Aftermarket Rack & Pinion

[NWDragracing]

Originally Posted by Ernie Neal

I didn't see that anywhere! I have built several of these fwd to rwd cars. And if youv'e never tried it, it's quite a project. Starting with aftermarket, struts and brakes, making a firewall, driveshaft tunnel and transmission tunnel and yes mounting to rack. I will say, I could build a rwd car 4 times quicker than fwd conversion and may do one soon to take advantage of an easier index. As far a rack for steering verses steering box, I see a weight advantage and for those drag links through the oil pan (chevy II) It would be easier to build a good pan. I think the rule is fine the way it is. sorry Bobby

Ernie Neal
SS 354

Ernie, I am very familiar with the evolution of the FWD SS cars. The early Olds cars built by FJ and others, do not even come close to new new generation of FWD cars. The early cars still kept the original lower control arms, modified to accept the Strange struts and did not have fabricated K-members either. They had a modified OEM K-member.

I could continue picking on the differences between the early and newer FWD. It is not fair for a RWD car to have a heads-up against an later FWD car.

[Sean Cour]

Originally Posted by NWDragracing

Ernie, I am very familiar with the evolution of the FWD SS cars. The early Olds cars built by FJ and others, do not even come close to new new generation of FWD cars. The early cars still kept the original lower control arms, modified to accept the Strange struts and did not have fabricated K-members either. They had a modified OEM K-member.

I could continue picking on the differences between the early and newer FWD. It is not fair for a RWD car to have a heads-up against an later FWD car.

This is why the fwd conversions only run GT. If you want to run another car headsup, and have it be fair, run your rwd car in Super stock.

[BlueOval Ralph]

But some of the new Mustangs have adapted the GT Struts

[NWDragracing]

Originally Posted by Sean Cour

This is why the fwd conversions only run GT. If you want to run another car headsup, and have it be fair, run your rwd car in Super stock.

Why, worried that a RWD built under the same rules would be competitive against a FWD???

[Bobby Bennett]

I wouldn't be surprised if you see new rule changes aimed at making the older cars safer for the speeds they are running. Just saying.

[BlueOval Ralph]

You never answered Why you think the older cars are unsafe! Are you after a r&p for your Chevy II?

Originally Posted by Bobby Bennett

I wouldn't be surprised if you see new rule changes aimed at making the older cars safer for the speeds they are running. Just saying.

[Bobby Bennett]

ask any of the Hemi guys about breaking a box and losing steering. Of course, I'd love to have a modern day manufactured rack and pinion on my wagon -- running in the nines as opposed to the stock unit. Who wouldn't?

[Tom keedle]

question; how is a rack gonna be any stronger than a centerlink if you've got a rod beating the snot out of it?
last i checked, they'll be in the same general area and, btw, i see broken racks (oem) every now and then...

[BlueOval Ralph]

Just how many of the Hemi's have had this failure? Ran in the high 8's 35 years ago big wheel stands and all!

Originally Posted by Bobby Bennett

ask any of the Hemi guys about breaking a box and losing steering. Of course, I'd love to have a modern day manufactured rack and pinion on my wagon -- running in the nines as opposed to the stock unit. Who wouldn't?

[NWDragracing]

Originally Posted by BlueOval Ralph

You never answered Why you think the older cars are unsafe! Are you after a r&p for your Chevy II?

There are a few cars that I have seen develop cracks on the cross members and also on the lower control arms from wheel stands including ball joints go thru the lower control arm mount.

There are many cars out there that have reinforced lower control arms for this reason.

Many of the Global West lower and upper bushing kits come with reinforcement plates too.