Are EK4 and EK9 steering racks the same?


Kozy

Kozy

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Been asked many times this one, but I have never seen a definate answer, only 'I think' and 'My mate heard that' type answers, which are no good anyone.

So, can anyone prove one way or another whether they use the same rack/ratio?
 
i will be able too after lunch, i have a facelift ek4 shell sat in my unit opposite work and my ek9 in the carpark. Will have a check at lunch! :)
 
ek4 and ek9 racks are NOT the same

EK9 rack is short, shorter even than a DC2, gives fantastic feedback :nice:
 
Do you know what the ratios are Steven?

If it is significantly shorter and worth the hassle of swapping then I may go for it at some point, but I can't seem to find any kind of documentation on the matter at all.
 
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i changed from an ej9 rack to an EK9 one and the difference is unbelieveable, the amount of feedback you feel through the wheel is phenominal in comparison, it actually now feels like im properly in control...

Parking the thing on the other hand can be a pain in the arse
 
the lock to lock feels about the same as the vti as its pish poor on both but the ek9 steering definitely feels heavier and but more responsive ( could be a load of rubbish but it definitely feels different)
 
I wonder if it simply a tweak in the amount of power assist?
 
So is swapping the rack definatly a good option? Im thinkin of putting the ek9 suspension on mine too, after winter tho...all worth while upgrades?
 
spicey said:
So is swapping the rack definatly a good option? Im thinkin of putting the ek9 suspension on mine too, after winter tho...all worth while upgrades?
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I am also thinking about doing this swap. Would like to know more? What is all needed just a ek9 steering rack will it fit straight on to my ej9 subframe?
 
Kozy said:
I wonder if it simply a tweak in the amount of power assist?
Click to expand...

i can promise the EK9 Power assist is definitely geared down from a face lift VTI, I had the PS pulleys next to each other and the EK9 is definitely geared to have less power assist :nice:

Still havn't checked the lock to lock, will do next time im over at the unit!
 
NeilVtec said:
i can promise the EK9 Power assist is definitely geared down from a face lift VTI, I had the PS pulleys next to each other and the EK9 is definitely geared to have less power assist :nice:

Still havn't checked the lock to lock, will do next time im over at the unit!
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Interesting stuff, this goes someway to confirming my suspicions that the racks are infact the same, even though they don't feel it. When you check the LTL on both cars, make sure you get some rough measurement of the steer angle at the wheel. Same LTL could produce more angle on a quicker ratio rack?

If getting EK9 steering feel is as easy as swapping the pump pulleys over I think I may well be doing that! :D

Anyone got part numbers for both racks?
 
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unfortunately the left hand drive civics are doomed with the sluggish steering as we can't swap the ek9 rack. For an ej9 though could it be swapped the power pump of the ek9? Does it fit and would it be any better?
 
Kozy said:
Interesting stuff, this goes someway to confirming my suspicions that the racks are infact the same, even though they don't feel it. When you check the LTL on both cars, make sure you get some rough measurement of the steer angle at the wheel. Same LTL could produce more angle on a quicker ratio rack?

If getting EK9 steering feel is as easy as swapping the pump pulleys over I think I may well be doing that! :D

Anyone got part numbers for both racks?
Click to expand...

This is a very interesting thought, Could some maybe measure the diameter of their ek9 P/S pulley and some measure their ek4 to see if theirs a slight difference? I have a facelift ek4 SiR and my dad had a dc2 ITR , he reckons my my car has a similar lock to lock rack but didn't comment on feedback but personally I feel it's quite "light". Would measure mine, but won't see the car for another month lol.
 
I bought what i was told was an ek9 rack when i was building the rally car, but it was the same lock to lock as my vti rack, so i left the vti rack on...., so either i was sold a vti rack or there is infact no.difference in the racks.
The p/s pully diameter idea is interesting, if it is smaller id be interested as it 'should' stop the p/s lag i get at low revs doing autotests or very tight chicanes on a stage.
 
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