J Oliver: So when we recieve this kit it will be bolt on? What if we have an SE? will we need to get the steering column modified? What if we dont have an SE??

Maybe you could go through a install for us, preferably with pics..

But i am definatly in on this.


-Zach

 

damn, triple post.
I think people (including myself) are afraid to cut up there boxes because they/we are afriad were going to screw something up, and those things arent cheap to replace. Getting another box would be better for most, because if you do screw something up, you can always go back to stock.

 

My car is an SE. I did not know there were differences in the manual steering systems from one first gen to another.

 

Hmm, i thought i read earlier in the thread that there was a difference.. May be wrong. i was just asking the question.. I have an SE too..

 

I think they were talking about power 1st gen steering.

 

Well, my SE has a power steering box...So what of people who dont? will they have a different setup?

 

You can count me in on this !
What stuff if any do we have to buy or get ourselves that you aren't going to include in the kit?

sorry if this is a lame question...

 

I don't believe I saw any figures for weight.

For the grade of steel, I know there's something other than "mild"... Like I know for the aluminium I use at work, there's like a 3 or 4 digit number, like 6061 Grade Aluminium or something, I think I've seen similar for steel... I dunno exactly what the numbers mean, but that was what I was looking for. I'll find out what teh grade number means later...

One other issue I thought of... We have issues with the exahust manifold heat killing our idler arm bushings... Will this be an issue with the right steering rack boot or tie rod ends?

 

Remy, all you will need is a used VW rabbit rack with the universal.
Pele, why would we need anything other than mild steel? No one is going to break 1/4 inch plate steel especially where it is bent (work hardened).
I will go out and weigh it all up for you. All you need is a bigger turbo if its to heavy for ya! Oh ya I will make this bracket out of anything freakin thing you want, I don't care! It's all just an issue of cost.
carbonfiber
titanium
chromolly
aircraft grade aluminum
carbonfiber- aluminum sandwhich
oak (works better than pine)
and oh ya, polycarbonate plastic blend
LoL

 

Ok here it goes: RX7 steering box and related steering linkage 23.5 lbs
Rack "n" Pinion steering and all related steering parts and the bracket 19.0 lbs
How u like dem numbers?
I got one thing to say to the old steering.
"BITE ME DOH BOY"

 

No heat issues

 

If you have PS then you have a different steering column shaft. The PS shafts already have a u-joint at the end of them while the manual ones go straight into the box. This is why the manual ones need to be modified to link to the rack and pinion.

 

Im thinking $200 USD for the complete kit with painted brackets. Give or take $15-20 bucks.

 

If you remove the manual steering box will the steering column still have full support? Do you think an extra support bracket will be needed for the no-PS units? Hmmmm, I think so. Any thoughts on the subject?

 

OK! I cant tell you guys evey little thing that goes on in my head, frankliy It would scare you but thats besides the point. Yes, if I were to leave the end of the colum unsupported it would flop around all over the GD place, thats why in the price list you will see somthing about a bearing end cap for $25.00. This cap will drop down to the frame rail and be bolted in place. I am no longer going to use the cut up steering box part for myself because I want to install everything the way you will recieve it so disregaurd the previous bearing pics. Nobody wants to hack thier steering box. OH WELL!

 

I believe ya

Nice work BTW! Now stop posting here and get that thing installed and tested.

 

J Oliver -
Was the laser price what you were hoping for? I would be happy to work with you on the brackets. I would need some info on tolerances. I can water jet the parts out and then mill them if needed. If we can just use the water jet I can make one or one thousand for you. Just a thought - I would not want to see you get stuck with a crap load of brackets that did not sell. Any turning work needed for the other bits?

-billy

 

I'm in the middle of an engine swap, or I'd be in. I'm sure at least a couple will buy the first offerings, but more will trickle in as money/time arrives. I'm looking forward to some nice fast steering .....

 

No its not what I was hoping for but it seems to be the going rate until you start asking for them cut out in the hundreds, that price was if I only have 10 cut out. Like you said I am not going to be stuck with a whole bunch of brackets so thats why If people want them send a money order proving you want one and I can have it ready to go within a week. Does any of this seem fair or reasonable? Like I said Im not a business.
Oh ya I can post here and waste time because the bracket wont be back from the nickle platers until friday, oh well and my back is freakin killin me.
You guys are relentless!!! LoL haha

 

Have you given any thought to punching holes in the plate to lighten it up in certian areas?

 

I like it... I like it a lot!



I don't mean to nag... I just think it might help in working out bugs to have someone give out worst possible scenerio, persnickedy, gnat's *** kinda ****...

It's like you're saying you're gonna have someone TRY to break it... I'm just trying to spot anything that might come within five miles of causing a problem.

I never brought it up because several others did, but that is one rugged angle on the upper universal joint.

 

You a funny guy eh Pele? I like ur doe boy cartoon!
Hey man nag away Im amuned to it TRUUUUST ME
Ok Im about to bitchslap u upside d head: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO that is NOT I repeat NOT a rugged angle on the upper universal 2FULL inches needs to be removed from the colum pipe. I mention this earlier on maybe a page or so ago. Hey that chit rhymes. U still funny guy though

 

hey j oliver you want to sell me that rb intake manifold im ready to buy i know you are busy with this im just ready to get the part!

 

Ok i will set it up for you by weeks end. sorry

 

A few months ago I cam up with the same idea, how to get R&P steering in a first gen without swapping in a 2nd gen front end, with out alot of mods, and with parts readly available. I dicided on an omni rack (dodge omni's are basicly VW rabbits) and to cut the steering box off, and blah, blah, blah, basicly everything you did. The only thing I was thinking differently on was where to mount the rack. I was going to try for the engine cradle, but I like your idea. Believe me I'm not upset, I was joking. I'm just suprised no one noticed how similar the ideas are. Let me see if I can find my thread. But really, I'm glad someone finally did what Mazda should have did 24 years ago.