set of banjo washers to bolt on the pipes (DONT use old ones like I did :roll: )


I must figure out a neater way of routing the pipes though. At the moment in the iS, they are just routed out along behind the rad ontop of the splash plate held on by cable ties.

I'd prefer to have them going under-neath or close to the rack itself so things will be nice and tidy.
The only good thing about the longer pipes out by the front is that the ame pipes should fit 4 cylinders or 6 cylinders since ther will be more give in them to suit the longet engine.

I'll have a look on my friends 325 at the weekend which already has an E36 rack in it to see if I could come up with something

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:26 pm
by Gunni
I´m in, waiting on my E36 rack to arrive as we speak

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:19 am
by Quaser
Hi Mate

Im over in cork next week - ive seen a rhd red m3 rep whilst i was there last week!

Q

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:55 am
by feens
Dave could ya stick me down for a full set of pipes and spacers dont have a Z3 Rack yet but i will in the future
Cheers Kid :cool:

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:16 pm
by oze30
I may have to take a pic under my engine bay. It might be a bit tricky with an M60!

On a side note, does anyone know the diameter/spline count of the e30 and e36 ujoints?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:39 pm
by Dave_M3
Re: too much arm twirling on the track last week for ya? winkeye
Re: Quaser, Friend of mine just was asking me did I know of any RHD M3s around for him, Little did I know there was one in Cork :roll:

Re: Oze30, I might be able to check the spline count this evening for you :wink:

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:40 pm
by Quaser
yeah - i think its a fake though - its not got the roof support

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:47 pm
by Dave_M3
What colour is it???

Not white by any chanc???

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:52 pm
by Quaser
No - its red

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:34 pm
by agreen
ill take a set of spacers and hoses

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:34 pm
by million
Hi Dave I'm also very interested in the full set of pipes and spacers, would it be possible to be included? Just need the rack now lol

Regards

Max

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 6:08 pm
by Quaser
if it makes things easier - i might be able to take some with me if everything has been paid, and people can collect frm me - or i can meet them at the next ace cafe meet!

I live near heathrow!

Q

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:47 pm
by Onz
that sounds perfect Quaser. When are you going?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 9:22 pm
by Quaser
im in cork now - comming back next week

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:59 am
by Onz
Dave_M3 can you get them made up in time for Quaser to bring them back? I dont need the angled spacers yet, but if you make mine slightly longer I can cut them to the exact size i need. Also I will need 2 sets of spacers (4 total).

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:15 am
by oze30
Any news on the dimensions? I need the diameter and spline count.

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:15 pm
by million
So how's this arranged, who do I need to pay and by what method? Also I'm doing the m52 conversion so will I need the custom pipes or just the standard m52 ones?

Quaser where abouts are you fella I'm just over in Windsor so can collect?

cheers

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:26 pm
by Dave_M3
Feck it. lol.
Haven't got the hoses made up yet :cry:
I was too busy this week with other stuff, so hoping on getting these sorted in the next week or so since I know how many people are up for it now.

What I could do is send the stuff to one personone lot which might make posting cheaper and then it can be picked up or sent out to each person on ye're side.
Sorry for not having a few sets ready for you this week Qauser :(
What day are you heading back next week???
I'll see if I can get a few sets made before then :wink:


RE: Million. yep, no problem

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:28 pm
by Dave_M3
Re: oze30. It's hard to count them but after a few counts I counted 54 splines on the rack and it's 17.5mm total diameter. I'll have to have another count tomoro to make sure I'm right.

Paypal probably is the easiest so I'll send ye all on the details :wink:

Sorry again theres been a bit of confusion... At the start of the week I was trying to see if I could sort a bump-steer issue I have been getting with the new rack which was abit worrying to say the least...

Sorted now though after getting the wheels aligned properly and the lesson learned is make sure the place you get the car tracked know what they are doing!

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:46 pm
by Onz
so was the bump steer just a tracking issue?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:12 am
by Dave_M3
Yep, seems to be. It's perfect now anyway it seems, can't really notice anything unpleasant, where it was giving a nasty shudder through the steering wheel before and a skip left or a skip right.

For the iS you mount the rack with the spacers above th rack where you can fit them underneath the rack with an M20 which would the optimal angle for keeping the control arms and track rods in the same line.
If they are offline you can get bump steer but this seems like it only shows it's ugly head when the car has tracking out by a country mile, making the whole thing more sensitive :roll:

Handles brilliant now again, took it to my favorite quite roundabouts this morning to have some fun in the snow :D

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:15 am
by Dave_M3
I'll send everybody payment details in the morning since the dial-up connection here at home is exceptionally slow tonight and is starting to wreak my head :x

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 11:00 am
by Onz
what length and diamerter are the hoses that you will be making?

Re: E36/Z3 rack conversion bits group buy? Ireland

Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 11:35 am
by oze30
Hoses and spacers. Is it possible to have the hoses coming forward instead of up? or having the hard lines finish in line with the rack and a flexiline from there onwards? It has to fit under an M60. Also need a longer rack to resevoir hose if poss.