Quick Steering Racks part 1

RalliSpec

08-26-2002 04:44 PM

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Quick Steering Racks
 

Does anyone have interest in a quick steering rack (13:1 ratio), like that found in the Type-RA models, except built for LHD models?

Thug	08-26-2002 04:47 PM

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Re: Quick Steering Racks
 

All I have to say is.....*drool*, of course I do!

Jon Bogert

08-26-2002 04:49 PM

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Yup. <$1k and I'm there.

dwx	08-26-2002 04:53 PM

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I'd definitely be in.

jeffg

08-26-2002 05:34 PM

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Yes please!

Send us the hook up!

J

duckboy

08-26-2002 07:17 PM

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quick rack
 

yes, i'd like one as well. sorry for my ignorance, but, how many turns lock-to-lock (2.5, 2.8, etc...) does 13:1 convert to? if you could make it a 2.5 or 2.6 that would be quite nice. isn't the Type RA 2.7?

yeah, but, price would be the main factor. i heard Prodrive's modified LHD quick rack is about $7k. :o way too much for the general consumer.

duckboy

Coati

08-26-2002 07:32 PM

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:eek: :cool:

But how much $$$$$$?

pleiades

08-26-2002 07:49 PM

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+1!

:D

Fred	08-26-2002 07:59 PM

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I'd be interested, depending on price.

Surboo

08-26-2002 11:21 PM

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Depending on price, I may be interested.

Jon Bogert

08-27-2002 12:00 AM

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Duckboy, I'll quote myself from an earlier thread...
[QUOTE]I've been doing some research and have so far determined the following:

1) All U.S. Impreza RSs and WRXs have the same 16.5:1 ratio steering. This equates to 3.2 turns on the RS and 3.0 turns on the WRX, probably due to clearance issues.

2) Worldwide WRXs and U.K. Impreza turbos had/have a 15:1 ratio steering. This equates to 2.7 turns on the old body and and 2.5 turns on the new body.

3) Some STi-RAs and the 22B had a 13:1 ratio, which equates to 2.2 turns.

4) Prodrive has some insanely expensive, GBP3,000 steering rack which they put in rally cars. I've heard it is 12:1, or 2.0 turns. This may actually be the same as the RA rack--I'm not sure.
[/QUOTE]

tifosi77

08-27-2002 12:41 AM

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Prodrive uses the RA rack , it is 13:1 and they cost approx. 4K from prodrive according to the quote I recieved.

The above is for a Group N car not open or WRC spec

Rovah

08-27-2002 01:02 AM

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Count me in if the price is right(<1K). I have no problem with the steering on my rally Impreza, but a quicker rack would be awesome.

Cheers! John

Marquis

08-27-2002 07:42 AM

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If the price is right (i.e., not the same as that insane Prodrive piece), I'm in.

peepshow

08-27-2002 07:57 AM

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Me, too.

- Trent

scottm1978

08-27-2002 10:13 AM

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me too :D

Subie Gal

08-27-2002 10:14 AM

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Pat Richard does... in his GC8 bodied rally car...
i am sure it's the Prodrive purchased rack....

i can find out more about it and where he got it if you need....

Jamie
[url]www.subiegalracing.com[/url]
[url]www.subiegal.com[/url]

jamz	08-27-2002 10:57 AM

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+1 :D

veloLexus

08-27-2002 12:29 PM

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If I could... the diameter of the stock steering wheel would be smaller (can't do much about that) and lock to lock wouldn't take like... 50 zillion turns. I'd like to be able to go back to more of fixed hand driving style than a shifty hand method that I have to use on the WRX.

Cheers, Joe

Warp3

08-27-2002 02:12 PM

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{drooling}Mmmmm...ScoobyKart...{/drooling}

Shane -- [url]http://www.warpthree.com[/url]

Fitz	08-27-2002 09:59 PM

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Interested... I would entertain the options..

Fitz

Petrie

08-27-2002 11:10 PM

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I'm interested

damianq

08-28-2002 04:46 AM

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+1 here.

Adrift

08-28-2002 07:28 AM

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Put me on the list too.

johnfelstead

08-28-2002 08:15 AM

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mine is 2.25 turns with the standard TypeRA quickrack, which is the same as the 22B rack.

omahasubaru

08-28-2002 10:07 AM

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I'd like one.. but need more info Rallispec.

Subie Gal

08-28-2002 10:07 AM

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ahhh there's proof! JF has a nice rack!! :lol:

sorry... erm... couldn't resist :D

Jamie
[url]www.subiegalracing.com[/url]

Fred Zaplitny

08-28-2002 11:07 AM

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Subie Gal [/i]
[B]ahhh there's proof! JF has a nice rack!! :lol:

sorry... erm... couldn't resist :D

Jamie
[url]www.subiegalracing.com[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]

Yeah, but it's probably backwards since the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road.

johnfelstead

08-28-2002 11:23 AM

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I think you will find that it's you guys on the wrong side of the road. These cars are Japanese and they drive on the right too. :D

Thanks J. ;):D

Fred Zaplitny

08-28-2002 11:31 AM

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by johnfelstead [/i]
[B]I think you will find that it's you guys on the wrong side of the road. These cars are Japanese and they drive on the right too. :D

Thanks J. ;):D [/B][/QUOTE]

So the Japanese are backwards too. :D

duckboy

08-28-2002 11:51 AM

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suggestion
 

rallispec

i'd suggest that if you're going to produce a quick rack, don't produce a rack w/ a ratio greater than 2.5. seems like a 2.25 isn't unheard of since the 22B was equiped w/ it.

just my $0.02

duckboy

dachoe

08-28-2002 08:40 PM

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i'm interested

STORER

08-28-2002 11:29 PM

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This will solve one of my biggest problems with my RS. I doubt it would be to difficult to solve this problem. You would just need a larger pinion gear. But the real questions are:

Is there room for a larger pinion?

How difficult is it to get the the rack/pinion assembly?

Steve

Gmachine

08-29-2002 01:17 AM

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Me Me Me!

I need one so bad,it was the first thought in my head after test driving my newly installed coilovers.

Dave

Joel Gat, 1.8L

08-29-2002 12:46 PM

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by johnfelstead [/i]
[B]I think you will find that it's you guys on the wrong side of the road. These cars are Japanese and they drive on the right too. :D

Thanks J. ;):D [/B][/QUOTE]

Hello,

I'd be keen on such a rack... And by the way, the British not only drive on the wrong side of the road, but they butchered our language! :)

Joel

OAKOS Automotive

08-29-2002 02:35 PM

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Does anyone know if the RA uses a different pump and does it utilize a cooler for the fluid?

Sincerely,
David Kearney
Oakos Automotive
[url]www.oakos.com[/url]
[[email protected]][email protected][/EMAIL]

nt5k	08-29-2002 08:27 PM

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I'm guessing that changes to the rack will require tweeks to the power steering so that it requires more force to turn or will the quicker rack magically make the steering stiffer..

without heavier steering it would be very 'exciting' to drive on the highway..

subyguy2

08-30-2002 12:04 AM

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YES YES YES YESZ YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!

you have no idea how long I have waited for this. How much are we talking here.

Cheers,

Chris.

Jon Bogert

08-30-2002 09:56 AM

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OK, Rallispec, you've got a bunch of responses, so how about setting some expectations.

Are you having the gears made and selling them as is?

Are you going to offer "rebuilt" racks with an exchange?

Have you found an aftermarket rack that fits?

Have you got a cheap source for STi RA racks?

Also, what's the time frame?

Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting one!

johnfelstead

08-30-2002 10:06 AM

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The RA has no cooler for the steering rack, i cant check on the pump spec until next week but i think its the same as the standard STi5.

Not sure why you think you need mods to make the steering feel corect on the highway? Mine is perfectly weighted and is identical on suspension components to a non-quickrack STi5 (although the dampers are a bit uprated on the RA but that doesnt affect steering feel)

johnfelstead

08-30-2002 10:08 AM

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And the word is utilise. Bloody Americans screwing up the queens english again. :p:D

subyguy2

08-30-2002 04:04 PM

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Rallispec, info would be greatly appreciated, as john said, there is obviously a demand. Especially from me. What I would do for quicker steering.

Cheers,

Chris.

subyguy2

09-02-2002 04:05 PM

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Any update Rallispec?

If the price is right, I would love to do this mod.
Thanks.

Chris.

gr8wheels

09-02-2002 07:00 PM

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Check this out
 

This is expensive but look at this web sight!
[url]http://www.motorsportparts.co.uk/[/url]

gr8wheels

09-02-2002 07:00 PM

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Check this out
 

This is expensive but look at this web sight!
[url]http://www.motorsportparts.co.uk/[/url]

nqwan

09-02-2002 09:46 PM

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i too want in on this :D

Impreza Rider

09-02-2002 11:08 PM

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I could be interested depending on cost

subyguy2

09-03-2002 07:01 PM

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This would be exelent for autoX. I wouldnt have to be as intense with my hand over hand action.

Hey Jim, that would be cool to get to imprezas with quick ratio racks in blacksburg alone.

suberboy

09-04-2002 02:37 AM

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very interested :D but probably can't afford it :(

Zahnster

09-04-2002 02:26 PM

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Curious....

Chunky_Chicken

09-04-2002 05:28 PM

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Sounds like you guys are getting teased.

Try these guys [URL=http://65.95.194.146/fourstar.nsf]Four Star Motorsports[/URL] , I came across a fella selling an RA LHD rack for $1800CAD (actually, he came across me). I then found out he just buy's it from these guys and pockets a nice fat margin on the sale.

They're prices are pretty resonable. Hell..., they were selling a complete RHD STi with only 3500km on it for $16,000USD!!! I came very close to buying that one. I don't think the word realy got out on that deal cause most people who found out about it didn't want the competition on the sale.

Enjoy fella's
-Pete

RalliSpec

09-04-2002 09:38 PM

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I am sorry I have not been able to get back and respond to this thread. I'm surprised at the amount of interest. But that was exactly the reason for posting in the first place :).

Ok...we are currently investigating the possibility of offering this. We have several racks (RHD & LHD...quick racks and standard US) that we are checking parts interchangeability and such. As well we are talking to some companies about manufacturing of the required parts. It is still some ways away from actually being available but we want to gage the interest before investing significantly in the project.

The goal is to produce a LHD rack with a 13:1 ratio as has been used on the GC8 Type R & RA models / 22B / GDB type RA and RA spec C. A 15:1 ratio simply wouldn't be worth the effort.

All the STi type R/RA cars come with a power steering cooler. It is basically an extension of one of the power steering lines so as to go over and in front of the radiator for cooling purposes. It may be possible to adapt this for use on US spec. cars if there is interest. We can supply the parts. Its probably not necessary though, except for the most demanding motorsport use. A synthetic ATF, however, would be advised for the power steering fluid regardless.

All the cars equipped with the 13:1 racks show the same part numbers for the power steering pump as the non-quick rack equipped models in Japan. However, that only indicates that there is no difference between 15:1 and 13:1 ratios. It does not say anything about the 16.5:1 ratios used on the US WRX/RS. I can't do a valid comparison since the US models may well have different assist levels simply for US market tastes. I do see a difference in the p/s output pressure between the US WRX and the non-turbo US models. So obviously output pressures are being adjusted to suit driver tastes for the particular model. But unfortunately I don't have the ouput pressure from the STi and RA models for comparison. I will try to track that info down.

The ratios and lock-to-lock comparisons by whomever that was are correct. The US Impreza sedan (GD) models have a 3.0 lock to lock while the wagon has a 3.2 but a tighter minimum turning radius (meaning greater maximum steering angle). This accounts for the difference in lock-to-lock with the same ratio.

What I am hoping for is a price range in the $750 - $1500 range (I know that's a big range but there are a lot of variables right now). I am thinking that we may possibly do this as an exchange item. Meaning you would have to send your original rack back to us or suffer a core charge of several hundred dollars. However, we would want to change most the parts (inner & outer tie rods, boots, seals, etc.) anyway so from a price perspective it may be almost the same price to start with a new rack from Subaru. That all remains to be seen.

There will probably be 3 different racks...one for GC/GF, one for GD, and one for GG.

With the amount of interest that there appears to be we are almost definitely going forward with this. I will keep you guys updated as things progress.

-- Thanks! Dave

dwx	09-04-2002 10:48 PM

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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Chunky_Chicken [/i]
[B]Sounds like you guys are getting teased.

Try these guys [URL=http://65.95.194.146/fourstar.nsf]Four Star Motorsports[/URL] , I came across a fella selling an RA LHD rack for $1800CAD (actually, he came across me). I then found out he just buy's it from these guys and pockets a nice fat margin on the sale.

They're prices are pretty resonable. Hell..., they were selling a complete RHD STi with only 3500km on it for $16,000USD!!! I came very close to buying that one. I don't think the word realy got out on that deal cause most people who found out about it didn't want the competition on the sale.

Enjoy fella's
-Pete [/B][/QUOTE]

Many of us are familiar with them, since they are Frank and Dan Sprongl. Fairly well known in the rally community. There are no LHD RA racks, but they do sell a LHD 15:1 rack off the STi. It's about $700. Like rallispec said, I'm not sure it's worth the trouble to do a 15:1.

GoodFinder

09-05-2002 08:50 AM

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RalliSpec,

Thanks for the update.

Please put me ([B][[email protected]]Steve Harvey[/EMAIL][/B]) on your "very interested in this" list!

Regards,

GoodFinder :)

subyguy2

09-05-2002 06:40 PM

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Awsome, zi am very interested, or at least once I know what the prices are for sure.

Thanks,

Chris.

Austin

09-06-2002 10:27 AM

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I'm in. 13:1... Mmmm.....

peepshow

09-11-2002 03:37 PM

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Bump. Any updates?

- Trent

DJIMPREZA

09-24-2002 01:40 PM

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I´m in Dave!! let us know

Disraeli Wever
Venezuela

Schwabe

09-30-2002 10:13 PM

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To all of you interested in a quickrack, cast your eyes towards the great white north. They're available at: [url]http://www.rev-lab.com[/url]
While I do not have one myself yet (the emphasis being on yet), I have driven a car with the R2 Q-Rack, and it's simply awesome.

dwx	10-01-2002 08:23 AM

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They say it changes the ratio to one that results in a 2.4 lock to lock, but not on which car that results in. If that's what they get on the RS that would equate to 2.2-2.3 on the new body style. If it's 2.4 on the new body style cars then it's probably not worth it. You can get a 15:1 (2.5 lock to lock) rack from 4star for $620 with no core charge.