3lack Sheep

I read somewhere that mk1 VW rack measurement didn't include the joints so it's approx 22 inches wide. I called flaming river today out of Ohio and they have a 5 inch cut down version of their OMNI manual rear steer rack that is on the money at 19.5" I will have to machine extensions/ adapters to get the correct length tierods, but that'll be easy to figure out. It is NOT on their website. The price I was quoted was $575 and a one week build time. I'm pretty sure this is the route we're headed.

I found a mk1 VW Rabbit steering rack which has an inner tierod width of 20.63" which is much shorter than the E21's approx. 23 inches, and it is a rear steer rack too. The rack has threaded ends so I might even be able to shorten each side a little more to get even closer to the 19.5 inch control arm width of the 2002. Although only a half inch longer on each side really doesn't sound bad. I'm going to continue looking, but that VW rack is really looking like a winner!

Tezi, did you have to utilize the E21 arms as well or did the 02 suspension parts work with the E21 crossmember? Thanks!

We'll use either an infinity or a Haltech, we've got plenty of experience with them, and we have a great local tuner who only does stand alone units.

Unfortunately it doesn't appear so with the manifolds we are using. We are already relocating the water pump so we can free up space for the compressor too. From what I've seen, it looks like the F22c would have been an easier swap.

Hey guys, I'm new here and looking for a few specifics to get me started on my rack swap. I'm doing a K24 turbo with a Getrag 260 swap in a LHD '75 2002, and unfortunately the rebuilt OEM quick ratio box isn't going to work with our build, (it will crash with the AC compressor) so I've cleaned the OEM steering and motor mount bracketry off the crossmember in preparation for new motor mounts and rack mounts. I've already got the new motor mounts done and I'm trying to figure out the steering rack mounts for an E21 manual rack. I've read through a lot of threads, hear and on other sites, of doing this swap. Most of it has just been a lot of fluff, staying how difficult it is, without a lot of constructive information. I'm a mechanical engineer, with a trade background in fabrication and welding. I have also done many other custom car and motorcycle builds, however this is my first BMW car, and my first dealings with a steering rack. I have designed and built custom 4X4 suspensions so I have an understanding of the importance of getting everything lined up properly for function. I've read that the steering arms on the shocks need to be modified by shortening them 50mm, which won't be an issue. But I would like to know how far back from the crossmember to set the rack for its mounts? Is there a distance that works well, or do I just make everything line up as much as possible once the arms are shortened with the tierods being perpendicular to the wheels when the wheels are straight? Are you chopping off the colum at the fire wall and routing it with 2 U-joints to mate with the rack? I also read that due to the length of the rack being wider than the inner control arm mounts there will be inherent bump steer. I am sure there are also some aspects to this swap I am not aware of, and could use a little guidance. Please, if you have any experience with a rack swap i would greatly appreciate your input or information so i can continue making progress on this build.