Vixen Steering Rack Options

[Moto]

I've had an MOT advisory of slight play in the steering rack inner arm bush. Presuming I'm correct in thinking this is a standard Spitfire rack I've looked through the Moss & Rimmer sites for parts and any options. It appears it is likely to need a new ball pin and socket, all seems pretty straight forward.

However seeing they also offer new quick racks giving 2.5 turns lock to lock rather than a standard 3.5 turns made me think whether or not this may be a good option - bearing in mind the car is primarily road use but I will compete in this years TVR Sprint & Hillclimb challenge.

Any one running a quick rack on their Vixen and if so how does it affect driveability on road and track?

Moto

[Astacus]

I don’t think it’s standard spitfire. I think Neil posted up something on it a while ago. I think it’s a combination of parts from spitty and something else..

[Dollyman1850]

Don't run a quick rack.. makes the car very nervous.. its fast enough on the turn as std.
N.

[SRT Hellcat]

Dollyman1850 said:

Don't run a quick rack.. makes the car very nervous.. its fast enough on the turn as std.
N.

My thoughts excatly

[Moto]

Thx guys. I'll stick with standard.

[RCK974X]

I've said this before but no one listened !!

It's a bit longer than a Spit/Herald rack, but centre is the same, and I think it's a 2000 Saloon rack !! (i.e. any of 2000/2500 non PS ones....)

But no-one has confirmed this idea....

[thicksliced]

When I bought my Vixen five years ago it had three quarters of a turn more lock one side to the other and both the track rod ends were screwed on tight giving no further toe in adjustment. I bought some bits and pieces from Steve Reid, mentioned it it him and he was of the opinion I had a 2000 rack.

Eventually I gave the rack to Adrian Venn who shortened the arms and I now have a properly functioning rack

Putting two and two together TVR used a Spitfire rack but needed longer steering arms so used shortened 2000 arms. Just a guess.

Mark

[RCK974X]

Interesting.... I thought that all the racks were the same, with just different arms - this info says they are not....

[Moto]

I shall also send my unit to Adrian@ to rebuild it so I know I'm getting my actual unit back all working correctly. Hopefully should last another 45 years.

Moto

[tomtrout]

I fitted a quick rack to my car and have regretted it ever since. So much so that I have just pulled my old rack from under the bench (never get rid of anything!) and stripped it down. Why I bothered to buy a replacement ( and a high ratio one at that) I don't know because my original rack is in very good order. I was obviously in a rush to crack on with the rebuild and was seduced by the thought of super direct steering and a nice clean looking rack for not much money. In fairness I haven't found the car skittish but the steering is mighty heavy at low speed so I'm looking forward to some slightly more relaxed maneuvering around car parking spaces. Incidentally the rubber gaiters on my original rack (36 years plus old) are in better condition than the gaiters that are currently fitted to my replacement rack. You've made the right decision Steve

[Moto]

Thanks for that Andy. I just knew it was the right decision but worth hearing it from you having been there and tried it.

Dave at Maniflow was a really good chap. Very pleased with what he's done - manifold looks great and 2" bore should see flow improvement. He also made a new mid section pipe & box as the existing was only 1 3/4". I'm well pleased.

Moto

Edited by Moto on Friday 30th March 20:22