I haven't seen any threads about Respeeds rack kit yet?
10-19-07, 11:21 AM
#27
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: south dakota
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thats why
sorry seems i forgot to post the picture the first time....but this is why i think the respeed kit wont work, i think though i can possibly fabricate it to work since, the rear steering setup was left alone, and i think the front sump on my motor could be made (or the rack) to clear stuff...becuase i really want that rack
~Nick
10-19-07, 12:20 PM
#29
[IMG]
sorry seems i forgot to post the picture the first time....but this is why i think the respeed kit wont work, i think though i can possibly fabricate it to work since, the rear steering setup was left alone, and i think the front sump on my motor could be made (or the rack) to clear stuff...becuase i really want that rack
~Nick
sorry seems i forgot to post the picture the first time....but this is why i think the respeed kit wont work, i think though i can possibly fabricate it to work since, the rear steering setup was left alone, and i think the front sump on my motor could be made (or the rack) to clear stuff...becuase i really want that rack
~Nick
-billy
10-19-07, 01:05 PM
#30
In Progress Pics
I had the fortune to be at Joe's shop partway through the installation of this rack, and thought I'd add some pics to the mix.
I was VERY impressed with the construction of the kit and though I did not get to drive the finished product, I've still re-arranged my rx7 "priority upgrades" list to move this up!
The cool thing you can see in the first pic is the engine mount setup. This is in a GSL-SE, but the exact same rack kit works on a 12a-powered FB because you can just loosen the bolts from underneath and slide the mount back.
Billy, still got plans to try and fab up some FC side-mounts to match with this thing? That would make a painless swap.. no swapping oil pan, no swapping front cover, just drop in and run!
Jon
I was VERY impressed with the construction of the kit and though I did not get to drive the finished product, I've still re-arranged my rx7 "priority upgrades" list to move this up!
The cool thing you can see in the first pic is the engine mount setup. This is in a GSL-SE, but the exact same rack kit works on a 12a-powered FB because you can just loosen the bolts from underneath and slide the mount back.
Billy, still got plans to try and fab up some FC side-mounts to match with this thing? That would make a painless swap.. no swapping oil pan, no swapping front cover, just drop in and run!
Jon
10-19-07, 04:51 PM
#31
85 GSL-SE
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like everyone got to see my car before I did. Actually, seeing pics Joe put up was how I found out it was done.
Thanks for the great work Joe!
Billy... Awesome job. This is definitly the first of many purchases from Respeed. I see big brakes in the future.
The CP Racing rack on the car was put in just as Chris was on the verge of financial colapse (from what I heard anyway) It was a quick an shity job that I have been trying to fix for months. Very happy now!
As this is my first real post here I should tell you a little about myself and my car. I'm 36, live in Cambridge, Ontario, This is my second RX-7, My first was an 85 GSL, blue. Loved it. However, in 1993, it was stolen, used in a drive-by shooting, then pushed off a cliff. (I've got pictures... Ugly) Broke my heart. I'd been looking for another for a few years and found this one last year. 85 SE with 64 000km. So far, I've done only a few changes, no engine work yet. Tokico HD and Eibachs, Volk TE-37 rims, BFG g-Force kwd tires, Stereo, and now the R&P kit.
I'll give a review of the R&P kit after I've had some time with it. But, so far I love it. Thanks again Joe and Billy.
-Steve
Thanks for the great work Joe!
Billy... Awesome job. This is definitly the first of many purchases from Respeed. I see big brakes in the future.
The CP Racing rack on the car was put in just as Chris was on the verge of financial colapse (from what I heard anyway) It was a quick an shity job that I have been trying to fix for months. Very happy now!
As this is my first real post here I should tell you a little about myself and my car. I'm 36, live in Cambridge, Ontario, This is my second RX-7, My first was an 85 GSL, blue. Loved it. However, in 1993, it was stolen, used in a drive-by shooting, then pushed off a cliff. (I've got pictures... Ugly) Broke my heart. I'd been looking for another for a few years and found this one last year. 85 SE with 64 000km. So far, I've done only a few changes, no engine work yet. Tokico HD and Eibachs, Volk TE-37 rims, BFG g-Force kwd tires, Stereo, and now the R&P kit.
I'll give a review of the R&P kit after I've had some time with it. But, so far I love it. Thanks again Joe and Billy.
-Steve
10-19-07, 05:24 PM
#33
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
re-speed rack and pinion kit = quality piece! very nice billy..
you can tell by the fitment lots of R&D went into this product before selling it to the public, so its well worth the price.
you can tell by the fitment lots of R&D went into this product before selling it to the public, so its well worth the price.
10-19-07, 06:32 PM
#35
Yes, when you are ready just note it on the order or call me. We can't discount it much since the powder coating is done in house at a low overhead cost.
Not a problem Steve, Glad we could help.
I need to weight a stock steering box and I will be able to tell you. I will try to get that done soon.
-billy
Originally Posted by dj55b
anyone weighed the difference between the 2 yet ... I recall billy saying his was lighter than stock too.
-billy
10-20-07, 01:14 AM
#36
Slartibartfast: Beautiful car you've got there. And awesome choice of forum name and avatar. The Hitchhiker's Guide is the reason I'm "vipernicus42" instead of just plain old "vipernicus"
I tried to get 42 as my number in Autocross but someone snapped it up first. Maybe next year.
Remember, the problem with CP Racing was that they put everyone in an SEP field (Somebody Else's Problem). Nobody really saw it because it was Somebody Else's Problem!
Until it finally caught up to them.
In all seriousness though, I never thought I'd say this to another guy but... nice rack.
Jon
I tried to get 42 as my number in Autocross but someone snapped it up first. Maybe next year.
Remember, the problem with CP Racing was that they put everyone in an SEP field (Somebody Else's Problem). Nobody really saw it because it was Somebody Else's Problem!
Until it finally caught up to them.In all seriousness though, I never thought I'd say this to another guy but... nice rack.
Jon
Originally Posted by Hitchhiker's Guide
Get us out of here!
I can't! When I press one of these black buttons labeled in black on a black background, a blacklight lights up, black, to let me know I've done it!
I can't! When I press one of these black buttons labeled in black on a black background, a blacklight lights up, black, to let me know I've done it!
10-23-07, 04:04 PM
#38
That looks like a very well built set up! The only thing I'd be weary about is the replacement of the factory tension rods with what seems to be a pre-bent (aka already passed it's yield point) suspension arm. All the forces from braking are transmitted to the chassis through these arms. I'd hate to see one of those arms fail! Although I'm sure the guys at ReSpeed thought of this though... no one could design something that nice and compromise the integrity of the front suspension.
I am hoping Billy would be willing to comment on this aspect of the design, as this is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on the kit as well.
10-23-07, 07:36 PM
#39
CNC Mill/Lathe/EDM access
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Ashland, KY
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The replacement pieces for the factory tension rods look plenty strong enough to me. The factory parts are solid steel pieces that need extra "beef" because of the design-they tend to move in an arc and consequently pull the LCA towards the front of the vehicle in their course of travel. Billy's replacement pieces make the LCA act as if it has TWO pivot points, eliminating this arc the tension rods produce and let the LCA move the way it should-in an arc perpendicular to the frame, not against it. Both the factory LCA and Billy's tension rod replacement pieces share the brunt of the load in his design, and are plenty capable of maintaining their composure with the stresses encountered in high-performance driving situations. I, for one, am not going to doubt the structural integrity of the components in this kit. I have the kit at home (not installed yet) and it's top quality, from the design and engineering to the finish (and fit as seen in these photos posted in this thread)...
-Adam Collins
-Adam Collins
10-23-07, 10:42 PM
#40
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
I plan to drop a significant dollar amount on my 7 when I graduate this spring. Billy's rack kit, camber plates, springs and strut inserts are on my wish list.
10-24-07, 10:01 AM
#41
The replacement pieces for the factory tension rods look plenty strong enough to me. The factory parts are solid steel pieces that need extra "beef" because of the design-they tend to move in an arc and consequently pull the LCA towards the front of the vehicle in their course of travel. Billy's replacement pieces make the LCA act as if it has TWO pivot points, eliminating this arc the tension rods produce and let the LCA move the way it should-in an arc perpendicular to the frame, not against it. Both the factory LCA and Billy's tension rod replacement pieces share the brunt of the load in his design, and are plenty capable of maintaining their composure with the stresses encountered in high-performance driving situations. I, for one, am not going to doubt the structural integrity of the components in this kit. I have the kit at home (not installed yet) and it's top quality, from the design and engineering to the finish (and fit as seen in these photos posted in this thread)...
-Adam Collins
-Adam Collins
Again, the OEM Tension rod is a straight piece of metal that is only stressed in tension, whereas the ReSpeed tension rod replacement is a bent steel rod that is stressed in compression. The only thing locating the factory control arm fore and aft is that one piece. I very well could be wrong, and the forces on that part are not that great. That's why I hope Billy will comment on that aspect of the design, since he has obviously been down that road...
Again, I am not doubting, just looking for some clarification...
10-24-07, 07:25 PM
#42
Lives on the Forum
I think it's a good point, but when you consider what the tension rod actually mounts to it doesn't seem all that strong.
I mean, the rod itself (original design) is quite heavy duty. But the parts it mounts to are thinner metal. I dunno. I'd be interested in Billy's thoughts on this as well...
I mean, the rod itself (original design) is quite heavy duty. But the parts it mounts to are thinner metal. I dunno. I'd be interested in Billy's thoughts on this as well...
10-24-07, 10:50 PM
#43
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any chance this rack is available in a RHD? I have got in contact with Flaming River and they pointed me in the direction of the "Straight Arrow" series rack however at a cost of $599US and only available with a standard ratio of 20:1.
I know off a few people who would be very interested if this was available in a RHD version.
I know off a few people who would be very interested if this was available in a RHD version.
10-25-07, 12:09 AM
#44
If I recall correctly, Billy said if you would contact him, and can do some RHD ones. I don't see how it would be too difficult to adapt it to the other side, but the problem as you pointed out would be finding rack options to move it to RHD unless you guys find something better to use in the RHD configuration. gotta be something out there.
10-25-07, 09:15 AM
#46
Looks good guys, I can't wait to install mine, just waiting for a few little parts to come back from Billy and I'll be installing mine. (provided my steering column so he could make the nessesary parts for this to fit an FB as well as SA) I too opted fro the 15:1 rack, can't wait to feel how it is.
As for the tension rods, I see where he is coming from, but as was pointed out the only thing really holding them on are those big washers and some bushings... The new "rear control arms" are plenty heavy enough. Having seen all of thise stuff in person I can tell you guys it all looks great!
As for the tension rods, I see where he is coming from, but as was pointed out the only thing really holding them on are those big washers and some bushings... The new "rear control arms" are plenty heavy enough. Having seen all of thise stuff in person I can tell you guys it all looks great!
10-25-07, 12:54 PM
#49
The conversion looks very well put together and thought out. However, I am somewhat concerned about the torsion rod replacement as well. The stock torsion rods are very beefy, yet they are only stressed in tension. The Respeed rods look equally beefy, but look to be subject to loads mostly in compression.
I am hoping Billy would be willing to comment on this aspect of the design, as this is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on the kit as well.
I am hoping Billy would be willing to comment on this aspect of the design, as this is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on the kit as well.
There are a number of stresses involved. The stock stay rods would mainly be loaded in two ways, tension and bending. The replacement arms are loaded in compression and bending. The steel in this application is stronger in compression than in tension.
In all reality the arms are not stressed as much as one might initially think. In speaking about the stock arms, forces are acceleration and breaking. Acceleration forces on the rod are extremely low. We would only be talking about rolling resistance. These forces are so low the stock rod could be made from a piece of 1/4" rod or even stranded cable
Breaking forces cause tension of the rod from the chassis trying to continue moving forward. Bending loads on the stock rods and our arms are very low as well. Bending would come from the breaking forces trying to stop rotational movement and transferring it into the rod/arm. The upper strut mount take the brunt of the loading since the lower control arm connects to the strut with a ball joint that allows for a good bit of mis-alignment before transferring the force to the stay rod.All of these forces have one thing in common. The available amount of force put into the arms is dictated by the tire. Once the tire has lost grip all bending loads have dropped to almost zero and the only tension forces left are that of friction when the chassis is dragging the wheel, strut lower control arm assembly behind.
The major forces would come in to play if you hit something like a curb straight on. Now you have a huge amount of force at a instantaneous hit. Not much is going to survive a hit like that - not even the stock brackets.
The bend in the rear arms are strictly a packaging solution. A bent tube is not better than a straight tube when loaded in tension or compression but are sometimes a necessity to get from point A to point B. Every production vehicle and race car designed has compromises. The normal handling of compromises is to offset them with higher capable loaded materials and designs.
Material choices we made took all these things into consideration. We have heavily compensated for long lasting and safe pieces. You will not have problems with these arms.
-billy