Seemingly anal retentive question about racks
 

So I am searching around but no answer yet. Does anyone know what the difference in diameter is between the manual and the power steering rack, in particular the center cylindrical portion between the gear case and the right side tie rod joint?

Why does this matter you ask? I need to shim the rack upward (bumpsteer correction) but have little distance to travel before the aforementioned portion of the rack hits the bottom of the LS1 oil pan. Even if the manual rack is 1/4" smaller diameter it will be welcome since it is that much more I can move it upward.

Anyone know? Both of my racks are PS (depowered) so I cannot measure it. All the threads I have found so far (here and m.n) are the usual discussion about the merits of power versus manual steering, not the difference in size. I really need a quick answer if I can get it. I am going to keep looking in the mean time.

Thanks in advance.

Im not sure. But Im curious why this concern is preventing you from making bowl movements...

It is a long story... I either need a smaller diameter rack or a lot of fiber and ex-lax.

There are pics in the f20c swap thread i believe.

I just checked it out. Thanks for the tip! Holy hell the manual rack is much smaller, about 1/2 size which makes sense since there is no need for a large tube for the PS piston. Looks like he went to the manual rack to gain more clearance as well.

Now I just need to find a manual rack. Fast.

You forgot to ask how thick the LS1 oil pan is. ;)

Looks like you got your answer. I also have pics from my build thread:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/640/img0115tlv.jpg

HA! Yes I considered that approach as well :)

Thanks for the picture FRT.

I have a manual rack I pulled to install P/S, because it was WAY too hard to turn. Turns out the old rack may be damaged, as it was very stiff to turn and felt notchy even after it was off the car.

To all the haters: I still may depower the newer rack. We'll see how ambitious I feel.