Steering rack for VR4 Rally car

[Peter J Rizzo]

Hello everyone. So here is my question. I have a 91 Galant VR4 and have competed in 2 rallys and a sprint so far. My mentor, Tim O'Neil, used it in many during the 90's. What makes me different is that I am a paralegic, paralyzed from my chest down. Tim and I have been experimenting with all different types of hand controls, etc. to allow me to race competitively. The current set up we are using is a throttle ring that sits over the top of the steering wheel and i push it in for gas. The goal of this set up was to allow me to have both hands on the steering wheel as I found my arms getting very fatigued during the Lake Superior Performance rally. I was able to complete it but I felt like I could have done better. At the time, we had a twist throttle and I had to steer with one hand the whole time. The throttle ring works well, but we now have a new issue. The current steering rack makes it hard to manage the throttle due to having to turn the wheel too far. We are thinking about a swap of the steering rack with something like a quick rack or an Evo rack. I was wondering if anyone on this forum had any experience with rack changes or any other thoughts that might help me. I really love this sport and I want to hopefully inspire other handicapped athletes to get involved with motorsports of all kinds. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my thread and hopefully someone can give me some input.
Best,
Pete

 

[randman2011]

https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2...-quickrack-w-optional-eps-kits-closed.520413/

This is the only thing that I know of for 2gs. I assume that the GVR4 would be closer to a 1g?

 

[rabenne]

A 1g manual rack should bolt right up!

That should give you less turns lock to lock, but removes option of hydraulic steering assit.
you would need to retrofit an electric steering column for steering assistance (also has perk of being adjustable)

 

[Peter J Rizzo]

Guys, thank you so much for the replies. I know we all have a lot on our plates these days so I really appreciate the guidance. This give me a direction to follow!

 

[rabenne]

Let me add that I would be happy to help in any way I can.... just ask.

 

[GST with PSI]

Probably more applicable to the GVR-4:

http://www.galantvr4.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Board=UBB3&Number=657122&page=0&fpart=1

 

[rabenne]

That is a nice find, Brett. It really has me thinking about the dynamics of the system.

I would look into something that will allow you to adjust steering assistance...

Increasing the ratio (by quickener or by new rack and pinion gears) will increase steering input effort. Maybe the hydraulic system can work harder and keep the input torque required to a reasonable level. But you will get one "steering weight" and whatever it is, you have to live with it.

I personally think an electric column might be a better option for you, if for no other reason than it allows input torque adjustability. Turn a dial and the steering wheel gets heavier, turn the other way, it gets lighter.

Not saying its the way to go, just factors to consider as you do your research!