In the VB&P sale post, there is mention of a new R&P steering system. I didn't see any mention of it on their website. What is this system and how does it compare to Steeroids/Flaming River?

 

I posted this question on the VBP sticky 5 days ago and haven't got a response.......................


I should have waited 2 monthsto order my Performance plus setup. Still haven't unpacked it! What price on spreader bars. and where do I find the Rack Attack R&P Setup? Not on website.


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Last edited by 63mako : 09-08-2007 at 09:35 PM.

 

Last I seen it's the Steeroids system and so because of some problems posted over time, there is the possibility it's not offered, or in redesign now....not sure....there have been many posts of various problems with it.....but no personal observations, .....

As for Rack Attack, I never heard of that.....

I have done my own rack conversion about the time Steeroids had their system in testing....about end of 01 or so....early 02.....

 

PM From Pattie.................................. ........................................ I am sorry I missed your post on the sticky. We have been working on our own design rack and pinion system. It probably will not be ready for shipment for a few more weeks. We were working on a system a couple of years ago and put it aside to work on others and starting offering the Steeroids System per recommendations from many of our customers. The Steeroids system is a great system, but we have taken feedback from our customers and worked it into a new design. We are in the final stages of testing, but made a couple of more changes that we are finalizing and then we have to retest.

I will make a formal annoucement when it is ready for shipment on the forum.

If you have any questions, you can email me directly at pattie@VBandP.com. The system is featured in our new 2008 catalog that we are mailing out now also.

Best Regards,
Pattie
VBP

 

I would love to see and review the design....but my design should not be copied....THAT would immensly **** me off......

 

Any new news?

 

It is in their new catalog, but not online yet. I just scanned the pages for my peeps!

 

the only difference I can see is that it is 2.5 turns lock-2-lock (vs. 2.9 steeriods)and the slip u-joint connecting the rack to the steering shaft making it easier to setup.

The mounting bracket design is exactly the same as Steeriods! which failed on me and others. Why can't they design a better mounting system is beyond me.

 

How much oil pan clearence is there with this system on a small block?

 

The ad says that the brackets are stronger, maybe they are made of thicker material. The other difference is that they used conventional tie rod ends instead of the cheap heim joints that come with the Steeroids kit.

 

What got me curious is that slip joint, I had one also, and with just TWO universal joints, my rack is a bit higher mounted and the input shaft is tipped upward more, necessitationg a crescent cut outta the back lower engine mount horn not an issue with my SBC for over 5 years now....the rack on their system should clear the pans just fine....

I dinged the pan curvature just slightly to provide extra clearance on my rack bellows.....I don't see the locating pivot on this VBP system, for the center bar on the input linkage...it's got 3 universal joints, therefore needs one to position that center link....to keep it from flopping around....

as to their copy of the steeroids brackets....I don't think so, off hand...really...close though...and it's really hard to see from the pix shown just perZACTLY how that mount lines up....it MAY be ok...

 

Which is what I used, the stock tie rod ends are on every damn car for the last 50 brazillion years, and I ain't changing a proven design....

ya THINK??

 

I like the idea of the telescoping u-joint. I wonder if that will help ease the setup of the system. If it proves to ease the setup, I wonder if they will offer just the telescoping portion. That would be something I might look at picking up since I already have the Steeroids.

 

I am very cautious to believe everything I read and hear from these vendors until it is out on the market.

For example...VB&P C5 brake kit. They announced it on the forum and it was multiple times commented how the different size front caliper bore would increase the braking pressure to the rear causing the rear to lock first. VB&P said that this is not an issue that they are aware of and have 3 years of development/testing into this product. Well...I was about to pull the trigger and get this kit but decided first to contact 2 forum members to see what their results were. Sure enough both of them are having their rear brakes are locking up first before the fronts. Not a real problem until you need to do a panic stop and then having the rear of the car swing around because it locks first. For $1,100 for the front kit I expect there to be no issues. VB&P failed to mention this when I was about to order and it was only after I inquired about this did they say they have had some reports about the problem. Last email I recieved from Patty is that they are looking into adding a proportioning valve and I told her I would wait until they figure it all out. This was about 2 weeks ago. So I await cautiously optimistic they will get this resolved.

 

Rob, that whole issue of f/r proportioning was not any issue at all with the stock brakes, and is the primary reason I have not messed with the calipers, other than the obvious SS/Oring conversions outta VBP....

the rest is stock as a stove,, caliper wise....the aluminum m/cyl, and hydroboost, and the elimination of the failure pressure switch in line there, I just use a block for the two front lines, and hook the rear line straight into the m/cyl.....the stock sw/block is outta there....

All this sort of reports add up to the fact that they,ME, them, whoever here/everywhere ain't GM with proving grounds, with guys who do nothing but verify and test till hell freezes over....literally....too boot GM ain't releasing production tolerances....you know...some measure is expressed as so much +- X amount....you add up all that crap, it's known as stack up.... so what works for MY car maybe not the best for the guy next door, type stuff, THAT is why I feel free to publish my design, but ain't no way in hell I doing any production work....

 

Has anyone heard any feedback on the "Rack Attack" from VBP?

I'm putting R&P steering on my short list for this spring. Hoping this builds on the knowledge taken from Steeroids issues and gives us a better set-up to work with.

P.S. Merry X-mas to you all.
B.....

 

Seriously, for that price I'd rather go with Wilwoods from Corvette Engineering and an aluminum master cylinder with a proportioning valve built on.

 

I received an email from Pattie at VB&P on November 28 stating that they were working out a couple of issues on the slip U joint and should be ready to ship in 3-4 weeks. I placed an order for mine based on what seems like better engineering and lower price. I'll post if I hear any more.

 

Is there an update on the Rack Attack from VB&P that I have missed. I am ready to pull the tigger on a rack system, but would like to have the 'newer improved version.'

 

I have the Corvette Steering Jeep box upgrade, and even though this is an improvement over the factory box, I want something more.

I am going to be watching this thread closely.