Hey,



Been thinking about a rack and pinion conversion, since I've seen the CP Racing conversion kit.



What I wanna know is, is it possible to drop the subframe out of a 2nd gen and bolt it back onto the chassis rails of a first gen?



I know this would kinda be a PITA for me to actually do, since I've already got the oil pan and cover for front mounting the 13BT, but if it were possible, you'd get the (a) side mounted engine (b) rack and pinion steering. All you'd have to do is change 2 wheel hubs to match the stud pattern.



I sorta had a quick measure by eye and the 1st gen subframe has a smaller bolt pattern, but there are extra holes in the chassis rail.



If I were to go custom-made bracket, would a standard 2nd gen rack fit, or do I need to go some type of VW rack like the CP kit?



P.S. Nothing against CP racing, but its unfeasable for me to just buy their kit.

Why are you looking to convert your steering over graham?The stock setup isn't that bad.

Well, from what I've read at different places (evil forum https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR ) its a pretty big difference.



I just figured since I had a 2nd gen subframe I might give it a go and because the box tends to be a bit vague. I want to have as much control as possible if I'm going to be drifting it.



It would make 13BT swaps even easier if you could swap the subframe!



PS. Merry Xmas Luis. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/smile.png

i would like to know this too. i still have my turbo II body and before i get rid of it i would pull this stuff off also. only if its benificiary though.

Looking through the 2nd gen FAQ's, you can convert the PS rack to a manual rack which is good. Means I dont need a new rack since I chucked the PS pump.



I pulled the FC subframe and roughly measured it up. The front two mount points are very close to the FB subframe, the back 2 points will need extra work though. I'll post some explanitory pics soon.

THis is a pic of the subframe attached to the FC( on its side).

Here you can see the FB subframe (remember I'm RHD). Because it only handles the engine mount its smaller, but the width is almost identical to the FC subframe (I say almost as I roughly measured it.

Notice though, that there are additional holes along the chassis rails, and mind you, you could prolly drill holes anyway.

Can you get it to line up with those holes in the frame rail???If so That would be sweet like tits. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...

abeomid on the other forum has done it. Do a search over there, it looks nice.

That would simplify mounting the motor using the factory T2 Front cover and return line.Only bad thing would be swapping the first gen hubs over.I hate working with hubs.Damn annnoying things anyways

Why would you want to swap the hubs over? I'd leave the bigger/better 4 piston brakes on it.

He's called BCRX7 on this forum.



He's done pretty much exactly was I was thinking. See he used at least one of the original holes for mounting the subframe, the rear one he had to fit (just like I figured), the chassis rail width is the almost identical and it mounts right lengthwise, so theres no need to modify the tranny position or rear-end.



I'm still trying to find his write-up. I found the poll asking if he should do one?! https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...R#>/unsure.png

So anyway, if I do decide to switch the entire subframe, I suppose I would then have to use the side mounts for the engine instead of the front mounts? Or would I be able to fab a bracket to keep the engine front mounted?



Its just that I've already gone through a heap of hassle (and money) to change the engine to a front mount, but I'm really keen on this steering swap. arrggh, wish I hadda thought of this 6 months ago!

My thoughts exactly.Oh well at least mine will look like a factory install this way I guess.

I believe the finished product looks someting like this?

Has he got that thing together yet?I hear its going to fly when its finished.But then again mine will fly here to tho.BC first gens will own alot of cars around here. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/bigok.gif

Looking at his website, no, he hasn't finished it. I think he's getting close though. As of yet I couldn't see any pics of the engine installed, just porting pics. I wanted to see how he was gonna mounting the engine.

Why?I thought you wanted to mount it front mount style now?

Well, its set up to mount front style, but I suppose I could reverse engineer it back to side mounts.



What I would like to do is put the subframe in to support the steering rack and then make a bracket to front mount the engine. If I put the subframe in though, it would be a toss up between wasting time making a front support mount, or wasting money reverse engineering the engine to be side mounted again.



Like I said, knowing this all 6 months ago would have been good. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...>/rolleyes.gif

do you have to use the fc steering column too?

The v-dub rack that CP racing uses is similar to what I have in the jetta I guess, and, well, the jetta doesnt have any of the problems associated with the 1st gen's sloppy manual rack. I can turn the steering lock to lock sitting still much like a power steering rack...only with road feel and a bit more resistance.



I can't wait to get the rack installed in my FB! no way im driving it again with that foot of play in the wheel https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/blink.png

theres next to nothing for play in either of my Fb's steering racks.I guess my cars are unique that way. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...DIR#>/wink.png

yeah, I think its easier to just shift the complete steering assembly. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/smile.png

the only thing i dont like about the 1st gen steering is that if you're coming out of a corner and you're trying to straighten the wheels its hard cause theres a lot of **** to move

write-up is posted if you guys are interested:

https://www.nopistons.com/forums/ind...howtopic=33024