14 replies to this topic

[mrducati]

I am looking for ways to sharpen the steering respons on my '98 Cooper with Sportspack and am considering fitting a quick rack. Does anyone have experience with this?
When looking at Minispares' it might look like sportspack Minis had an own steeringrack with less lock to prevent the wheels from rubbing the arces. Is there not a way to adjust this? Or is there a modification to be done to the steeringrack to solve this? I have 7 in deep dish rims and they are already rubbing slightly.

[Ryang556]

I was looking into a quick rack and I was told by many people they're good on track but with all the bumps etc on normal roads they're far too twitchy for everyday use and become more of a nuisance than anything

[mrducati]

Hi Ryang556! Thanks for your opinion! The fact that the Mini-steering is so direct is the main reason why I love my Mini som much, and I was thinking I might love it even more so if it was even more direct. Many people would say the standard steering rack is also far too twitchy for everyday use, but many people are also very comfort-orientented. I don't belong in that group of people. However, I whish I could have tried it before buying so I would know if I agree with them or not.
I am very curious if there is a simple way to set the correct steering lock to the quick rack so it will fit my Sportspack-Mini.

[Ryang556]

I did put a post up on here not long ago asking about them and most did mention that they're very twitchy for road use, regardless I guess it's all down to the driver!

[bluedragon]

A quick rack with wide 13" wheels and tires may prove to be a real chore to muscle around at low speed. The quick rack, of course, trades leverage for shortened motion. So the rack will require more effort to turn. Maybe not so bad with a 10" 145/70 tire, but considerably more of a chore with a 13" 175/50. Unless I had a chance to try it out myself beforehand, I'd avoid it for a street driven Mini.

The limited travel rack for Sportspacks doesn't affect the ratio. It just limits how far the wheels can be turned. Sportspacks have a larger turning circle because the rack limits how far the wheels can be pivoted. That was always a drawback to me, as the Sportspacks didn't have the parking-lot manuverability you'd think a Mini-sized car should have.

Edited by bluedragon, 19 July 2012 - 02:00 AM.

[Ryang556]

Interesting post!

[mk3 Cooper S]

If you want to sharpen up the handling try fitting 10" wheels

[jagman.2003]

If you want to reduce the steering movement for 13" wheels KAD do a set of bushes that attach to the steering arms under the boot. I just bought some from Somerford mini spares. I have succeded in getting the same effect with jubilee clips in the past. A quick rack will just have a different ratio reducing the total number of turns. Personally I like them & have used them for years.

[mrducati]

A quick rack with wide 13" wheels and tires may prove to be a real chore to muscle around at low speed. The quick rack, of course, trades leverage for shortened motion. So the rack will require more effort to turn. Maybe not so bad with a 10" 145/70 tire, but considerably more of a chore with a 13" 175/50. Unless I had a chance to try it out myself beforehand, I'd avoid it for a street driven Mini.

The limited travel rack for Sportspacks doesn't affect the ratio. It just limits how far the wheels can be turned. Sportspacks have a larger turning circle because the rack limits how far the wheels can be pivoted. That was always a drawback to me, as the Sportspacks didn't have the parking-lot manuverability you'd think a Mini-sized car should have.

The quick rack is 2,2 turns from lock to lock as opposed to 2,7 for standard. So it is 23 % faster and should also be 23 % heavier i suppose? I can no doubt live with that. I belive servosteering is for whimps, and think a real man should have muscles to steer his car. If i fit semi-slicks to the car, i will agree I might be challenged...

If you want to sharpen up the handling try fitting 10" wheels

I have seen many people praise the 10" wheels. I have been qurious as to why people say that as they must have a much taller tirewall and therefor it will flex more than the 175/50-13 consequently giving a less sharp steering.Now I am well aware that there is more to handling,roadholding and steeringfeel than the hight of the tirewall and I suppose the tires also have a smaller diameter giving a lower CG and a different roll centre. I belive it would look quite silly under the big arches, and also the 10" won't fit over the brakes. So it will be quite expensive with new rims, new tires, new (inferior?) brakes and probarbly a unsatisfactory look.

If you want to reduce the steering movement for 13" wheels KAD do a set of bushes that attach to the steering arms under the boot. I just bought some from Somerford mini spares. I have succeded in getting the same effect with jubilee clips in the past. A quick rack will just have a different ratio reducing the total number of turns.

Thanks for that information. Is it this http://www.somerford...oducts_id=15054 you are refering to?

Personally I like them & have used them for years.

You are refering to the quick rack, not the bushes I suppose? I am delighted to read someone is happy with this setup.

[andymini12]

Have you fitted soild front subframe mounts yet? If not that will make the steering more direct! and certainly make the handling slightly better.

[mrducati]

I have Polyuretane mountings, but I have bought solid mounts but have not fitted them yet. Excited to feel what difference it will make.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Yes it could be an expensive change but less tramlining, torque steer and patter.

13 x 7 is significantly wose that a 10 x 5 for those.

Is your current steering rack in ood condition?

[mrducati]

Yes it is in good condition. No play at all.

[callum2464]

I have one on wide 13's yes its great if you want to sharp response on corners, but dont even think about a 3 point turn, its like a ******* workout haha

[mrducati]

The order has now been placed at Minispares. Exited to see how it feels!