Steering Rack Conversion

[dooley.sl]

Can anyone help?

Am currently looking at an engine conversion V8 (original engine and box missing), from what I can see the V8 engine and boxes will not leave enough room for the steering box. Have other people who have done conversions had to swap to rack and pinion and if so what rack are they using?? Or are they using later subframes?

Any ideas/thoughts/photos welcomed

[stickandrudderman]

So, are you saying that the steering box is actually preventing the installation of the V8 or have you just "heard" that the box gets in the way?
AFAIK the box only becomes a problem when you try to install a 6.3 into the 113. I believe that Naj knows someone who's doing this.
I have heard that a Jaguar rack has been used on some RHD conversions.

[dooley.sl]

Have not dropped the engine in yet, but from measuring engine bay vs engine and box can't see any way of it fitting with the steering box in place. Someone had previously installed a 302, that fitted ok but they are very compact. That engines pulled out and gone! Looks like its going to turn into a longer job

[al_lieffring]

I belive that most people on this forum would think a Pagoda V/8 conversion would use a MB, 116 series V/8 engine. These engines when fitted with the mounting arms and exaust maifolds from a 108 bodied 280se 3.5 should drop into the motor compartment with little or no modification.  if you are talking about a Chevy rat motor or the like, you are pretty much on your own.

[ricrose]

Hi Dooley

Not sure how many keep an eye on Jay Leno's Garage (brilliant collection and deep understanding  ) - but he had a video on there a couple of weeks ago about a new universal rack and pinion steering system which was developed for retro fitting in projects. Have a look - I don't think it is actually available yet - but is worth consideration, as it seemed not too far off.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/

Not involved in this product in any way.

Enjoy
Richard

[stickandrudderman]

Or you could just sell the whole project to me!!!!