Steering rack

[yung-gun]

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

[Motorhole]

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.

[yung-gun]

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

[e30mreg318i]

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?

[Motorhole]

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!

[Curr946]

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