Is there any interest in a bolt in quick rack with a reduced number of steering wheel turns lock to lock. I was thinking of going to around 2.2-2.5 turns lock to lock.

These would be a direct bolt in replacement with no need to cut and weld any steering joints etc and would be totally plug and play.

Price wise I expect to be in the area of £250-300 maximum.

Yes, provided that

a: Total rack travel remains the same (I can make a 1 turn lock to lock rack out of a standard 300 one, by welding half the rack up)
b: Geometry remains the same. Ball joint to ball joint distance, and ball joint to column pick up distance.

So far I've not found a rack that will do both of those.

To significantly affect lock to lock whilst preserving OE geometry, and keeping acceptable input forces you would need to increase the diameter of the pinion to allow an increase in tooth number (even this will raise steering effort). This would also require a redesign and a size increase of the pinion housing - even if the rack itself was the same.

If the intention is to produce the same effect by reducing the length of the steering arm on the strut and lengthening the track rods you will compromise Ackerman.

Just a thought! - Mac.

mac wrote:To significantly affect lock to lock whilst preserving OE geometry, and keeping acceptable input forces you would need to increase the diameter of the pinion to allow an increase in tooth number (even this will raise steering effort).

Exactly, although I don't think on a car with rebuilt or fully working front suspension that would be a problem, Fake is stunningly light to steer now. I'm not sure if you would need to redesign the pinion housing, I know of one car manufacturer in the 70s who fitted several different pinions in the same housing. Certainly on Mk1 racks the pinion housing is much more play withable than later racks (I seem to remember selective shim rather than a crush washer? I'd have to refer to green books) and whilst that would have no effect of pinion size it would give the best starting point for playing.

I'm interested to hear Dai's thoughts.

The amount of rack movement would stay the same, if possible a little extra travel would be desirable.

I have looked at a number of racks and there is nothing available out there that is going to work.

The only option I can see and makes the most sense is to have new parts made to fit the original rack. This would also be done by a specialist who has the experience in doing this kind of conversion to other steering racks.

The steering effort needed will be increased, but this is to be expected with any quick rack and they are really only for motorsport use rather than for a road car. I know some drivers are happy to use them on the road but that is not the purpose for them

I would be interested in that! I find the steering at the moment little bit to long, also driving with it on road conditions wouldn't bother me.

I've not forgotten about this project but have been busy with other things. My concern with it and why I have not pushed forward is the rack will be a uk only part.

For LHD I will have to make both a 340 and 360 type rack.

I will try and push forward with this over summer.

Work has progressed on this and I should have more details in the next couple of weeks

Dai , I might be interested in one of these racks for my 340 if they come to fruition, keep us updated
thanks kev.