pug_ham 240 3 Cars Posted May 14, 2003 I have a 205 PAS rack that I have removed the ram on and I'm thinking of fitting it to my GTi, for anyone who has done this is it worthwhile? I find the standard steering OK but thought that while I have the engine and everything out I could fit this if it is a good move. I know it'll take a bit of getting used to after driving my diesel, even driving the standard rack on my GTi I've sometimes been turning in to much to soon due to the lack of body roll. Would anyone recommend it? Cheers for any feedback. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue1.9 0 Posted May 14, 2003 I asked this a while ago....It seemed that a few people have done it and that they seem to like it... I've actually got myself a complete PAS system that I'm going to have a go at fitting soon. My first GTi has PAS and when I got the second I found the std rack too slow....since I was thinking of putting the rack in I thought I may as well go the whole hog! I'm just a bit nervous about having to lower the subframe to get the PAS rack in Good luck with it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 240 3 Cars Posted May 14, 2003 I asked this a while ago....It seemed that a few people have done it and that they seem to like it... I've actually got myself a complete PAS system that I'm going to have a go at fitting soon. My first GTi has PAS and when I got the second I found the std rack too slow....since I was thinking of putting the rack in I thought I may as well go the whole hog! I'm just a bit nervous about having to lower the subframe to get the PAS rack in Good luck with it It's nothing major lowering the front subframe but I can do this easily at the moment because the engine and gearbox are out of the car. I might get the subframe powder coated while it's all out anyway. I think I'm going to go for it anyway, the PAS rack is newer than the one on eht ecar AFAIK. Cheers, Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue1.9 0 Posted May 14, 2003 (edited) If the subframe lowering is fairly easy then you may as well give it a go....if you hate it, you can always change back (if you don't sell the std rack)...you'll just need the tracking doing again! Will just be a bit heavier than the std rack at low speeds. Good luck Edited May 14, 2003 by blue1.9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattcony 2 Posted May 14, 2003 LOL, this has been going round in my head for a week or so but not managed to make a pst so I will tag along. I am wanting a quicker rack as well, but have no PAS, do I fit the lot or just mod a rack to run with out the pump ? Will it be ok with out the pump conected ? Cheers matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Admin Posted May 14, 2003 Matt you can run it without the pump connected but i'd recommend plugging all the holes up as you don't want a stone to jump in through one of the fluid feed holes and it lock you steering, could be fatal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue1.9 0 Posted May 14, 2003 Finally found the response that I got when I asked this question ages ago (still haven't got round to doing it though - maybe this weekend! ) http://forum.205gtidrivers.com/index.php?a...&t=1529&hl=rack To fit the PAS rack you need the rack and the intermediate steering shaft to go with it. I decided that if I was going to fit the PAS rack without the pipes, pump etc I'd try to blank the connections for the pipes into the rack to avoid corrosion/crud collecting there and preventing the full PAS system being installed later. HTH Alex Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue1.9 0 Posted May 14, 2003 Matt you can run it without the pump connected but i'd recommend plugging all the holes up as you don't want a stone to jump in through one of the fluid feed holes and it lock you steering, could be fatal. Probably a much better reason to plug the holes than a little corrosion.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 240 3 Cars Posted May 14, 2003 I'm only fitting the rack, none of the other bits for the PAS system. I'm going to blank off the pipe inlets on the rack body, I've removed the ram from the rack already and I might put some extra grease in the pipe holes before blanking them off. I have the lower column shaft, evrything was removed from my diesel when the pump started making noises. IMO the steering shouldn't be any heavier with all this removed, just quicker acting. Removing the front subframe can't be that hard as long as all the bolts come undone nicely and I'll replace them when I refit it. I don't need to remove it because with the engine out I have masses of space to fit the rack from the engine bay. I'll take off the front subframe tomorrow hopefully and sort out getting it painted soon after. I've started to rebuild my engine so things are coming together nicely, just waiting for my head and cam from Hiflow when Andy gets back from holiday. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miles 331 1 Cars Posted May 14, 2003 I think Kris K might have this set up on his motor, I know that all 309 GTi's had PAS and with his 16v lump in I know it doesn't run with it, Might be completly wrong thou Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted May 15, 2003 I removed the PAS stuff but kept the rack when I did my Mi16 swap... it works really well, the standard rack now feels like driving a tractor in comparison. the holes are easy to plug with bolts of the correct size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CJ_2_0_5 0 Posted May 15, 2003 Just to add... Lowering the subframe is not a big problem, just make sure you lower it slowly and don't bend the gear linkages. The main reason for lowering the subframe is to allow the rack and ram to slide into position. If you don't have the ram fitted there may be enough room without lowering the subframe?? Can't remember myself whether this is the case, perhaps jack can comment. Cheers CJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted May 15, 2003 I didn't actually remove my rack, just the ram and I did it with the engine out. I would certainly try with the subframe in place first though as it might well fit through without the ram. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 240 3 Cars Posted May 15, 2003 Thanks everyone, I don't think the rack will fit with the subframe in place if the engine bay is full, the height of the pinion body (due to where the pipes go in to the body) is more than on a non-pas rack so it fouls the body when you try to pull it out of the bay. I had a look today and I'm going to cut of the bar at the outer and of the body near the bellows too and then fit it. Maybe tomorrow. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
