Purple tag quick rack - 2.7 turns

[SidewaysSi]

I have the chance to buy what I understand is a Z3 2.7 turn rack. Below is the tag on it but it is not purple! In have been assured that it is the quickest rack but I want to be certain.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

[stevesingo]

Any use...

https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=...

[helix402]

Afraid I can’t help identify it, however it’s not a purple tag.

[Richair]

Sorry to state the bleedin' obvious, but how many turns does the pinion go through lock-to lock? There's your answer...

[iSore]

Silver tag 1094038 is indeed a Z3 rack, 2.7 turns. The purple tag rack is from the E46 Compact, 330Ci Clubfoot and later 4 cylinder N42/46 E46's. It's around 3 turns lock to lock iirc.

The Z3 rack is best because as well as being a quick rack, it's nice and linear whereas the E36 M3 rack isn't - it's quite slow around the straight ahead. Z3 racks are pricey and many and knackered now - pull the rubber boots back and check it's not pissing oil out. It's scrap if it is. Good purple tag racks are 60 quid and they are quicker and more feelsome but they don't make the massive quantum leap some claim they do. They're good for replacing shagged E36 racks though.

[iSore]

[s m]

iSore said:

Silver tag 1094038 is indeed a Z3 rack, 2.7 turns. The purple tag rack is from the E46 Compact, 330Ci Clubfoot and later 4 cylinder N42/46 E46's. It's around 3 turns lock to lock iirc.

The Z3 rack is best because as well as being a quick rack, it's nice and linear whereas the E36 M3 rack isn't - it's quite slow around the straight ahead. Z3 racks are pricey and many and knackered now - pull the rubber boots back and check it's not pissing oil out. It's scrap if it is. Good purple tag racks are 60 quid and they are quicker and more feelsome but they don't make the massive quantum leap some claim they do. They're good for replacing shagged E36 racks though.

Just to add, the 3 litre E36 M3 rack is the odd variable ratio one with a lot of straight ahead "sneeze factor" inbuilt.
Later 3.2 Litre E36 M3 rack was the same as normal E36 rack but with lock limiters for the bigger wheel/tyre combo on the M car which led people to think it was a "faster" rack as slightly less turns l to l.
Standard E36 rack to Z3 rack feels like a massive change

[s m]

Also to add, have you done Xbrace mod as well as engine/box mounts Si?

[SidewaysSi]

Thanks all, I haven't got the rack yet but intend in getting it fully refurbished before I put it on the car.

s m, it has vibratechnics engine mounts, X Brace, Bilstein B12 kit etc. I have also just ordered some adjustable Eibach ARBs too.

What gearbox mount is best?

[s m]

SidewaysSi said:

Thanks all, I haven't got the rack yet but intend in getting it fully refurbished before I put it on the car.

s m, it has vibratechnics engine mounts, X Brace, Bilstein B12 kit etc. I have also just ordered some adjustable Eibach ARBs too.

What gearbox mount is best?

Sounds like you've got it all covered. I mentioned them as they made quite a difference to my, admittedly high-mileage, 328 saloon
I just used new standard mount for box so I can't advise on uprated ones

[SidewaysSi]

s m said:

SidewaysSi said:

Thanks all, I haven't got the rack yet but intend in getting it fully refurbished before I put it on the car.

s m, it has vibratechnics engine mounts, X Brace, Bilstein B12 kit etc. I have also just ordered some adjustable Eibach ARBs too.

What gearbox mount is best?

Sounds like you've got it all covered. I mentioned them as they made quite a difference to my, admittedly high-mileage, 328 saloon
I just used new standard mount for box so I can't advise on uprated ones

No problem. Think I will add a UUC shirt shift kit, M50 etc., either a Quaife or plate style LSD (want a 3.46 ratio), lightweight flywheel and some upgraded brakes.

Should make for a brilliant road car...

[e30m3Mark]

I put a Z3 rack in my E30 and it's just about perfect. I have read some folk feel it made their car feel a bit twitchy but I wouldn't swap.

[abdonamil]

I've same problem. Thanks for help guys, i've owe you all a beer

[iSore]

Some say the purple tag rack is almost as good as the Z3 rack.

It's not even close. It's marginally better than standard however and is a cheap improvement on an E36.

[shalmaneser]

iSore said:

Some say the purple tag rack is almost as good as the Z3 rack.

It's not even close. It's marginally better than standard however and is a cheap improvement on an E36.

So much easier to find and much newer though! And agreed, on the e36 a huge improvement.