Scrappy_Brap

I know people do the fc subframe swaps, and I know back in the day RE-Speed used to have a kit (if they do please tell me how to order it I can't figure out their website to find quotes) unless someone has found a semi easy solution to swap in a rack and pinion that doesn't involve sourcing a parts car for a subframe and what not?

RGHTBrainDesign

Why is this in the "Build Thread" forums?

Scrappy_Brap

Sorry I'm new to using the forums, I'm not very tech savvy when it comes to smart phones and what not, apologies!

RGHTBrainDesign

Put in a Google Search for "City, Kentucky Fabricator" and talk to each of the local shops in your area about what your plans are for your car. (Obviously replace city with where you live)

Some shops would be more than happy to help you graft a subframe in from ANY car to gain better steering functionality. It all comes down to how much you want to spend. Do you research.

Have you seen my YouTube channel and my build log? I'm doing my **** on a TIGHT budget, but it's getting so much done in the most expensive area in the US for fab... Proper planning.


I don't think spoon feeding you answers is going to help you in the long run. You want a project so you can think and learn from it. You want a challenge. Go pick up every engineering book you can afford on the subject of race car design and go to town. Build yourself up before you build the car to match.

Scrappy_Brap

I was onto something last week when I was brain storming, if I can find a decent rear steer rack (one that steers the hub from the back of the hub compared to the forward side of the hub) and just fabbing up a mount for it on the rear side of the 12a subframe (where the stock steering arms run) and adapting to take the stock tie rod ends but I can't find a rack that I think will work

RGHTBrainDesign

I dun fucked up. I'll look into it myself.

Scrappy_Brap

So you think I'm onto something? Lol

Frankenmazda

iTrader: (2)

Several of us have done FC front suspension swaps and to be honest there is an easy way to do it. Depends on what you are going to do with the car. also the older VW's had a rear steer rack if that helps. At one time I was looking into this myself but decided the FC swap is the easiest. I also live in KY. Hit me up if you have any questions.

Freeskier7791

I have considered looking at the S13 240sx as well, I believe they are rear steer and even the 240z and others I think have rear steer. I will be doing this upgrade eventually

hcaulfield57

iTrader: (1)

My understanding from reading threads about this is that it's not that difficult to accomplish if you have fabrication skills and are willing to try things, but very difficult to get right. I personally have zero fabrication skills, but I'm hoping to learn for this purpose.

It'd be awesome if someone would step up and create a bolt on kit (or recreate the RE-Speed kit, which everyone seemed to love). There is always the FC subframe swap, but I'm more interested in keeping the car as stock as possible. I'd like to easily switch back if I don't like it. Seems to me the ideal kit would require minimal subframe modification and include a fast ratio manual rack, I know I personally wouldn't be interested if it required power steering. Manual steering was one of the reasons I bought my FB.

Just expressing my thoughts in case anyone decides to make a kit Otherwise good luck with your swap, look forward to learning how it's done.

Scrappy_Brap

I've looked into the 240sx rack and it's also a good candidate, I think the biggest obstacle would be the steering linkage honest to god

Freeskier7791

Yes I know that is probably the biggest obstacle with any rack, I know there is a guy that has put the whole s13 subframe underneath an FB but that doesn't really help if you want to keep the rotary

Elford DXB

Take a look at the Toyota AE86 rack, it can be converted to a quick rack and is rear steer.

hcaulfield57

iTrader: (1)

Probably would work well since the AE86 has nearly an identical suspension setup and is a similar size and weight. My understanding is that manual AE86 racks are nearly impossible to find, especially in LHD... AW11 MR2 might work

BezRx7

have a look
AusRotary.com ? View topic - 1st Gen Power Steering Options.

another
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...sults-1044092/

just search "rx7 rack and pinion swap" on google images and there are lots of discussions and examples.

Whizbang

i did a write on swapping to an FC subframe a while back. its literally the easiest option. RESpeed is a dead company anyway.

The FC subframe in an FB RX-7 - Build Race Party

hcaulfield57

iTrader: (1)

Awesome post, I'll have to read through the whole thing, I just skimmed the pictures. It doesn't look overly difficult to be honest. The more and more I read about this, is that it's very difficult to convert a steering box car to rack and pinion without screwing up the steering geometry, thus largely negating the advantages of rack and pinion. Using the front-end of a car that already has rack and pinion would avoid this. A rack and pinion conversion that doesn't involve swapping to an FC subframe probably only appeals to those who want to keep the stock SA/FB front-end (and likely an SA/FB engine for that matter). I think it would be nice if people had options, especially as standard components wear and become harder to find.

After going through my front suspension, I decided a rack and pinion conversion wasn't for me. I'm happy with the steering: good feedback and minimal play. A rack and pinion setup would obviously be superior in every way, but that being said the steering on my FB is more involving, provides greater feedback, and is ultimately more fun to drive than all the power steering rack and pinion setups I've had experience with.

RGHTBrainDesign

Alex, the Godfather.

Whizbang

yea i would advise against it unless you are in the middle of a engine build, and maybe have a GSLSE rear axle. Etc.

Frankenmazda

iTrader: (2)

Honestly the FC swap is the easiest way to go and gives you so much more, like bigger brakes etc. You don't have to get as involved as mine and it can essentially be an almost bolt in procedure.

Here's mine. I did a lot of additional fab to get my roll center where I wanted it but you can pretty much just bolt it on close to the original subframe location.

Scrappy_Brap

I already have put a 13b into the car, I'm just trying to think of a way to keep the front mounting of the 12a cross member because it's very convenient for swaps, us 1st gen guys have it easy and I'd like to maintain that simplicity haha,

I've come across a decent rack that seems promising, a lot of muscle car guys use them and to be honest mounting and geometry wouldn't be a complete headache, it's a 89 cavalier center link setup,

All you would have to do is make sure you mount the rack in the direct center of the existing tie rod ends, I'll post a picture of the rack, tell me what you guys think

WANKfactor

iTrader: (1)

I'm in the same boat. Dont really want to do subframe swap as the engine is already in and everything is set up ok the way it is. I was also thinking that a suitable manual rack would be very easy to mount to the 12a crossmember. Im thinking the headaches would come trying to connect the steering column and everything. I imagine once its been done once and got right, it would be really easy (and profitable) for someone to make a kit out of it!

peejay

The reason why rear steer doesn't work if you keep the rotary is very simple if you just turn the steering all the way to the left and look at where the inner tie rod pivot is relative to the engine. Then figure that the pinion will have to be a few inches inboard of that.

This is why Mazda made the FC front-steer, which also required moving the engine mounts further back. Even then, they had to shorten up the control arms considerably in order to make the rack wide enough to clear the engine, which is a good chunk of why FC handling isn't so hot, the roll center moves around a lot unless you stiffen the suspension so much it barely moves.

KYPREO

I remember probably 10+ years ago now there was a rack and pinion conversion kit developed by guys on this forum using the rear steer rack from a VW rabbit. I also remember reading feedback that it was pretty **** and didn't actually substantially improve handling or steering over a factory recirculating ball setup.

The FC swap is readily reversible if you get your old car. I don't think the method which involves moving the front axle forward. The better method is fabricating a mount onto the subframe that bolts to the factory steering box location and which keeps everything in factory position.

Now, the user arran on AusRotary fabricated his own rear steer rack setup which works very well and was quite cheap to put together. But being a RHD it won't suit you guys. The kit is based on a Holden Barina (known as a Vauxhall Corsa in the UK and an Opel Corsa in Europe). The Opel Corsa was sold in continental Europe and was therefore available in LHD. The vehicle was never sold in the US to my knowledge, but new aftermarket racks may be available for purchase from Europe. It's a pretty common car. NFI if the LHD rack will work the same way as the RHD one. At least you guys don't need to worry about navigating around the exhaust.

Info on the conversion here: AusRotary.com ? View topic - 1st gen RX7 Rack & pinion "kit" - Thoughs on direction

peejay

RHD countries have it a little easier because the engine sits way over to the left so the exhaust will clear the steering box. So there is a little more room for the pinion to go next to the engine, if you snake it between the header and engine. (Not a bad idea, domestic stuff does this all the time)