Pas conversion non pas to pas

[polsta]

Just wondered, whats involved exactly in converting a non pas car to pas, how easy/hard is it ? rough time to do the job ?

what exactly do i need and how is it done ?

are there any parts that have to/should be bought new ?

if anyone can provide a full guide, that would be super thanks

also- is it possible/worthwhile to get a pas rack re conditioned? if who who/how much ?

[capri_rob]

Steering linkage from the column to the rack IIRC is different - worth replacing anyway as the rubber guibo is an MOT fail if its cracked.

To remove it you need to undo the bolts, tap it down onto the rack splines which will free it from the column, and then tap it back up to free it - this is awkward to get at.

Worth checking the rod-ends/balljoints on the new rack for wear and replacing if necessary. Also check the rubber bellows at each side.

You need the pas rack, pump, brackets, pipes and reservoir, and the pulleys etc for the engine as well as a new belt.

When you have fitted the rack up worth changing the fluid, and change the copper crush washers on the hoses to the rack.

Took Chris Warburton a few hours to do on axle stands when he did mine on the Bronzit a few years ago.

Wouldnt fancy doing it on axle stands outside in this weather though

To be honest if you're going to go to the trouble of changing the rack why don't you do the E36/E46 upgrade - you can buy the pipes and steering linkage to make it look like an almost-OEM job.

[polsta]

thanks mate

i think ive got it, i just need to ensure i get all the correct bits before i start, and adit has a pas breaker

so if i fitted an e46 rack...its still not cheap to buy all the linkage and pipes is it and makes for a more expensive all in job ?

so id need what... the column /rack linkage, reservoir, pump , from an e30 ? , and the 36/46 rack, and then custom pipes ? to go that way, is that correct ?

a clubsort 46 rack can be bought for £35 odd from ebay, so thats viable for sure, but i think danthe said pipes were £150 or something ? +35+e30 parts cost+labour = a good few ton

or are the pipes not that much or can easily be modified ?

[capri_rob]

thanks mate


so id need what... the column /rack linkage, reservoir, pump , from an e30 ? , and the 36/46 rack, and then custom pipes ? to go that way, is that correct ?

Yes.

Changing the rack isnt that bad a job but it is messy and obviously something you don't want to be doing more than once.

A straightforward swapover from a PAS E30 is the easiest route, but TBH if I was doing it I'd definately be going down the E36 / E46 route.

IIRC Danthe makes / stocks the pipes and possibly the linkages too.

I think you can bend the pipes to fit but the properly made ones are definately the best way to do it.

[polsta]

ok got it, thanks for the help appriciate it !

il see what dan has to say il send him the link to this thread

[DanThe]

E46 rack or dont bother IMO, anyone who has one will agree.

Pipe/spacer kit from me is £105, if you think thats expensive just the high pressure pipe on its own from BMW is £160 + VAT, probably more now, thats the E36 one which is similar to mine but no use obviously.
Someone on here had a pair done by Pirtek in flexi and it cost something like £180

You can shorten the linkage by removing the rubber section and bolting the two halfs together. But if you want/need more manifold clearance then you need one of these



Pipes

[GeoffBob]

E46 rack or dont bother IMO, anyone who has one will agree.

Agreed.

[macas]

E46 rack or dont bother IMO, anyone who has one will agree.

Agreed.

Why exactly?

Im just about to fit an e36 rack,but if theres a better option im all ears??

[e301988325i]

E46 rack or dont bother IMO, anyone who has one will agree.

Agreed.

Why exactly?

Im just about to fit an e36 rack,but if theres a better option im all ears??

The E46 rack has a faster ratio and a heavier weighting which feels more natural compared to the overassisted feel of the other racks.

The part number of the specific E46 rack required ends 067.

Even if you have shelled out for a 36 rack then I'd still ditch it for the better E46 item, which also has the benefit of also being a few years newer!

[randomspeedfreak]

Even if you have shelled out for a 36 rack then I'd still ditch it for the better E46 item, which also has the benefit of also being a few years newer!

DAM! just done a 36 cconversion...looks like im looking for a 46 now!

[kipsy]

E46 rack or dont bother IMO, anyone who has one will agree.

Pipe/spacer kit from me is £105, if you think thats expensive just the high pressure pipe on its own from BMW is £160 + VAT, probably more now, thats the E36 one which is similar to mine but no use obviously.
Someone on here had a pair done by Pirtek in flexi and it cost something like £180

You can shorten the linkage by removing the rubber section and bolting the two halfs together. But if you want/need more manifold clearance then you need one of these



Hi guys, tried to do a conversion on mine but had a problem with piping it up. Which pipes go where on the pump? I put the one that goes around the rear of the rack (19mm bolt) to the lower bolt hole on the pump (90 degrees to the floor) and the other pipe from the rack (22mm nut) to the small inlet on the filler pot?? It fidnt work so something wrong.
Help?

Pipes

[RoadHazard]

Is the E46 rack a direct swap to the E36 rack? What would need to be changed if I already have the E36 one?