Manual steering rack - options and questions

1 - Is a manual rack easier to steer than a stock, bypassed steering rack?

2 - Are there any options besides the Madman piece?

3 - What is the avg weight difference between the stock and a manual rack?

TIA,
Ryan

Originally posted by 96-speed
1 - Is a manual rack easier to steer than a stock, bypassed steering rack?
Oh god yes. :lol: It was damn near impossible to move my car around in the shop with the bypassed power rack. With the manny rack, it was a LOT easier.
2 - Are there any options besides the Madman piece?
Not that I know of. Brian's setup is nice because everything is done for you..bump steer, mounting tab & brackets, new sector shaft
3 - What is the avg weight difference between the stock and a manual rack?
Just the racks themselves are about 4-5# difference. Add to that, the power steering pump (8-10#) and the fluid (another 5-6#), not to mention less parasitic drag from the pump pulley. You also gain a little more clearance on the driver's side with the manual rack since it moves the shaft closer to the frame rail. Comes in handy when running a large downpipe. :bow:

Here's the pics I took when I installed it....
http://www.quarter-mile.net/images/TA/steering/

I have my stock setup looped and it's hard to turn.

I am getting a Madman rack.

There are NUMEROUS other setups beyond Madmans. FJ Smith, PA Racing, AJE, and Apple Tree Racecars all have this type of setup available.

My recommendation though is to try to buy everything (K-Member, Rack, Bump Steer, Steering link) from one place no matter who you choose, rather then trying to piece it all together.

Good luck!

Talked to FJ Smith today. Very helpful.

Thanks for the replies.
Ryan

I'm totally aware of the weight savings a manual steering rack provides but just much horsepower is freed up by eliminating power steering. Thanks

Do you absolutely need to get a new K-member to convert to a manual rack?

no you dont. im pretty sure at least PA racing offers the manual rack for the stock kmember,as some of those other shops.

I used a flaming river manual box, and the darn thing steers like it has power steering even when the engine doesn't run which is better than power last time I checked. Saved 45 pounds and easier to steer. Yes please.

Originally posted by RacinLT1
no you dont. im pretty sure at least PA racing offers the manual rack for the stock kmember,as some of those other shops.

My Madman unit worked with the stock mounting points on my k-member. I remember ordering my K from BMR thinking "nah, I'll never run a manual rack...that's crazy." :lol:

where can i get a manual rack and pinion for my ls1 car thanks kenny

www.madmanandcoracing.com

can my car still be a daily driver with this and not effect anything or wear out parts fast. Is it easy to turn with this setup madman

I've heard it's very easy to turn.

My stock looped stuff is very hard to turn.

How much do manual racks change the steering ratio? Im assuming they increase the turns lock to lock. Are they not good for autocross(handling) then?

auto cross, lmao never!

19 pounds exactly

madman, well i didn't go that route, had my chassis guy do acustom one with a wilwood pinto rack. as far as a kit goes, FJ SMith has good customer service, and there products look awesome. I bought a used alt relocate kit, that was madman's and i had to slightly "improve it" so i wouldn't shred another brand new belt.

just buy the rack from a speed shop, goto a chassis guy and have one put together, any good chassis guy can put it together than what you will pay for a kit, that is why i went that route!

hard to turn only when you come to a stop and then go, other wise no problems when you are driving

there is a bit of play in my steering with the wilwood, i guess that is normal

I think the Pinto is a 16:1 ratio whereas the stocker is like 12:1. I may have those #s reversed, but I'm almost positive that's what they are. It's not that tough to move. I can still turn the wheel with one hand while outside of the car (moved it around the shop twice this week doing this).