When doing an LSx swap, using the BMR tubular k-member, what parts of the steering are affected? Will the stock rack and pinion work? If not, is there an aftermarket company that makes them to fit? I would like to keep power steering on this car. Thanks!

 

First, you dont have a rack and pinion. You have a standard mechanical steering set up. The steering box is mounted to the chassis, and the idler arm is mounted to the chassis. Everything is independant of the k-member. So your tubular k-member will fit, and not interfere with the operation of your stock steering whatsover.

The only thing Ive heard, is people having issues with the inner tie rods hitting the k-member. But I think that was a few people, and the issues were resolved.

The only real difference is you will have TON more room for headers and all that other stuff...

Hope that helps ya.

Justin

 

Speaking about room for headers does the tubular K member allow you to put in 4th gen headers or do you still need to use third gen ls1 based headers?

 

There isnt a WHOLE lot of info on using 4th gen headers with a tubular k-member. However, here is what I do know. I had a real nice set of 1 7/8" primary headers with my donor car. I felt like I could make them work with the stock k-member... however, the problem was they would be into the "frame rails" on the body of the car. The header collectors arent in a good place to make them fit. Some sets are alittle different, and fit or dont fit for different reasons. Make sense?

Someone else might chime in and say for 100% whats up with 4th gen headers tho...

J.

 

He is right, long tubes for a 4th gen car have the collectors in the wrong spot. Instead of pointing and moving inwards as they get lower, the point outwards towards the doors which causes them to run in to the frame rails.

 

I'm going to just build my own headers from a set of third genners, LS1 head flanges and some j bends. I'm OK with a mig to get the basics together and then I'll take them to our sheetmetal/fab shop to finish the TIG welds after I make sure it all fits. I'm damned if I'll spend that kind of money for a set of headers when they can be built for less than half of it.