on a post below this i see that the miata (mx5)or subaru rack fits the first gen Z's. my rack has play in it (yes i've tried everything, new bucsings, tie rods, ball joints, tires....and on and on...

is it easier just to get miata rack? are they direct bolt in? are they power assited, and would they work without hooking up the power steering? what year mx5's? what model/year subaru?

thanks. i have a 77 Z

will fit the S30. I have bought one and will fit in the New Year. It is powered, and I bought all lines, pump, etc. I have to make brackets to fit the pump to my sbc, but should be reasonably straight forward.

No use fitting a powered rack without hooking up the power assist. Would be far to heavy - just try switching off the motor in a modern car and try to steer it!

Pics of a Mazda rack in a RHD 240Z for info. Should be similar for LHD, just mirrored:

thanks yellazed. does the steering collumn rod attach to the existing S30 coupler at the firewall? i notice that the rod is different below the engine mount in your photo. also, how about the outter tie rod ends: S30's or miata's? year miata?...or does it matter

i'll comb my local junkyard this week and see what's out there

thanks again

FWIW this Western Australian restoration was done with a Subaru WRX rack and a 280Z pump. I do not know anything else about the car or the details of the mechanicals but it is one good looking car from the photo provided.

http://wazregister.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=316

Miata's were available in powered and manual versions. The manual racks require a higher number of turns lock to lock. However, the general consensus is that a depowered power rack makes a better manual rack.

To do this most people connect one line to both fittings on the rack.

One more thing, I am not sure if there are differences between the early cars 90-97 versus 98-2005 cars (99-2005 us). The above applies to the early cars.

Al

thanks boyblunda, but the link doesn't show photos, just two posts (text only)

240Z fan, thanks. i'll check my local junkyard and see what's available, provided 3 cars aren't sitting on top of a miata or WRX.....i also wouldn't mind using an UNpowered- power rack...i'll keep you posted.:classic: