Definitive 1989 Z51 Steering Rack Identification
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM
Definitive 1989 Z51 Steering Rack Identification
I am wondering other than counting turns lock to lock if there is a definitive way to identify if a 1989 Z51 has the fast ratio or slow ratio rack? Perhaps some combination of RPO codes, serial, and date of manufacturer?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 385
From: Northern California
The Z51 RPO code by itself denotes the faster steering rack from the factory in 1989 unless it has been swapped out. You should also have the power steering fluid cooler with that RPO code, which you can see underneath the rack itself bolted to the front crossmember.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 441
From: Albuquerque NM
I did some research that seems to indicate that only a portion of the 1989 ZF1 cars have the faster steering rack, and that the ZF1 package alone does not conclusively indicate that the faster rack is in the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,406
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What the he!! is ZF1? If you have the 'Build Sheet' what's in Block 20?
Like I mentioned 'LOCK to LOCK' answers all as to what's there 'NOW' - Matters not I'd think what has been there!
I believe I've seen '89 base cars with an NS in block 20. Does the NS appear on the 'Cap Plug' on the rack? No idea but maybe some one will mention from an '89 BS that it and the BS match!
*** I found I believe an '89 Z51 that displays FH in block 20.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Dec 31, 2021 at 06:40 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 160
From: Rio Rico, AZ
I have an NS rack in my 1989. I looked on my RPO list and don't see anything relating to the rack. So I'm guessing the PO installed the faster rack in my vette. I looked online and found a list of RPO codes for 1989 and saw a code "B1X – Optional steering gear ratio". Would that indicate a NS rack?
Went
Went
