Rack and Pinion in a G body

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pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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Mystery_man said:
So no one wants to discuss this or give any info on putting a rack and pinion in these g bodies.

it's been done and there are kits on the market. What's left to discuss?
 

oldtinsmith

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Jun 14, 2010
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There is no "bolt in and go" street rack and pinion unit that I know of (there is one that is used for drag racing and is not a power steering unit). A rack and pinion unit in a g-body would have the same geometry issues to deal with as the stock steering (except the pitman and idler arms). I would think that the length of the R&P steering arms would be a major issue (4" arms installed in a car with 7" long arms). Our G-bodies already have problems with Ackerman and bumpsteer and could even be worse with a R&P not designed specifically for our G-bodies. Just my opinion!
I would think that the engine cradle/cross member of our G-body would need alot of rework or replacement because it's in the way of correcting the stock steering problems.
Doug
 

Dragonist

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Dec 3, 2010
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The modified pinto rack is the only kit available, and you have to weld the bracket in. Horsepower did a buick g-bofy wagon where they installed the rack. The reason your not gettin any details about the rack install because we haven't done it. Me personally I would if O had a bag full of money(my old mans saying) but I'll rather put $650 else where.
 

pontiacgp

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if you're interested in getting rid of weight and want to stay with power steering we use a box in the race car that's 7 pounds lighter than a stock box. It's expensive but cheaper than the kit for rack and pinion
 

Dragonist

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oldtinsmith

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The TRZ rack&pinion is a modified Pinto rack&pinion. If you read the disclaimer, you'll see it is a race only product and TRZ will not be held responsable for miss use of their product (street use!?).

Doug
 

pontiacgp

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Mar 31, 2006
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Kitchener, Ontario
oldtinsmith said:
The TRZ rack&pinion is a modified Pinto rack&pinion. If you read the disclaimer, you'll see it is a race only product and TRZ will not be held responsable for miss use of their product (street use!?).

Doug

As you can probably guess that is for insurance purposes. You should see the instructions we get with race equipment. For a $2,000 containment seat they don't give you any instructions on how to put it together or to install it in the car. That way we can't go back and say we did it as per the instructions to hold them at fault for something.
 

XCESSIV6

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Apr 5, 2012
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I have driven the TRZ you must have popeye forearms if you try to park a car. It's ok if your moving at a descent speed, I wouldn't do it it's a waste of money.
 

Mystery_man

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Mar 16, 2012
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JBreu said:
Mystery_man said:
So no one wants to discuss this or give any info on putting a rack and pinion in these g bodies.
Why would you want to is the question I guess....I went with the S-10 manual box, freed up some HP and lost some weight...Easy swap and on the cheap to 8)

Mainly weight and ability get a quicker stearing response.
 

Mystery_man

Apprentice
Mar 16, 2012
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pontiacgp said:
Mystery_man said:
So no one wants to discuss this or give any info on putting a rack and pinion in these g bodies.

it's been done and there are kits on the market. What's left to discuss?

True. I just think if enough people get together and put their heads together we could figure out what the pros/cons of doing this. Maybe figure out what ratios would work for what, discuss how to get rid of the issues we have with our steering, and so on and so forth.

I wasnt meaning to piss or offend anyone. I love my car, but it has old outdated tech that can be improved on.

Also with my buddy and I working on fabbing up things we can do about anything. I would also be able to make a how to for things that actually work.
 
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