1.5-2.0:1 increase in ratio! That would be lock to lock in no time on the MINI. I bet it would be very twichy. And yes I would agree, very hard on the PS pump.
I'm happy with my rack ( no jokes dave O and Crashton) here's what a rally guy says:
When building my rally cars, I could not find a suitable racing (Sweet, Coleman, etc.) rack that gave me the travel and dimensions I needed.
I have one car with a Coleman, and another with a Howe quickener. Both require periodic rebuilds due to wear. Dead spots in the middle can occur over many rallies. Columns should be bushed on both sides of the quickener to help alleviate play/movement.
The hydraulic system also needs to be considered. You may have to overdrive the pump to avoid hitting a "wall" when changing direction quickly. You may also need to change the relief valve spring inside the pump.
Make sure all your connections and rack seals are in good shape, as losing PS with a quickener is a recipe for a nearly undriveable car. (Last time I did Rim of the World it was with a quickener, a welded diff, and the PS went out on SS1. If it weren't for the monsoon conditions/low tire grip, I wouldn't have been able to finish. As it was, I could barely move my arms after the rally for a couple days.)
To me this system is a band aid fix for a real quick rack. The steering takes a beating in standard form so I would think this device is just adding another thing to fail.
That is interesting. With the fragility of the MINIs power steering system I'm not sure I'd want to try it. The MINI has pretty quick steering already. Justa my .02.
Well you know rally folks do strange things to their cars! Hmm donuts, not really a fan of them. So I'd have to share a packet of crisps or some cheese and onion cobs with a pint of Boddingtons.
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