NA (1989-1997) NA Miata discussion within. The MX5's first generation, the NA, sold over 400,000 units from 1989 to 1997.

steering ratios

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Old Feb 13, 2012 | 04:27 PM
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Default steering ratios

so, for future reference. i'd like to change steering gear ratios so i'm not turning the wheel 1.5 revolutions for full tilt.
who's got info on this? how do you go about it? pre-built rack? just change the gear on the steering shaft? mix match parts from other cars?

i have a 1990 eunos miata with power steering (would also like to go full manual)

Last edited by y8s; Feb 14, 2012 at 09:03 AM. Reason: abuse of apostrophe.
Old Feb 13, 2012 | 11:37 PM
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Just curious and for clarification, what are you looking for? Faster or slower turn to lock?

I do believe there are two racks that are different. From what I recall the OEM unpowered rack had a quicker ratio then the powered. (BTW there is one for sale here). There was also the MSM. I don't think it had a faster|slower ratio, but it limited the amount of rotation. Hopefully someone will correct me of I'm wrong.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 07:22 AM
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The power steering rack has a faster ratio. The manual has a slower one.

I don't know of anyone actually changing the gears to get a different ratio.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 07:46 AM
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I have read on m.net somewhere that people tried to use the steering racks out of caterhams/lotus sevens/westefields/etc., but no success stories.

Not a topic I have searched into too much, but you certainly could check it out if you really are interested.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 11:32 AM
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i don't have the time to spend hours and hours and hours researching. i used to. then i got bored and bought a bunch of cars to work on.
was just wondering if there was any common knowledge about the subject. My buddy made this whole racing unit contraption for his forza wheel. (it's like being at an arcade but your sitting in a real sparco) so, you can play around with steering ratios and stuff so my brain just starting wondering if i could do it for real on my car.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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I doubt you really need any more or less steering than that. Its actually just perfect for the track, I have yet to really see a need for different rates than the power steering rack. maybe a 13:1 would be nice, but that's about it.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 12:16 PM
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The only thing that really happens is people depower the power rack to have manual steering and keep the faster ratio. Other than that... not anything common.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 02:49 PM
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That's what I will be doing soon. I'm sure I'll screw it up, but that's why I have two racks.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 05:35 PM
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I have a third for you if you mess up the first two lol
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 08:00 AM
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alright. i guess thats my option. thanks



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