Rack and Pinion question

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Nov 21, 2005 | 03:58 PM

kehler

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 275

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From: Pembroke NH

Rack and Pinion question

So I have replace my rack and pinion on my 84.

I have the standard suspension package. I'm ready to order the rebuilt unit and I read in "101 projects for your Corvette", you can put the sport (Z51) rack in. Is it really that easy? Just order the sport rebuilt rack and pinion instead of the standard? Anyone done this upgrade? The price is the same for the rebuilt units. I just don't want to dig a hole for myself.

Thanks

Nov 21, 2005 | 04:56 PM

in-vette-uation

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 146

Likes: 0

From: MN

It's that easy.

I replaced the standart rack with the Z51 on my '84. I ordered from Eckler's and sent in my core. There were no problems with that, getting a steering rack out and then into a C4 is a whole other story. But I'm proof, if you're patient, you can do it too and it's great!

Eric
P.S. be careful about sudden swerves around raccoons...

Nov 21, 2005 | 04:59 PM

CFI-EFI

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 17,298

Likes: 34

From: The Top of Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by kehler

just don't want to dig a hole for myself.

Thanks

It is just as easy as you would hope it would be. Go for it.

RACE ON!!!

Nov 21, 2005 | 05:05 PM

lawcorvette

Racer

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 322

Likes: 3

From: LONG ISLAND NY

I just did this... it is easy... upgraded to Z51 rack from the base suspension in my 86.

Take your time... jack it up high... and try not to get frustrated with the tight space. The cramped working conditions are the only thing that will be a pain.

HH

Nov 21, 2005 | 07:58 PM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,342

Likes: 264

From: Summerland B.C. Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawcorvette

Get it up there

I did the swap in my 86 and reset the toe with a tape measure in the driveway.

Nov 21, 2005 | 08:18 PM

artvette

Pro

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 641

Likes: 3

From: Long Island NY

Be aware that with 35lbs. of pressure in your tires, the Z51 rack can be a little darty at high speed compared to the base rack. Feel it out before you jump on it. Less pressure 30lbs takes a little of the edge off. If I'm not mistaken, the older Verts used less pressure than the coupes.

Nov 23, 2005 | 11:19 PM

Brimis

Drifting

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 1,647

Likes: 28

From: Woodbridge NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawcorvette

Man, every repair I've done on my Corvette has been "tight". Patience is a virtue.

Nov 24, 2005 | 01:17 AM

nonetooclose

Racer

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 454

Likes: 1

From: Lompoc CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brimis

Man, every repair I've done on my Corvette has been "tight". Patience is a virtue.

Absolutely, but it always pays to have a punching bag or some other release agent (other than some breakable piece of a corvette) nearby! I happen to use an old door...