Quicker 328 steering rack?

Fitted one to a 308 just a few weeks ago. Makes a great improvement. Steering weight goes up considerably, so consider the pro's cons etc first.

Can be fitted in about a day of labour if rack is otherwise healthy. If passenger side rack bush is worn, it takes an extra few hours to dismantle the rack casing to replace the bush (for a solid bronze/alloy instead of plastic).

 

My passenger side bushing is very worn......Going to attempt a replacement at a minimum, or more likely a rebuild of rack. Any suggestions on sources for the bushings or rebuild kits?
Thanks!
Carl

 

Carl
The stock bushing on PAX side is very small (maybe 3/8 inch tall if you lay it on its side) and made of a nylon or similar material. Unfortunately it wears quickly as you, me and others have found.

In the archives there is a discussion of a (Honda?) part, I believe available from Norwood Performance that you can press fit into the housing.

I had a 2 1/2 inch long bushing made, pressed in and then honed for a perfect fit by a machinist near by (I am in the Chicago area).

In thinking about the rack otherwise, evaluate the wear in the center of the rack between the mid-section and the pinion. Typically this also wears, and while you can shim it tighter, you'll find it gets quite tight at the extremities if this is the wear pattern.

On the original question, I'd guess they are the same (328 & 308 rack and housing) but you might shoot Mike at Superformance an email to see if he knows.

On is it a good choice, this is a personal opinion. Personally, I find the accuracy and feedback through the stock rack is good. Sometimes it can be harsh (hitting a pot hole) with major kickback. This tendency will only be exaggerated with a faster rack. I track my car a lot and left it at the stock ratio, but as I said, it is personal choice.
Philip

 

Carl,

The bushing is available from Norwood. I used it and it works great. The Honda part is a seal for where the steering shaft enters the rack. It works great also.

There is nothing else to rebuild. Just add oil and boots and your ready to go. Don't lose the shims when you take off the access panels

 

Is there any room for steering quickeners to be used in 308s?

These are used in reverse for landspeed racing, in order to slow down the steering when travelling at triple digits. They increase (or decrease) the ratio by 1.5 or 2.0.

--Matt

 

You could probably make room for the quickener, but it would involve some surgery.

For track use, a quick rack is probably not worth a lot as steering wheel movement is generally quite small, but for road/rally use, where you may be going round numerous hairpins, and perhaps sliding more etc, the quick rack is invaluable.