Steering rack

[secondchance]

Do I remember correct that ZR-1s had different steering racks from standard corvettes? If so, what was the difference? Ratio?
I'm thinking of front suspension r & r and checked Rockauto. It shows rebuilt unit with part number 19320468. When googled, shows up as steering rack for base corvette - discontinued.
Any help or suggestion is appreciated.

[conesare2seconds]

The ZR-1 rack should be the Z51 or heavy-duty rack. Faster ratio than base-suspension cars.

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by secondchance

Do I remember correct that ZR-1s had different steering racks from standard corvettes? If so, what was the difference? Ratio?
I'm thinking of front suspension r & r and checked Rockauto. It shows rebuilt unit with part number 19320468. When googled, shows up as steering rack for base corvette - discontinued.
Any help or suggestion is appreciated.

According to Hib they are same as a base Corvette. 90-96

Do and advanced search under my name and steering rack. Both WV and Hib chimed in on that post. GC

Here is where I bought my replacement under EBay auction number 111676829424 they have one unit left. If you send in your old rack you get a lifetime warranty and there is no core charge. I have however not installed it yet. GC

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by conesare2seconds

The ZR-1 rack should be the Z51 or heavy-duty rack. Faster ratio than base-suspension cars.

No

[Vette Guy]

I have both the Z51 (13:1) and ZR-1 (stock Corvette 15.7:1) - they are very different. Unless you autocross your ZR-1, I recommend staying with the stock standard ratio. They discontinued the close ratio after 1990, and I understand some Z51 racers traded out the close ratio steering for more stability at higher speeds.

Regards,
Mark

[secondchance]

Great! Now I remember my 84 Z51 would change lane when I sneezed.
I knew I'll get the answer here...

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by secondchance

Great! Now I remember my 84 Z51 would change lane when I sneezed.
I knew I'll get the answer here...

Andddd. an Ebay resource!!!! Lowest price on the net and no Core charge

Here's the link to the post. http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....=steering+rack

I wish my IPAD would let me see the top links to posts.

[conesare2seconds]

Really sorry for the bad info. The Z51 and Z07 cars got faster racks all years. I'm surprised by the ZR-1, that's interesting. I used to do a lot of autocross and there was no comparison between the two. There really is a right tool for every job.

[secondchance]

This morning drove to Rich's (Screem), put my Z on the lift and check out the front end. Ball joints, left, right, lower and upper looked good. Tie rod outer ends looked ok except for the rubber boots. However, inner ends of tie rods, right and left had some play. Looks like time to replace the rack.
Might as we'll replace A arm bushings while the front end is disassembled.
I'm going to start ordering parts and may be attack this come spring.

Actually, does anyone know if tie rods can be replaced rather than the entire rack? I wonder if this would be easier...

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by secondchance

This morning drove to Rich's (Screem), put my Z on the lift and check out the front end. Ball joints, left, right, lower and upper looked good. Tie rod outer ends looked ok except for the rubber boots. However, inner ends of tie rods, right and left had some play. Looks like time to replace the rack.
Might as we'll replace A arm bushings while the front end is disassembled.
I'm going to start ordering parts and may be attack this come spring.

Actually, does anyone know if tie rods can be replaced rather than the entire rack? I wonder if this would be easier...

Either way you got to pull the rack while you are there I suggest going to poly bushings. Don't forget your going to need an alignment afterwords are well