Aluminum Manual Steering Rack w/ quick ratio steering box

[Herblenny]

Originally Posted by To_Slow

From the looks of it, is it possible to have the rack mounts machined in to the rack making it a solid mount rack?

If they do that, I'll buy one.

How are much better are these besides weight saving.. I would love to check them out before investing...

[MotoTek]

I'm also interested in having the rack mounts machined into the rack itself. Eventually a 20b will be in my car, just not as soon as you two.

Phil, I believe Gordon already has this same rack here in the states. If you live close to him I'm sure he'd be nice enough to let you check it out.

From the research I've gathered here are the pros and cons.

Pros:
Fast correction
Reduced steering input
deletion of entire power steering system 20 lbs savings just in the rack itself.
no core charge
different travel rates (increased steering angle)
free up power (no ps belt)
one less thing to leak


Cons:
hard to turn when stopped
cost

[lt1_fd3s]

mine is for my LT-1 powered FD...

now the only thing I need a belt for is my alternator...time to cut a bracket even more!

[Herblenny]

Originally Posted by MotoTek

Phil, I believe Gordon already has this same rack here in the states. If you live close to him I'm sure he'd be nice enough to let you check it out.

I'm hoping Gordon will come to DGRR and let me try out the steering..

If they could incorporate the mounting, I'm for it! Sucks that I just bought the Marvel manual rack.. but I could always sell it or put it in something else..

[ptrhahn]

I've a question on weight on this item. The OP indicates that this will save approx. 20 lbs vs. A CONVERTED RACK, vs. the 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs) over a STANDARD SETUP listed in the Atomic Rex quote. "Standard setup" to me would indicate the factory power steering setup, with lines, pump, etc.

Is it 18 lbs over JUST a manual (Maval style) rack, or over the whole factory system?

[Herblenny]

good question ptrhahn!

My guess is over the standard PS system.. I can't see saving 20lbs vs. Marvel converted.. But who knows.. Maybe you do save that much by going aluminum casing...

[scotty305]

Looks like a very nice piece, I hope they continue to produce them so I can buy one in the future.

[ptrhahn]

I'm not unhappy at all with my Maval rack... but a significant weight savings might make this upgrade worth it. Maybe Atomic could chime in, or post the actual weight of their unit? I've got an extra rack laying around I could weigh.

[Herblenny]

I just got a Maval rack (haven't taken it out of the box) but I have to say it didn't weigh much.. So, I'm pretty sure 20lbs is not coming from the rack itself but probably with the pump, lines, and fluid.

[Herblenny]

Just looked up what the UPS weigh Maval rack for (w/box and such)..... 22.30 Lbs!

So, They must be comparing it with stock system.

ptrhahn, So, you like the Maval rack?? I'm kind of excited to put it on... No AC, PS... Its going to be FUN driving around in the Summer Alabama HEAT!

[Brent]

No AC, No PS... no problems. I'm running looped lines on my silver FD(and have enjoyed it) and picked up the Maval full manual rack for the yellow one. I'm looking forward to being able to do a "no shit" side by side comparison once I get back.

[MotoTek]

I emailed Jon the link to this thread.

[To_Slow]

1. MotoTek
2. To_Slow(LHD) (zip 48316) Deposit sent for solid mount rack
3. Trout2 (LHD) (zip 70118)
4. traynham (LHD - zip: 28804)
5.

[lt1_fd3s]

Ok, the deposit has been taken from my account. The amount is $579.88.

and I just emailed Jon and got this reply:

Originally Posted by Jon w/ AtomicRex Ltd

I took £350 ($492.76) + VAT this morning.

The rack is going to come in at £690 ($971.45) + P&P + VAT.

The Postage is going to be approx £80 ($112.66), but until we have the final wrapped item measured I can’t finalise this.

The VAT is calculated at 15%

We also pass on the merchant card fee...but this is only 2%

So in total...the bill will be £903.21 ($1 271.63)

Assuming we get 5 people...and we are only missing 1 at the moment..the bill will come in at £822.27 ($1 157.67)

I wonder if you are able to claim the VAT back?

damn taxes... and i thought we had 5...

[MotoTek]

Yea, our 5th guy backed out. I'm wondering if we should wait for someone else to jump on. If he builds the mounts into the rack itself I think we can have 2 more guys jump onto the group-buy; which will qualify us for the discount.

"By definition, exports are consumed abroad and are usually not subject to VAT; VAT charged under such circumstances is usually refundable. This avoids downward pressure on exports and ultimately export derived revenue."

I'm not sure how we get refunded though.

Also, it looks like we're going to pay close to $113 + VAT (x5) for the racks to be shipped to our individual places (almost $800). I bet it'd be cheaper to to ship to one place here in the states split 1 shipping charge 5 ways, then ship out from there.

I'll figure out how much it'll cost from Pennsylvania to our respective places, and get back to you guys.