positioning of steering rack on front engine rwd nova?

[scorch312]

Has anyone got any pics of where the steering rack is positioned on front engined rwd converted novas? In urgent need of any pics/advise on where to put them.

Also are there any build threads of front engined rwd nova.

[totalnova]

I'm sure there are build threads where people have 'started' building them........
Sorry I can't help with the positioning, why can't you keep it where it is?

[Iain]

Gearbox interference I imagine!

What does the bulkhead look like out of interest? Is there scope to move it up or do you need to mount a rack at the front?

[total_vauxhall]

Iv often thought about this and looked into using mk2 astra gear as it is alot higher up the bulkhead i think you would also need to modify the holes were the track rods go through the leg ??

[Iain]

The issue in my eyes with going too high on the bulkhead is what angle the arms will end up at. I'm sure Astras have a steering arm half way up the strut. Are you trying to maintain the same steering arm on standard Nova knuckles?

[Benn]

I might have one i can upload later.

[total_vauxhall]

The issue in my eyes with going too high on the bulkhead is what angle the arms will end up at. I'm sure Astras have a steering arm half way up the strut. Are you trying to maintain the same steering arm on standard Nova knuckles?

Yea when i looked into it i was looking at using astra uprights ect . Not saying it works but just some options i looked into when i was going to put my 3.9 motor in mine.
Or modify some nova coilovers and fabricate the steering arm onto them

[bazil]

Depends on a few things, what engine you are using, are you mounting the engine longitudinal, what gearbox, how far forward the engine sits etc etc

main these pics you'll see the option to use nova or Astra steering is out of the question due to using an XE and type 9 box mounted basically in the bulkhead, the entire front suspension and steering is used from a MK2 escort

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/blue%20rwd/Screenshot_2014-08-20-18-37-32_zpsjdjaib0i.png (http://s790.photobucket.com/user/Bazil_2468/media/blue%20rwd/Screenshot_2014-08-20-18-37-32_zpsjdjaib0i.png.html)

http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/blue%20rwd/Austin4SP0ct05_zps4fkrzb1h.jpg (http://s790.photobucket.com/user/Bazil_2468/media/blue%20rwd/Austin4SP0ct05_zps4fkrzb1h.jpg.html)
http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy181/Bazil_2468/blue%20rwd/Austin6SP0ct05_zpsavxmynuc.jpg (http://s790.photobucket.com/user/Bazil_2468/media/blue%20rwd/Austin6SP0ct05_zpsavxmynuc.jpg.html)

[scorch312]

Im using the z16ler on the r25 omega box monted longitudinal. Not exactly sure if the rack will have to be moved as of yet but is looking more likely. There will be room for it to be moved up and i will be using the nova rack and suspension. Just looking to see what my options will be for when its time to cross the bridge.

[bazil]

Your "not sure" if it'll need moved?

As as far as I can see if you want to keep the nova setup then there are two outcomes, first is you'll have to move the rack up fairly high and result in ridiculous steering arm angles or secondly try to keep the steering rack low and mount the engine and box incredibly low, I mean like inches from the deck low, either way the rack will definitely have to move, and that also means steering column angle changes,

do you have a build thread? I'd love to see how you make progress

[Benn]

Could the rack not be mounted in front of the engine? Using modded hubs (or ones from a different car)

[mk1nova_rich]

Surely Mk2 Escort gear or similar is the best way to go forward - although there is a good chance whatever you decide to do you are going to have to have some custom steering knuckles made up. Either that or be very imaginative in your parts raid lol

[Iain]

How symmetrical are Nova hubs? Could they be swapped side to side to use with a rack up front?

[total_vauxhall]

Id say rack would probs end up right there the engine block should be if you did that and calipers would be on the otherside aswell .

[bazil]

Buy this and fabricate it in, or use mk2 escort stuff, far easier





http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/181982522997

[mowgli]

Look at hot rod stuff.. they always used to use viva front axles. There was a bloke years ago who built a mid engined nova that used a corvette complete front axle/steering setup.