wrong rack
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 319
Likes: 3
From: LONG ISLAND NY
wrong rack
I purchased a z51 rack from gregs corvettes and customs through ebay.
He has them listed at $149.
The big problem is I fly to NY from pittsburgh to put this in and it looks like it's the wrong rack.
my 1986 originally had the base rack
I received the z51 rack and it appears to be an inch and a half shorter in length.
I am assuming this is a later model rack.
Let me know if I am right.
He has them listed at $149.
The big problem is I fly to NY from pittsburgh to put this in and it looks like it's the wrong rack.
my 1986 originally had the base rack
I received the z51 rack and it appears to be an inch and a half shorter in length.
I am assuming this is a later model rack.
Let me know if I am right.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
A quick check of the online Vette wreckers shows only std /Z51 racks listed; no difference made between years.
Can you be sure it is a Vette one?
NB.My RHD conversion has a Buick front mount rack inverted and mounted in the stock Vette position AND it looks identical to the LHD rack I have.
Can you be sure it is a Vette one?
NB.My RHD conversion has a Buick front mount rack inverted and mounted in the stock Vette position AND it looks identical to the LHD rack I have.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,604
Likes: 3
From: Glendale, AZ
the rack i got for my 85 was a Z51 - car didn't have Z51 - rack fit no problem!
i am pretty sure they are identical (been a long time since i did that job) with the only difference being the "lock to lock turns"
i am pretty sure they are identical (been a long time since i did that job) with the only difference being the "lock to lock turns"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
Z-51 vs Standard Steering Rack
The Z-51 rack has a faster ratio than standard and is considered an upgrade. "101 projects for your Corvette" has a section devoted to installing a Z-51 rack to give your car quicker steering.
Regards, Greg
Regards, Greg
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by lawcorvette
I purchased a z51 rack from gregs corvettes and customs through ebay.
He has them listed at $149.
The big problem is I fly to NY from pittsburgh to put this in and it looks like it's the wrong rack.
my 1986 originally had the base rack
I received the z51 rack and it appears to be an inch and a half shorter in length.
I am assuming this is a later model rack.
Let me know if I am right.
He has them listed at $149.
The big problem is I fly to NY from pittsburgh to put this in and it looks like it's the wrong rack.
my 1986 originally had the base rack
I received the z51 rack and it appears to be an inch and a half shorter in length.
I am assuming this is a later model rack.
Let me know if I am right.
When you say its shorter do you mean it wont allow the outer tie rods to mount to the spindle?If so then you have to turn the inner tie rod out to allow it to align properly.Thats all I can think of that could be wrong.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
BTW, there should be a date stamped on the rack somewhere.I forget where exactly but when my 86 rack went bad,I replaced it with a rebuilt unit.The new unit had the year 84 stamped on it.Mine had the 86 on it as well.84-87 racks were interchangable so I had no problems with it.Check to see if theres a year stamped in the metal somewhere.Prob close to the middle where the rack bolts to the steering linkage.
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