Roc89

I am curious if anyone has done this swap in their 3rd gen. I am currently working on my 89 IROC with a LS sway, I have a UMI K-member. I've heard a lot people talk about the Mustang and 4th gen racks, would any of these work with fabrication?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Been done. Do a quick search, many topics about it and the limits it brings.

Roc89

I've searched but all I find is manual rack conversion, not power

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Most just go manual for drag racing. Power rack would be the same but you have to hook up the psi and return line.

Roc89

Gotya, is there any way that i would be able to use the 4th gen camaro rack?

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I think the info is in the threads.
maybe if you have it narrowed and rethreaded
Remember, your turning radius will not be as good

Roc89

appreciate the info man!!
might have to leave this one for the shop though!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I don't think anyone has found a good solution to fix the reduced turning radius yet.

Roc89

I've heard guys saying that a 6" radius would be good, whats your take

Roostmeyer

iTrader: (3)

Available travel is the first issue with a lot of racks, reducing your turning radius. Our steering arms are ~7" long compared to ~5" in a lot of other cars so it takes more steering travel to move the wheels.

The next issue is bump-steer issues caused by center to center width on most racks. The stock center link is like 15.5" between tie rod centers. You want the tie rods to be close to the same length as the LCA. The greater the discrepancy, the more severe bump-steer issues you'll have. For this I'd suggest using circle track rack racing rack and pinions. For drag racing you can get manual versions as well.

I've been looking into this, but I'll probably run out of time/funds this winter to complete it. I've got an ebay used 18.25" center to center rack I'd like to try.

tomsaddy

iTrader: (4)

This topic has caused some very dramatic conversation on these boards. There are some that say it can be done (but haven't done it) and other's that say it's impossible to do it right.

I've researched it pretty heavily before giving up and rebuilding my recirculating ball setup with all new hardware.

The issues, as stated earlier, are turning radius and bump steer. You need a rack that has 7 to 8 inches of travel, but is narrow enough that you can have tie rods as long as your current setup. A center takeoff rack solves the second problem, but I haven't found anyone that makes a rack with that much travel. A modified spindle could solve the travel problem by reducing the length of the steering arm, but no too many people are willing to mess with this.

When looking at other racks to try, make sure you get a front steer (the steering knuckle is forward of the spindle) instead of a rear steer (the steering knuckle if aft of the spindle).

If you solve both problems, let us know because there is a lot of interes.