I am tired of compromises in our steering systems, both factory and aftermarket, so I am building my own rack and pinion kit.
My goals:
1) BOLT ON!!!!!
2) Factory or better turning radius
3) Works with stock AND standard CPP subframe kit
4) Correct ackerman angle and no bumpsteer
5) Work with standard and Chevy II rear sump oil pan
6) Smooth and linear operation
7) And best of all...as CHEAP as possible
Keep in mind these are goals and there is a chance I may fail at one or more aspects- we will see!
Tonight I tore out the POS Unisteer kit and mockup will start soon!
I finished the rack rebuild

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack12.jpg

Rack under car

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack22.jpg

No steering (or brakes:D)!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack32.jpg

Linkage removed

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack42.jpg

The Unisteer kit gone!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack52.jpg

I picked up a few parts today from CPP and did a test fit on the rack. It is a close fit but it fits! I will get some more parts and start making brackets this weekend.
New parts!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack62.jpg

Steering linkage

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack72.jpg

Front view of rack- it is perfectly level with the mini-subframe plate (even though it looks off in the pic). I know my test fit method is ghetto but it works!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack82.jpg

LH side

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack92.jpg

RH side

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9a2.jpg

I have the rack in place now and mocked up some cardboard brackets. It looks like I gained about 1" ground clearance from my initial placement. The steering linkage is placed and sized as well. I traced the brackets on to some 1/8" sheet steel and will cut the brackets out at work this week (I dont have a ban saw at home). I will add gussets to the brackets after I get the steel ones in place and fitted correctly. The tie rod clearance looks like it will be tight, but I have atleast 1/4" clearance at full sweep so I should be good.
Here is the rack set in place. As you can see the bottom of the rack is about 1" higher than the bottom of the oil pan.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9b2.jpg

Here is the driver side bracket.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9c2.jpg

Here is the passenger side bracket.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9d2.jpg

Here are the brackets traced on sheet steel.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9e2.jpg

Here is the steering linkage.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9f2.jpg

I made some progress on the mounting brackets. A big thanks to Dale (Teddisnoke) for helping me fab up the brackets! Here are some updates with pics and a video.
The brackets will need to be beefed up a bit from the prototypes I have made but I think the design is pretty solid.
Driver side bracket mockup- the rack is about ¼” from the LCA at full droop, and gains more clearance as the suspension is loaded.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9g2.jpg

Another pic of the driver side bracket. As you can see I moved the steering linkage as far over as possible to clear most (or hopefully all) the headers available.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9h2.jpg

Here is the passenger side bracket.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9i2.jpg

Another pic of the passenger side bracket.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y258/64Flyer/Bryans%20rack%20build/Bryansrack9j2.jpg

Here is a video- the rack is ALIVE!!!



http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/th_P1010396.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/?action=view&current=P1010396.flv)

When its all done I will install some "kits" on different oil pan configurations including standard rear sump chevy, stock Nova front sump, and I6 pans. I am designing it around my rear sump notched pan but I am definitely keeping other configurations in mind as I put it together. I am pretty confident this kit will fit all the bolt-on headers available as well as exhaust manifolds. and, if things go as planned it looks like a full bolt-on for around $600!

I got the steering linkage in place today. I also started a cardboard pattern for the center tie rod bracket. Next I will mount the rack in place, get the cardboard pattern to shape, then cut it out of steel. Its getting closer! I cant wait to drive it!!!
Here is a pic of the tie rods in place. The square tube is just for mockup and wont be in the final bracket (it is way too bulky).

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/tie_rods_center.jpg

Here is a shot of the passenger side tie rod.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/RH_tie_rod.jpg

Here is the beginning of my cardboard pattern for the center tie rod bracket.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/rack_center_Bracket.jpg

Well today went well with the exception of a bracket that needs to be redone a bit! Dale helped me out a BUNCH welding up the drivers side bracket. Everything fit perfectly...until we found out the tie rod will hit the bracket when turning! So Dale came up with a great idea on modifying the bracket in order to gain the clearance we need for the tie rod, and he was kind enough to take it back to his shop and work on it for me this week. The passenger side bracket was a perfect fit! I took some pics:

Passenger side bracket
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010623.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010624.jpg

Drivers side bracket
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010632.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010633.jpg

I finally got the rack and pinion "finished" today. I am very happy with the performance of it so far. No bumpsteer issues, smooth steering, tight turning radius, good steering feedback. The rack I used is 4 turns lock to lock so there is a small increase in steering quickness. The rack I used also comes in a 3 and 3.5 turns lock to lock so its a quick swap if I want to quicken it up later. I have some small improvements to make with some odds and ends, but its just about done! Here are some pics:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/0P1010656.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/0P1010655.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/0P1010657.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/0P1010658.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/0P1010659.jpg

Brian, That looks ok but.................You better try one on MY WAGON just to make sure it will work !! Mark & Brian LOL I still get a kick out of that one.

Brian, That looks ok but.................You better try one on MY WAGON just to make sure it will work !! Mark & Brian LOL I still get a kick out of that one.

I may be able to make it happen for you- Ill put you on my "hookup" list!:D

Brian, I will talk to you at SEMA I'm leaving right now. Here my cell # call me when you get up there Mark 562-233-7170

Looks good!

Hey Bryan, any new updates for us ?

road test info, availability date for that "Classified" that you'll be posting ?

i'm sure that from the info that's been posted this going to be a very popular and price conscience kit.

bring us up to date OK ?


JR

Hey Bryan, any new updates for us ?

road test info, availability date for that "Classified" that you'll be posting ?

i'm sure that from the info that's been posted this going to be a very popular and price conscience kit.

bring us up to date OK ?


JR

I have been driving the car the past couple weeks. Everything works very well and I am very happy with the results so far. I am working with CPP to try and get this kit on the market. I am working on trying a different ratio rack this week, and I will also test a power rack. I see it hitting the market at the beginning of next year. I cant quote pricing right now but I can say this kit is cheaper than any other R&P kit on the market that I can find.

AWSOME Bryan !!! that is so so good to hear !!!

keep us posted will ya ;)

again, the best of luck to ya :thumbsup:

JR

I installed a power rack with 3 turns lock to lock over the weekend. I am impressed- she steers like a new car! I tried it out without the PS pump and it drives very nice. I will install the PS pump and see how it feels this weekend. I was very happy the power rack bolted up with only a few minor tweaks of the hard PS lines. Here are some pics:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010661.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010662.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010663.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010664.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010665.jpg

Hey Brian Sure gald you live close to me. When can I come over and see your new set up ?? Mark

That looks wonderful , a lot of ingenuity for the fabrication.

I got the PS rack hooked up with a pump today. The car drives great, and I just might keep the PS (I am partial to manual steering:yes:).

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010689.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a248/NOGO12s/P1010692.jpg

That is some really nice fabrication there looks GOOD and strong.

any time frame on a kit yet? really wanting the PS version!

any time frame on a kit yet? really wanting the PS version!

I'm interested in the same...

Love to hear any word?

Just to update everyone- dont mean to leave you all hanging.

My relationship with CPP building this kit is now done. I will be taking this on myself with my good friend Dale helping out.

I now have all the prototype drawings to source another manufacturer and make a few bracket sets. These will not be the same as I have made many changes to the brackets, so I will have to build a few sets and reverse engineer what I have changed. Then I will install the kit on some different cars for a trial of sorts, as I have not tried to fit one on an car but mine. I want to make sure this works out so if they hit production everyone gets exactly what they expect. This is going to take some time as I do this on the side for fun and have not jumped into an endevour like this. I wish I would have done this a year ago instead of waiting so long... Im not making any promises to deliver this product, but I am working hard trying to get there.:yes:

once the R&D process is complete i'd be happy to host the write up on the www.JollyRodder.com site Bryan.


good luck to ya, we've been waiting a while for this, or something like this to happen.

WOW! The sky is falling:D. I had a feeling this would be they way it would turn out for you NOGO. I am glad you have decided to take on this huge project yourself. If I can be of any help with a 1st gen(64) let me know. I will gladly test fit one on my car. However I must warn you that it may not be as easy to remove it.

On a serious note if you need me to test anything on my car I would be a huge honor. Thanks for all your hard work you are a true nova god.

I will donate a six cylinder car for the sixer test:yes:

Wow! Lots of work going into this. I am impressed to say the least.:thumbsup:

Quick question. have you put this kit through any extreme conditions yet? Hard launches, fast cornering, etc.

Wow! Lots of work going into this. I am impressed to say the least.:thumbsup:

Quick question. have you put this kit through any extreme conditions yet? Hard launches, fast cornering, etc.


how's this ?

http://www.novas.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8534

That works! :thumbsup:

What the latest and greatest news NOGO? :D

patience GlassHoppa... PAAATIENCE ;)

I know! I know! Just checking in on progress. I still have to save the $$$$;)

I know! I know! Just checking in on progress. I still have to save the $$$$;)

Coming soon...keep your eyes and ears open...:D:hurray:

Coming soon...keep your eyes and ears open...:D:hurray:

"...and Johnny ? keep yer big mouf shut !!!" :eek:


yuk yuk yuk :D

:secret:I have a feeling JR knows something:D? Man I feel left out of the joke. If I lived around JR Ithink a few beer might make that big mouth talk. Of course i would have to deal with the smell from the other end from what I have heard. Nobody gets the nickname ROTTEN without being able to back it upl:)l:)

:secret:I have a feeling JR knows something:D?

JR know something...... BWAHAHAHAl:)l:)l:)l:)

We all should now by now! NOGO's Nova stayed with the big boys and showed them what a old shoebox with right equipment can do it! :yes:
WAY TO GO BRYAN.....! :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:
Read January 2010 Super Chevy....its impressive! :yes:
Jay

Was a awesome artical! I know Jay is watching this thread as well as me for any updates. I will finish my gauges with this x-mas hopefully and maybe put NOGOs rack on my list next year:D:D:D

Well you're further along then me...I haven't started YET! we got to put son-in-laws 63 in my garage and convert to v-8 beginning in Febuary
then maybe mine will get going..did clean fuel system and got 230 running
so i can move around the yard..I should just tag it and drive for a while
.then we'll see...yes I want to look at this front end
HAVE A VERY SAFE HOLIDAY AND HOPE SANTA LISTENS REAL GOOD!
Jay

ANY GOOD NEWS .....
Haven't heard any thing new on rack and pinion on Nogo's car.
I'm waiting 4 weeks for CPP to send me new catalog...
2ad request last week and promised this week...
been working on son-in-laws 63 conv last couple weeks doing five
lug upgrade and all new brakes. My 66 is waiting in the back yard tobe next in garage after motor swap and trans swap in his car.
j

Looks good Great job . Looking forward to be able to buy one