1st Generation Specific 1979-1985 Discussion

Rack And Pinion Steering Conversion

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Old 12-25-2003, 11:24 PM
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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.
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Old 12-26-2003, 12:11 AM
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Why are you looking to convert your steering over graham?The stock setup isn't that bad.
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Old 12-26-2003, 12:45 AM
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Well, from what I've read at different places (evil forum ) 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.
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Old 12-26-2003, 06:01 PM
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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.
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Old 12-26-2003, 10:26 PM
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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.
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Old 12-26-2003, 10:44 PM
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THis is a pic of the subframe attached to the FC( on its side).
Attached Thumbnails Rack And Pinion Steering Conversion-subframe.jpg  
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Old 12-26-2003, 10:50 PM
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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.
Attached Thumbnails Rack And Pinion Steering Conversion-fbsub.jpg  
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Old 12-26-2003, 10:52 PM
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Notice though, that there are additional holes along the chassis rails, and mind you, you could prolly drill holes anyway.
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Old 12-27-2003, 05:08 PM
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Can you get it to line up with those holes in the frame rail???If so That would be sweet like ****.
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Old 12-27-2003, 07:01 PM
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abeomid on the other forum has done it. Do a search over there, it looks nice.
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