Anyone with Rack and pinion conversion?

[rotary emotions]

Hey,

Did anyone do a Rack and pinion conversion on their first gens? I\'m trying to figure out if it\'d be possible as a DIY job. There\'s the RE-Speed kit in the USA, but getting that to Belgium would just be so expensive...
I\'m currently rebuilding my whole car (nearly finished taking it apart), and kinda fancy a modern steering system. The main concern is what rack to use. I was thinking some old Ford (as they are availabe new in quick ratio), but I\'m not sure if these are to be used in front of the axle (there\'s no space under the engne), and it\'d be really stupid to find out the car is going to the left when I steer to the right :Giggle  I\'m not sure if a RHD rack could be used upside down in a LHD configuration when the rack goes in front of the engine, instead of underneath.

[shaunwil]

There is one I know of in the UK that was done by a tuner down south.

The Re-speed one is lush but they had said they had investigated a RHD version but the column was going to be very expensive, something like $700. You couldn\'t just turn the lhd one over because it is a compound angle. If it was turned over it would point downwards.

Re-speed does have a forum and I think there is a discussion on their system. It extremely well manufactured.

Shaun

[rotary emotions]

Hm, I didn\'t think about the compound angle...
The car is LHD (Belgium ), so the Re-speed kit would work, but it\'s using all-american parts, meaning expensive shipping and 36% of taxes overhere.
I was thinking along the lines of Caterham(-like) racks, since they come quick ratio and should be available in Europe. Also, the track width should be close enough.

[Christopher]

Hm, I was thinking along the lines of A Caterham(-like) racks, since they come quick ratio and should be available in Europe.

A Caterham rack is what I will be trying to do in the spring. I will let you guy know how I get on.

Pete.

[Ian65]

CP Racing used a VW rack in their conversion.... not sure if it\'s still available.... seem to remember reading that they\'d gone bump.
 
Their ad said:
 
Stage 2 CP RACING J.O Rack and pinion conversion kit transforms all 79-85 Mazda Rx7s from reciprocating ball equipped steering boxes setups to a VW manual steering rack and pinion set up. It will transform the feel and response of the car, whether you are putting your foot down on the race track or driving in busy town traffic. Stage 2 kit includes ALL necessary components for installation, no trips to the hardware store, no modifications required to kit. Bolt in and go. Includes already modified VW manual rack(refurbished) with universal joint, preassembled to sub-frame. Plus all other necessary hardware required for installation. Kit weighs less than factory components it replaces, No welding or alterations of the frame are required. A comprehensive installation manual is included with each kit. SHIPPING AND TAXES INCLUDED. We will pay for ground shipping!!!

Price: $550US ground shipping included anywhere in Canada or the U.S.

[Timrxmotors]

I have one on my 1st gen,from a nissan Micra,measures up perfectly.

[Ian65]

I have one on my 1st gen,from a nissan Micra,measures up perfectly.

How do you find it Tim? Worth the effort or...?

[stacy]

I have one on my 1st gen,from a nissan Micra,measures up perfectly.

Now that\'s interesting.. :3gears-lh

Take it you\'ve measured up bump steer and ackerman angles too?

S.

[Timrxmotors]

No bump steer.as the pivot points are in the same place as the original ones.Don\'t have as much turn as before,but has never been a problem.Had to do the conversion to fit the T51 turbo!

[J_T]

I have one on my 1st gen,from a nissan Micra,measures up perfectly.

Which generation Micra was this from?

[syebba]

Don Pamponi off this forum had one fitted to his car,but he\'s not been on forum for a while.
Ta stu..

[rotary emotions]

No bump steer.as the pivot points are in the same place as the original ones.Don\'t have as much turn as before,but has never been a problem.Had to do the conversion to fit the T51 turbo!

Well, I\'m planning a conversion on a LHD, so turbo isn\'t an issue. But the steering box is getting tired after all those years, so I can just aswell spend money on a conversion
Is the micra rack in front of the engine? Might be a bit of a stupid question, but I just don\'t know to much about Micra\'s Any pics?