Changing the steering ratio | FerrariChat

Changing the steering ratio

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Aircon, Nov 20, 2003.

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  1. Aircon

    Aircon Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 23, 2003
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    Peter
    I was told tonight about what was described as a "miniature gearbox" that is fitted into the steering column that changes the steering ratio. Anyone know about it? Seems like i could get my ratio changed from the current (and ridiculous) 2.75 turns lock to lock to maybe 2 turns without changing the rack and power steering pump.

    Comments anyone on where to get it, how much it is, and if it works? I fail to see a downside.
     
  2. ferrarifixer

    ferrarifixer F1 Veteran
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    Jul 22, 2003
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    Phil Hughes
    Yep.

    Go to the next grasstrack/speedway meet near you. You'll see half the field use an epicyclic cluster from an overdrive unit or butchered auto box to up the gearing.

    You simply weld or match on your appropriate column attachments and go racing. It's as crude as you get, but very effective.

    You need plenty of room for installation though, as the units are typically around 150mm diameter.

    Not really very "Ferraristic", but ingenious none the less.

    Better off getting a rack/pinion built and a power steer specialist to adjust pump pressure/delivery accordingly.....not that hard.
     
  3. rexrcr

    rexrcr Formula 3

    Nov 27, 2002
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    Kalamazoo, MI
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    Rob Schermerhorn
    Peter,

    There is an optional quicker ratio rack for F355 Challenge. Issued in 1997 when the wing came out, it was part of the update package mandatory for continued participation.

    • Wing
    • Rack and new power steering pump to match
    • Oil to air oil cooler mounted up front with ducted air from the driving light housing (replacing oil to water in the V of the engine)
    • Removal of the headlight assembly and motors, replaced with housing shells only
    • Alternate larger front and rear anti-roll bars

    If you have those other components on your Challenge, you may also have the rack too. I don't have specific part numbers or specifications.

    If you have the history of the car, you may find the information there.


    Best regards,

    Rob Schermerhorn
     
  4. Aircon

    Aircon Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Rob, I don't have that rack, but i've driven a car that has it and the reality is that it reduced lock to lock from 2.75 turns down to 2.5 turns. I want a bigger difference than that. More Porsche like, to be frank. I love the steering in a 550/575 and that's just over 2 turns lock to lock. The updated rack for the '98 challenge is a waste of money for me.
     
  5. mk e

    mk e F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
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  6. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    May 5, 2001
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    Verell Boaen
    mk e,
    Any chance you know what splines the 3x8 series has?
    I'd love quicker steering, even if the force increases.
     
  7. Aircon

    Aircon Ten Time F1 World Champ
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  8. mk e

    mk e F1 World Champ

    Oct 31, 2003
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    Verell,
    I don't know what splines are in the 308s. I don't have one of those, I just remember seeing them and it seemed like what Aircon was looking for.

    I don't know know how big the gear box is. I'm sure it can be installed in any car if you're pigheaded enough, but I'm also sure it won't bolt in. The steering columb probably needs to be cut to fit it. I've see weld on splines in race chassis catalogs, coleman has these:

    http://www.colemanracing.com/section/index.htp?id=56
    http://www.colemanracing.com/section/index.htp?id=32
     
  9. Dave

    Dave F1 Rookie

    Apr 15, 2001
    2,722
    Little Rock
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    David Jones
    I purchased the quick turn rack and pinion set for my 308, from Superformance in the UK.
    I had planned on installing it while rebuilding my steering rack last week, but I unfortunately injured my hand and have yet recovered enough to turn a wrench.
     
  10. Aircon

    Aircon Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 23, 2003
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    Peter
    Excellent. Thanks
     

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