Converting to manual rack, need help

[Dan_Lofgren]

Hello everyone. I'm converting my 1989 944S2 race car to a manual steering rack, and I have two questions I hope someone can help me with.

1) I've been advised that I need to use the later model tie-rods (can anyone tell me why?) but I notice that both ends of the tie-rods have the wrong connections (the tie-rods for the manual rack are female on both sides, whereas the tie-rods for the power rack are male on both sides). What tie-rods and tie-rod ends do I need for this swap?

2) Comparing the two racks, when both are roughly centered, the manual rack is about 1.5" shorter on the passenger side than the power rack. How does this affect my swap? Do I simply adjust the tie-rods to compensate? As far as I can tell, this is the only reason that I can't use the tie-rods that came with the manual rack.

Thanks in advance,
Dan
dan_lofgren@comcast.net

[SoCal Driver]

I'll have to look into the tie rods. An adapter comes to mind.

You are also going to need a manual steering link. That's the shaft with the U-joints. There may be an after market one for racing. The manual is a bit longer than the power.