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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Dec 2009 : 15:56:48
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I see that the steering on the fastbacks is by the recirculating ball and worm system. The only experiance I've had with that system is on an old wolseley 16/60, and to be quite frank, it was horrid! Is its a decent system on the fastbacks or an achilles heel?
Cheers
Jim
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a Mk6 Rapier.... |
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bigt80
United Kingdom
1052 Posts |
Posted - 19 Dec 2009 : 09:19:24
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Hi Jim,
Yes; why on earth didn't they take the opportunity to put in R&P when they introduced the new model!  It certainly can be very vague; esp when you go from a modern car + they're mostly worn by now. They can be improved by using another drop arm etc. from LHD car. I'm no mechanic, but I know those who rally them have done this: trouble is finding the parts from LHD's. There are some shims in the box that can be adjusted to take up a bit of slack, or a scrapper box put in that was taken of a younger car. Even when top-notch, as you say the sterring is probably the worst feature of the car; but the other pluses do make up for this short-coming IMOH.  Cheers. G. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2009 : 00:21:53
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I was worried that you might say that. has anybody ever fitted a rack and pinnion in its place? A friend fitted a rack off a Ford Granada to a Westminster and he said that it trasformed the cars steering. I drove it and it sure handled well, but i hadn't driven it before so I couldn't compare. Looking at pictures in the haynes manual it looks like it wouldn't be an impossiable job especially as theres no PS and its behind the struts. (Gives lots and lots to choose from been there)
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a Mk6 Rapier.... |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jan 2010 : 18:12:19
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Hi Jim,
I have been thinking about this too. There looks to be enough space, just, below the clutch housing. But to get perfect geometry the rack would have to be a very narrow - not sure how perfect it has to be. But the thing that makes it very hard is that the rack would have to be close to the pedals and the steering column would have to ge between your feet.
Plan B is a steering box from another car - if I can find something that will fit. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 01:27:41
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I don't have a Rapier yet so I can't have a look. I hope I can do something as I'd hate to have a dissapointing ride.
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a Mk6 Rapier.... |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 16:34:31
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A few years back I was lucky enough to find a new column for my '73 fastback. No play, just slight rubbery feel to the steering but you get used to it quickly and it's very nice to drive.
Jim, are you looking for 'driver' or do you want a restoration project?
I have a 1973 Rapier with excellent mechanicals (much money spent) but suffering from rusty sills, headlamps panels etc. I'm thinking of finding it a new home as I have too many cars. It does need some new panels and I have already had some interest in it (though I dont know how serious they are yet). It is most definately not available to anyone who might scrap it or use it as a donor car - it's far too good.
p.s. This has an 1840 Holbay Marathon engine (approx 130 bhp), webers, 4-branch exhaust, lowered and stiffened suspension and recaro seats - so might be not your thing.
Let me know if this would interest or not. If so we can talk when I get home in a few days. |
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TurboZed
United Kingdom
94 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jan 2010 : 22:17:06
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Sorry Derek, I missed this post. I'm actually looking for a very good rapier, preferably a coventry built one. I've spent too many hours restoring cars, I want one I can enjoy straight away. However I would really like to do the mods you have on yours for the one I get.
Regards,
Jim Gough
Looking for a fastback Rapier.... |
Edited by - TurboZed on 12 Jan 2010 22:17:59 |
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2010 : 23:39:56
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There's not too many about - but keep an eye on the cars for sale in the club magazine.
My 1840 is lovely to drive - lots more mid-range power and able to get just over 30mpg on a long run. The lowered and stiffened suspension transforms the cornering and you don't have a problem with cross-winds on the motorway.
I'll post some pictures and more details sometime.
My next project is more of the same - but this time with a Holbay/Swaymar engine by Coltec with Holbay race cam and fuel injection (hopefully if funds allow). I should get a reliable 150bhp and 30mpg without sacrificing the character of the car. |
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setchrapier
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
Posted - 14 Feb 2010 : 20:29:19
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quote:
Originally posted by 1922
There's not too many about - but keep an eye on the cars for sale in the club magazine.
My 1840 is lovely to drive - lots more mid-range power and able to get just over 30mpg on a long run. The lowered and stiffened suspension transforms the cornering and you don't have a problem with cross-winds on the motorway.
I'll post some pictures and more details sometime.
My next project is more of the same - but this time with a Holbay/Swaymar engine by Coltec with Holbay race cam and fuel injection (hopefully if funds allow). I should get a reliable 150bhp and 30mpg without sacrificing the character of the car.
Hi 1922
I am preparing a Fastback for classic rallying (needs to stay within certain rules) and wondered if you could advise on which dampers/springs you had used etc.
Also would like to know a bit more about the engine mods.
I have a Holbay motor already.
Is it worth creating a new thread on this ? Suggest 'modifications'.
Other might find it useful.
Great new site and good to have a forum to exchange ideas etc
Nick
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1922
United Kingdom
549 Posts |
Posted - 15 Feb 2010 : 13:49:31
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Hi Setchrapier,
I will start a new thread. |
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Topic |
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Mk6 fastback steering
