Mk2 steering box

[Don Pamponi]

I recently got quoted about £3K  :eek by a local place to fit a steering rack.  Now, as I am not a lottery winner I had to decline, but I really HATE the steering as it is: HEAVY, wobbly, low geared etc.

I\'m told that the steering boxes from the mk2s are better than the mk3s.
Has anyone done the swap?  Is there a noticable improvement?  Also what did it cost you?

Thanks guys.

[Dominic]

3K, that\'s some money! You can pick up an aftermarket steering rack for under £200 new, and I\'m guessing a second hand unit for around £50. I\'ve seen pics of a conversion on a first gen //www.kiwi-re.com and it looks like a pretty straight forward conversion, maybe i\'m missing something but I was thinking £500-£750 would be reasonable for the conversion.

I had my steering box changed for a MkII version. I\'m afraid to say there is little improvement in terms of the heaviness of the steering but the MkII box certainly is a small improvement over the MkIII box. As I\'m sure you know another problem with the first gen steering boxes is the play in the system which leads to lane wandering and general lack of initial response. You should be able to dial most of the play out by tinkering with the box (which can be tightened up) but if you still get excessive play after adjustment then it\'s worth getting a new unit cos this usually means the box is worn. Think the MkII box on my car cost about £50 from Rx Motors.

I\'ll ask around for some more quotes on the steering rack conversion as I\'m interested in this too.

[MikeLMR]

the problem with fitting a steering rack is space, on a right hand drive car you have to clear the exhaust which is a pretty significant hurdle + the rack ends up needing to be where the sump is
The idea I am playing about with on the 323 is swap the steering arms from side to side and fit a front steer rack ... even this causes problems with clearing the exhaust though.

Also be very wary that swapping a steering rack in and making it work is quite easy ... swapping a steering rack in and making it work nicely without bump steer and other geometry problems AND within the space constraints is not

[Don Pamponi]

Yeah, this is what the guy said too.  Most of the money/time would go into doing all the technical calculations & drawings prior to the fitting.

If it was easy we\'d all have one by now.

But what about the rumours that WGT man Pip has done it with a coarser rack?

I emailed them but got no responce.

[Don Pamponi]

Also I think that 3k was a \'bugger off, i\'m not interested\'
type price.

[mpk490p]

Yeah, this is what the guy said too.  Most of the money/time would go into doing all the technical calculations & drawings prior to the fitting.

If it was easy we\'d all have one by now.

But what about the rumours that WGT man Pip has done it with a coarser rack?

I emailed them but got no responce.

Pip has just moved locations and i think he has been having some problems with email try him again in a couple of weeks

[stevey41]

Hi just fitted mk ii box on my mkiii rx-7. Original must have really gone, as its great now. Dosnt tram track and realy positive.
Cost £80 to have it fitted by a local mech.
Got mkii box from jimmeys. But rotary art will sort you out too.
Check all bushes. Mine were good. Poly bushes available from states. Gen bushes from mazda main dealer, fairly cheap.
regards steve.

[Don Pamponi]

cheers for the info dude.  Dont think mine is clapped tho.  Tim said it was good for a 1st gen.
Want a rack! Waaahhhh!