REAR MOUNTED RACK AND PINION

[FATBOY]

 HAS ANY ONE DONE A REAR MOUNTED COMMODORE RACK WITH A 304HOLDEN AND TURBO 700. I WAS THINKING ABOUT USING RODS RACKS TO DO THE CONVERSION BUT I WANT TO USE A VN STEERING COLUMN AS WELL

[sgo]

You might find the vn column is a bit short and will need lengthening. This is what I found using a vp one which should be the same.
I think the vn/vp heater will be too bulky to fit as well.

[fcguy]

how are u all going ive done a rear mounted steering rack it wasnt power steering but a manual steering rack  but you could do it with powersteering but this was cheaper at the time i got a vh commodore rack shortend and mounted on the x-member with a reco rack all done for $300 and all u do to mount the standard commodre tierod ends to ur stub axles of choice is use standard hr drum brake steering arms the part that bolts of the stub axle i bolted mine to a set of standard hz stub axles and it works fine u then use a vb-vk commodore column preferabley off the same car that u got the rack to suit if its a vh manual steering rack which mine was u use a vh manual steering column as the knucles and arms are different lengths and sizes to the pwr steering one hope this helps u out the only hitch is u have to cut a bit out of our sum to suit it i used a torana sum with a l shape cut out of it and i also designed my own engine mounts and had a metal fabricator make them up then had those welded to the x-member by a licencedd welder and i can use standard commodore engine mounts but u have to use mounting brakets off a torana as they sit much forward compared to the commodore ones which i found out the hard way hope this helps you contact me for more info just leave a message here with ur email  if u need any other help

[Ed]

Hey FatBoy..

( my computer server at work has the same name!)


anyway... Ive been fitting, refitting, motor, box, exhaust in my project alot over the last few weeks. (308/TH400)

Im not saying it cant be done (because it can be done with perseverence)  but to fit a 308 and TH700 and rear rack will be tight to say the least.

as FCGUY mentions sump mods will need to be performed, probably reversing a sump and front mounted pick up may be the go, but you will need to baffle it properly to prevent all your oil from going rearward under heavy acceleration.

you will also need to consider where your trans cooling lines run (believe me there isnt a lot of room),  there are some nifty inline trans coolers available now, but Im not sure of there efficacy in traffic.

Running a comm rack and V8 will leave you with no option but to run your exhaust out the inner guard,  practical but ugly in my opnion.

despite all of this, it is possible.  

your choice of rack need not be limited to only commodore either, any rack will do provided you can get the rod ends and geometry right.  If you get a commodore rack shortened Y not shorten a "Brand X" rack.

maybe some of the steering rod departure angle (from the racks) are diferent on different racks??  giving more clearance for the motor?

Any column will also do the job so long as you can fit it up nicely to the steering joint.  Inevitably you cut it and weld it to suit.

consider also moving the motor about to facilitate fit up.. this may involve recessing the firewall.

theres a website for an HR with Chev and comm rack for more info on early holden V8'ing.

Cheers

Ed

[JB]

Hey Fatboy,

To go with Ed, I would say that the rack I have got is the most dissapointing piece of my car. The turning circle is as big as the Titanic. And up and down the hills is good for the arms.... I used a Hadfield Rack and would STEER away (Not bad for a pilot) from this option again.

Cheers
Jason.

[folie]

Have a look at http://www.rodsracks.com.au (in Queensland)
I know of people that have used them in conversions and say they are one of the best conversions they have seen.
They only problem that they require you to supply a rack etc

[Ed]

Take a look at Hoopstars garage.

very nice site, beautifully engineered HR 350.

http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/hr350/index2.htm

This car is inspiring. (to me anyway)

Ed