Flaming River at SEMA announced new power rack and pinion for thirdgens... i think i might give it a try

https://www.flamingriver.com/new-arr...-kit-no-column

 

Let us know how it is. Looks pretty nice.

 

Will do, ordered it this morning

 

Thanks for posting. I have some clearance issues with my stock linkage and the LS7 dry sump oil pan. I wonder if this would help... unfortunately its been a little while since I looked at the problem so I'll have to dig into it.

 

Did they mention what ratio it is, or how much effort it takes to turn? Ratio and effort are kind of how these things (R&P racks) are described, and that info is missing from any of the info they have for the item.

 

Ratio is a fair question, but effort (or sensitivity) is variable depending on the flow rate of the pump from 2 gpm (more effort) to 3 gpm (more sensitive) which can be changed with different outlet fittings.

 

i didn't get a lot of info on it yet... they called me yesterday and i am customer number 1 for it... the fixtures, etc are just being finalized for production vs their shop car build... it is targeted to ship to me in mid january at this point... did confirm that it is basically bolt in, so if it performs it could be a great upgrade option potentially... figured worth the gamble on it to see if really have now a top of the line steering setup option for thirdgens outside of big mods like roadster shop offering, etc

 

Is this an electric assist steering or is there a pump that needs to be driven off the engine accessories??

 

it uses the standard hydraulic steering pump approach

 

Ah I see. Gonna be pretty cool to see how this fits and functions

 

Pricey! Does that brace bolt to where the steering box and idler arm bolt to?

 

that is what the person i talked with at Flaming River indicated... at some point hopefully they will send some pics

 

watching closely.....

 

Makes sense, since those spots would be unused, but why does it look like the "center link" here would be between the R&P/x-member. Is that correct?

 

I'd been looking at R&P but could only find units for aftermarket K-members. This bolt-in unit is nice. And its "Wonder Bar" design will tie the front frame rails together.

 

I hope FR quality has gone up.
The custom built steering column I ordered from them in 2022 was super low quality.
surprisingly bad

 

Does anybody have any installation pictures of this? I'm installing a 408ls with a Dailey dry sump and my idler arm hits the front of the oil pump.

 

sent a request for all the tech stuff a week ago, no response yet from them. apparently will be into next year before they begin production, but they have a third gen mule with the parts on it so i hope they send something.....

 

Just arrived Wednesday. Haven’t had time to look at it yet other than this quick unbox. Looks very promising!

 

I had a message typed up yesterday if you had any update... good timing. I'm not super happy with how my steering linkage works with the LS7 oil pan, I'm working around it interfering at full lock. It'll be interesting to see how this rack sits when installed.

 

Is the rack a specific casting for 3rd gens or an off the shelf part?
Can't wait to see it mounted .

 

i do not know for sure, but i would think they are using a rack that they already have and with the adaption being the mount and travel bar to have the correct location and travel... as you can see the inner tie rods supplied have a specific geometry, outer tie rods are standard OEM type

 

This had crossed my mind recently too. Nice to see they met their timeline for release. Any information yet about the ratio?

 

Hopefully its relatively easy to get parts for when the time comes to rebuild/replace.
Wonder how this would work with hawks new hub spindles.

 

Have you had a chance to install this yet? If so what's your opinion? Does it use the stock spindles? Is it worth the cost?

 

i have been working on a wiring harness for another project and haven't been able to install it yet... yes it does use the stock spindles. i am going to try and get it installed by early april so when nice driving season comes back to PA i can give a better evaulation... looking at it, it appears well designed and built

 

Rack and pinion steering would be a dream on these cars. The OEM steering system has so much slop that this would really liven it up. Definitely watching this thread with interest. I'd like to put it on my car but do not know if it would clear my headers. It would also be nice to find a way to install it without having to drill a hole in the k-member.

 

Odd that theres not one pic out there of it installed on a car.

 

It's been out on the market for barely 2 months and it's hella $$$

 

See attached from Flaming River website for install instructions that had some pics of installation.

 

I would really like to drive a car with this back to back with one without to see the size of the difference to weigh the cost if it is worth it - personally worth it, everyone will have their own decision on that.

 

Super cool! I had no idea this was a thing until this thread.
My resto mod has a universal flaming river column that I think is really nice. Cleans up the dash area a lot.
I plan to use the new Hawks spindles, assuming there are no issues with them.
Always wanted to get a rack instead of all the stock linkages.

Super interested in learning more about this.

 

I'm curious if the steering shaft will clear headers. Its slight angled inward compared to stock.

 

Good question. I have seen elaborate steering offset shafts with multiple pivots and brace bearings (other cars), but if it gets to that point the pros of of a rack may not be worth it.

Are the main benefits that it is a tighter steering feel over stock?
I always thought a rack would sort of "simplify" the front end but after skimming the instruction manual, it doesn't seem to really do that.
Still very interested though, feels like it pulls these older cars into the modern era a bit.

 

If it’s anything like my 4th gen rack then it will hit the #3 header tube. That can be corrected with some fabrication.

 

Nice looking modification. Is that a high temp ceramic coating that was taken off and added back after the mod?
Also, this car must have quite the altered front, is that an upper A-arm mount in that pic?

 

Check it out...Just a few mods

 

Yes, C4. You’re familiar with my build. It’s just been a minute. I had the headers ceramic coated before I found that the steering shaft hit them. I had to pay to have the left one coated a second time.