Rack & Pinion conversion

[Nev68]

I know a few of you are into the Speedtech parts and I have been think about rack and pinion steering conversion for a while.
http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...rod/prd277.htm

Does anyone know if there is any Australian engineering documentation for this kit?

[WILD68]

Be interesting to see if there are any sump mods required for a SBC. I have the old Castlemaine shortened commodore setup in mine and I had to scallop the sump, which was a pain in the ass! especially doing it twice to suit different motors I have/had with LH and RH Dipsticks.

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by WILD68

Be interesting to see if there are any sump mods required for a SBC. I have the old Castlemaine shortened commodore setup in mine and I had to scallop the sump, which was a pain in the ass! especially doing it twice to suit different motors I have/had with LH and RH Dipsticks.

I read some information about minor mods on the Speedtech R&P kit, nothing about sump mods though.

[Geoff 4]

I believe there was a company in SA doing R & P conversions that were engineer certified. Not sure if RHD, LHD or both. Sorry, don't have more info.

[radman]

Gday Guys,American Online Imports in Adelaide have developed a bolt in rack which is certified by Tonkin Consultings Stuart Croser.Hope that helps

[Stealth 69]

My rack n pinion was an early American Online Imports job (unisteer I think?) - RHD - full bolt on job, although we had a lot of bumpsteer issues on ours, I believe this was sorted after mine was fitted .. way back in 2008/09 or so ... anyway, I had to push my LSA back 25mm to clear the rack, with a standard SpeedTech conversion kit
But I didn't change my frame mounts, so this may have influenced this - hmm... probably not a helpful response

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by Geoff 4

I believe there was a company in SA doing R & P conversions that were engineer certified. Not sure if RHD, LHD or both. Sorry, don't have more info.

Thanks Geoff, I probably had a chat with them last weekend. They do LH and RH drive.
Not cheap at $3500 (minimum), so looking for quality alternatives.

---------- Post added at 07:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 PM ----------

Originally Posted by radman

Gday Guys,American Online Imports in Adelaide have developed a bolt in rack which is certified by Tonkin Consultings Stuart Croser.Hope that helps

Are they still in business, I thought they weren't a going concern anymore(?)

[jaywildone57]

Have you tried Retro Rack Nev?

[StephenSLR]

Originally Posted by Nev68

I have been think about rack and pinion steering conversion for a while.

I've heard differing opinions on upgrading to R&P. Many are saying that a reconditioned steering box is the way to go if your car originally came with them.

Those that have gone R&P notice the improvement but they're comparing that improvement to how the car handled with a 50 year old worn out steering box. Apparently there's not much improvement over a good steering box set up if you just plan on regular road use.

Of course if you're resto-modding everything else and intend on racing, the R&P may benefit your track times.

s

[Nev68]

I

Originally Posted by jaywildone57

Have you tried Retro Rack Nev?

Yes Jay. I had a long chat with them. Nice looking product. Minimum cost around $3,500 for LHD rack & pinion for my 68

---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 PM ----------

Originally Posted by StephenSLR

I've heard differing opinions on upgrading to R&P. Many are saying that a reconditioned steering box is the way to go if your car originally came with them.

Those that have gone R&P notice the improvement but they're comparing that improvement to how the car handled with a 50 year old worn out steering box. Apparently there's not much improvement over a good steering box set up if you just plan on regular road use.

Of course if you're resto-modding everything else and intend on racing, the R&P may benefit your track times.

s

All my steering assembly was new when I rebuilt the car. I just think I can get better feel from rack & pinion. (and then get better handling with more improvements later)

[StephenSLR]

Originally Posted by Nev68

All my steering assembly was new when I rebuilt the car. I just feel I can get better feel from rack & pinion. (and then get better handling with more improvements later)

Yeah, logically speaking, the upgrade should improve the feel and if you plan on doing more improvements it'd make sense but it's a lot of money if you were just going for that one mod.

s

[Nev68]

Originally Posted by StephenSLR

Yeah, logically speaking, the upgrade should improve the feel and if you plan on doing more improvements it'd make sense but it's a lot of money if you were just going for that one mod.

s

Agree, it is a lot of money. That's why I am looking for feedback on the alternatives. I'd love to get a better driving experience but "better " = $$$$$'s. It might be easier to buy a SS Commodore, but would not be as cool.

[StephenSLR]

Originally Posted by Nev68

I'd love to get a better driving experience but "better " = $$$$$'s. It might be easier to buy a SS Commodore, but would not be as cool.

I'm a Holden guy but give me an old US car with steering box, no P/S and no A/C over an SS Commo any day.

lol

s