911R Steering

[chris_seven]

I don't think I have made myself very clear. I think that the 2.5 turns unit is an imporvment for later cars.

I think early racks were 2.7 turns from the factory - this is measured off the car and would relate to about 2.5 when fitted.

I have checked a later rack and this is 3.5 turns off the car and we have checked a Carrera 3 this morning and it is around 3.125 turns measured on the car.

The Quaife kit is advertised at 2.5 turns but I have never bought one so I don't know if this is an on car or off car measurement.

I have fond a second document that states the 911R had 2.07 turns but as this is also a factory document could be as a result of the same error.

It would be good to know; If it really is 2.07 I will make some rack and pinion kits

[Flieger]

Alright, now I understand. Thanks for the clarification.

Have you used any 2.5 turn rack in a 911? If so, how did you like the feel on twistier roads? From your rally car example, this must be a "sweet spot" for sensitivity/speed.

Does this kit keep the same turning circle as a '71 rack?

Thanks. Please keep us updated if you decide to produce a 2,07 turn rack.

[chris_seven]

The only 'quick' rack I have used on a Rally Car is an early rack with the provision for the steering damper.

This measured 2.7 off the car and 2.5 on the car and was very good. There is no difference in lock. I suspect later cars with lwide front wheels may suffer some reduction in turning circle due to tyre rub but not because of the rack.

I would certainly try to use this ratio as a minimum even on later cars.

I have never managed to buy a Quaife rack and pinion kit as whenever I have tried to buy one they have been out of stock.

I have used a number of 2.2 turns lock to lock racks on a variety of rally prepared Escorts and they are almost essential on gravel roads.

I don't think that the Quaife kit is too expensive and must be worth a try.

[Aldo]

On a different but related tack, when I went from 420mm
steering wheel to a 350mm Prototipo the steering feel felt
much quicker. I know that didn't change the steering ratio
but, effectively, it gives the same overall effect doesn't it
since it shortens the distance your hands move for a given
steering angle?

[chris_seven]

Alan,

I am sure you are right but we have drifted away from my original question which concerned the accuracy of the 911R Driver's manual.

I am still keen to know if the R had 2.07 turns lock to lock or if this is a typo.

[andyjboy]

Chris - I don't think the 2.07 steering rack figure is a typo.

The 904 GTS was also fitted with a '2.07' steering rack - listed in:

Carrera GTS/904 Driver's Manual (W113e December 1963)

FIA/CSI Homologation Papers (No.159 dated 16.3.64)

[Flieger]

Very interesting.

[chris_seven]

Andy,

That's great news.

I will look at the cost of having a batch of racks made.

Thanks

[Flieger]

I might be interested in being a distributor for your steering racks.

maxsluiter@earthlink.net

[chris_seven]

I have stripped a 'flexible' rack as there are almost certainly more of these available than the early units and am looking at a price for 10 off with the correct ratio.

Will advise as soon as I have pricing.