V6 Bi turbo swap

[john bowden]

Gents

I'm in the process of converting a B3 coupe quattro to run a 2.7bi turbo motor from a B5 S4

I have the engine/ gearbox mounts sorted, and the pipework for the standard exhausts now fits.

However, I have issues in that the steering rack and both steering arms are completely in the way, and was wondering if anyone has come up against this before.

Several possible solutions:

1. Manual steering rack with electric assistance
2. Swap to another rack (ie VW Golf) Mk2

Both would possible need modified steering arms and / or reversal of the struts.

Has anyone any thoughts / suggestions etc

Thanks for your help

John

[Error404]

sounds like a great project, I'd be really interested to seem more about it
what is obstructing the rack and steering arms? have you mounted the gearbox further back?

can you somehow mount a more conventional rack at subframe level and use rear hub carriers with intergral tie rod arms? The steering shaft would then be the next issue to overcome.

[john bowden]

Hi

The rack is catching the o/s manifold, and both the steering arms would foul the exhaust manifolds / turbos.

I've bought a manual rack to try but, I will still have the issue with the steering arms, anyone modified them ?

Good point about the rear hub carriers, I was thinking of swapping the struts , so the track rod end mounts at the rear of the strut instead of the front ? Sure I've seen this somewhere before ??

I'll try and get some photos of the car / obstructions on line later today

Thanks for your input

John

[Error404]

Depending on how much the tie rods foul things you might be able to make some kinked ones to give more clearance. You will not be able to turn the wheels with a manual rack, with close to a ton of weight over the front axle. Pics would definately help

[quattro84]

i would try to lower the steering control arms on the shock towers and place the steering rack as low as possible. Look at how BMW did it for instance on the E30:


Need some visual stimulation to guess if it could be done underneath the sump/gearbox.
Would kill the immense bump streer on stock setup as well.

[Ryss]

Think the A4B5 steering rack, then it matches the power steering pump on the motor. You will need to add a shelf to mount the rack.

As for the struts I had this sudden idea, which could be shot full of holes. Swop left to right and right to left, so that steering arms are at the back. Calipers then in front of the axle.

[john bowden]

As for the struts I had this sudden idea, which could be shot full of holes. Swop left to right and right to left, so that steering arms are at the back. Calipers then in front of the axle.

This is my thinking, sure i've read about it somewhere, but can't remember if it was a good or bad proposal.

I think the caliper mounting brackets unbolt from the strut so can remain at the front

Thanks for your thoughts

John