Since the fiero use the same spindles as the chevrolet chevette/vauxhall chevette/opel kadett C, and the suspension in general is extremely similar (if not the same, I can't remember what I've read on that right now), I was thinking the differences between the steering rack used in the fiero and that used in the chevette can't be enormous. Does anyone know? It just so happens that quick-racks seem to be available for the (vauxhall) chevette, so it would be very convenient if they could be used

edit: yes, I did a search, but the only answer I found was that the chevette rack could not be used, with no good explanation of why

[This message has been edited by PerKr (edited 07-18-2010).]

Most if not all of the Chevettes came with power steering and used a power assisted rack with a different ratio.

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quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: Most if not all of the Chevettes came with power steering and used a power assisted rack with a different ratio.

RallyDesign have one they state as a 2.4 ratio, I'm assuming they mean that to be 2.4 turns lock-to-lock. haven't found any info regarding PS for the vauxhall version

I think the Chevette has a narrower track width than the Fiero. That would be a reason as to why the steering racks are not interchangeable if it is true.

I always understood that Fiero used already produced off the shelf parts for Chevett and Citation. There were no special bolt on parts....I could be wrong.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: I always understood that Fiero used already produced off the shelf parts for Chevett and Citation. There were no special bolt on parts....I could be wrong.

Well, they had to make some changes to account for some differences between the Fiero and the Chevette and Citation. Track width was obviously one of them. I found HERE HERE and HERE the respective specs for the Chevette, Fiero and Citation. It lists the front track widths for the cars as 51.2" Chevette, 58.7" Citation and 59.7" Fiero. If they had used only off the shelf parts to produce the Fiero with a Chevette front suspension and Citation rear suspension we would have ended up with a really narrow front track width with respect to the rear.

I think in cases where truly off the shelf parts could not be used there was still a strive to save costs by using production tooling.

I had a 1986 pontiac acadian (same as chevette), i did NOT have power steeing, i also used a chevette rack in my Lotus 7 Replica, i will try to do a comparson between the two tomorrow...

Does one connect in front of spindles, and the other behind?
Turning right to go left would sure give the ol' left brain a workout.

Norm

So the Citation rack might work with longer outer tie rod ends, but might affect bumpsteer

If it's just rack ends that are different I'mma be all over a Vauxhall Chevette rack like a cheap suit...

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quote Originally posted by Isolde: So the Citation rack might work with longer outer tie rod ends, but might affect bumpsteer

It absolutely will affect bump steer.

The mounting points aren't the same, so some fab is necessary to bolt it to the Fiero crossmember. Spacers can be machined to space stock Fiero tie rods out to the Fiero locations. I don't know the dimensions right off.

Track can be adjusted by rim offset. So just going by track specs is not very relevant....depends on the rims used.

Not for 8 1/2" of difference in track width; not with the Fiero wheels having the offset they do.

quote Originally posted by 88lambo: I had a 1986 pontiac acadian (same as chevette), i did NOT have power steeing, i also used a chevette rack in my Lotus 7 Replica, i will try to do a comparson between the two tomorrow...

Are those G-body knuckles?

quote Originally posted by Will: Not for 8 1/2" of difference in track width; not with the Fiero wheels having the offset they do.

OK, guess Ive learned something. I didnt think there was 8" track difference between a cavalier and a lincoln.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: OK, guess Ive learned something. I didnt think there was 8" track difference between a cavalier and a lincoln.

???

quote Originally posted by Jefrysuko: It lists the front track widths for the cars as 51.2" Chevette, 58.7" Citation and 59.7" Fiero.

While you *could* increase the track with of a Chevette by 8.5" by using, for example, 3rd gen Firebird wheels, the result would be a car with deep dish wheels. The Fiero does not have deep dish wheels. The track width increase is therefore the result of different hub width at the suspension, rather than different wheels.

I really do not wish to put power steering in my fiero but I gotta say that when I was underneath my car this weekend getting things lowered I had a lot of time to look at the steering rack. It seemed to really remind me of the one power steering rack in my Mustangs for some reason. I did not take any measurements but it did seem to look VERY similar. If it did fit it would be a very simple task to add a pump and lines to get it done I would think.... Just a thought.... peace

I have a Chevette power steering rack mounted on my Fiero crossmember. Here is a link so you can see what is needed. This is not my build.

http://diablo.kitcarmagazin...or/PowerSteering.asp


Mike

quote Originally posted by Will: While you *could* increase the track with of a Chevette by 8.5" by using, for example, 3rd gen Firebird wheels, the result would be a car with deep dish wheels. The Fiero does not have deep dish wheels. The track width increase is therefore the result of different hub width at the suspension, rather than different wheels.

My reference was meant to point out most cars track is not usually that much off from each other. They all are about the same width regardless of size, lanes and parking spaces are pretty standardized. ie/ 2 bucket seats and a console are a given general width, car is made to fit that. I dont see that much difference in width between a Town Car and a Corvette but I never measured them. I never would have guessed a Fiero was 8" wider than a Chevette or Citation.

I like deep dish wheels. Ones on my Ferrari kit were 4 1/2 offset and it looked great.

Deep dish wheels on the steering axle make it difficult to get good steering geometry.

Cars have a pretty big variance in size. Think about how close you areto your passenger in a Chevette, BMW E30 or Datsun 240Z. Compare that to the elbow room you have in a Fiero or C5 Corvette.

Here's a pic comparing the size of the new GTR with the older R34 Skyline. As you can see, the R35 is huge compared to the R34.

It is bigger, but still dont look like 8", more like half a tire. I know my portable tent in the Fiero went from inside door panel to opposite door panel when I laid it down. To drive though, I had to put it in passenger side floor sticking up by the headrest. It fit the same way in my Magnum station wagon with only an inch or two of extra space. Im going to have to check out some measurments for fun.

I used to drive a stripped down 87 chevette, and for th e life of me, I don't believe it had power steering.

quote Originally posted by Msaby: I have a Chevette power steering rack mounted on my Fiero crossmember. Here is a link so you can see what is needed. This is not my build. http://diablo.kitcarmagazin...or/PowerSteering.asp Mike

The method used there would be unacceptable to most people as it would likely significantly affect bump steer. The extensions to the rack need to be INSIDE of the inner rods, i.e. an extension to the rack itself. Otherwise the tie rods pivot at the wrong point relative to the compression of the suspension

quote Originally posted by tbone42: I used to drive a stripped down 87 chevette, and for th e life of me, I don't believe it had power steering.

I had an 86 "vette" & it did not have power steering. It was the 2-door "sport"model.

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87 coupe restoration project.

quote Originally posted by Pete Matos: I really do not wish to put power steering in my fiero but I gotta say that when I was underneath my car this weekend getting things lowered I had a lot of time to look at the steering rack. It seemed to really remind me of the one power steering rack in my Mustangs for some reason. I did not take any measurements but it did seem to look VERY similar. If it did fit it would be a very simple task to add a pump and lines to get it done I would think.... Just a thought.... peace

I was wondering about the 15:1 rack from my '89 Mustang. I never did take any measurements, because I don't know the correct way to do it. I assume I'd have to remove the rubber boots, and I don't know how to do that, I don't want to damage or replace them.

I had an 84 Chevette from new. It did not have power steering.

Arn

I searched www.rockauto.com for a power steering rack for an '84 Chevette, and had no difficulty finding it.

quote Originally posted by Will: Deep dish wheels on the steering axle make it difficult to get good steering geometry. Cars have a pretty big variance in size. Think about how close you areto your passenger in a Chevette, BMW E30 or Datsun 240Z. Compare that to the elbow room you have in a Fiero or C5 Corvette. Here's a pic comparing the size of the new GTR with the older R34 Skyline. As you can see, the R35 is huge compared to the R34.

Not knowing the distance from camera, and focal length of the lens used, this photo really shows
nothing.
As a for instance :
Next time you watch a baseball game on TV, a long shot taken from center field to homeplate.
The batter, catcher, & umpire look HUGE compared to the pitcher, they are roughly the same size,
and the pitcher, who is obviously closer to the camera, "looks" MUCH smaller than the batter.
This is because of the way the telephoto lens "does it's thing".
Albeit the cars in the photo are closer together than the ball players, but the effect still comes into play,
just on an obviously smaller scale proportionately.


Norm