Motorheads Performance
Guy Algar and I like to keep abreast of what's happening in our industry. There are a lot of product releases, with many claiming huge advances in technology, or claiming superiority over other products. Many fall short, and it often isn't until many people have sunk a lot of hard-earned money into trying the newest-and-greatest. While we usually don't endorse specific products over another, we do like to report on ones that are unique, or that fill a true need within the industry. Here's one that may fill a need for the do-it-yourselfers that I first learned about in one of our performance industry publications.
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| RetroRack Steering System by American Online Imports |
RetroRack offers a product that can be useful for anyone upgrading an old car or truck's steering themselves. As we discussed in our last article on Safe Speed Limits for Classic Cars, many owners are opting to have critical components such as power train, brakes, suspension and steering upgraded to more modern technologies that not only make their driving experience more comfortable, but perhaps safer as well. Motorheads Performance and other repair and restoration shops across the country have long been dealing with clearance issues that frequently occur when customers want an engine swap with something other than what was originally in their vehicle. You usually have no problem getting the new engine in, and attaching accessories, but when it comes time to tie in the steering, you find you're bumping into headers (probably the #1 problem encountered), brake master cylinder or some other component. Sounds familiar, right? Professional shops have the necessary tools and the experience to solve these problems, but the average do-it-yourselfer may not.
Well, an Australian company designed and manufactured the first universal rack and pinion steering system they call RetroRack, which is a patented design that is engineered so that every component can rotate with precision 360 degrees to the desired location and locked into place. This solves tight fit issues and gives ultimate steering geometries, making it incredibly useful for anyone upgrading their muscle car, classic car, hot rod, street rod, vintage truck, sports car or race car! Because it features a CNC-machined billet aluminum housing and hardened chromoly rack and gear, it is built for speed, and built to last.
First released by designer and manufacturer, American Online Imports at the 2011 SEMA show, it is gaining in popularity with American restorers because of the high quality and ease of installation. It has even captured the attention of Jay Leno, as was seen on his television show. See the resource list below for other video links on RetroRack.
The RetroRack system has been designed to be totally flexible in installation, and is available in front and rear steer, left hand drive and right hand drive configurations.
The RetroRack system has been designed to be totally flexible in installation, and is available in front and rear steer, left hand drive and right hand drive configurations.
RetroRack offers these unique features:
- Every component is designed to rotate 360 degrees
- Complete versatility
- 100% CNC custom billet product provides ultimate strength
- No cast or welded components
- Only the highest quality components are used
- There is a Lifetime Warranty on RetroRack
- Looks Great!
So, if you're considering an upgrade to the steering in your classic car, muscle car, or other old vehicle, and want to do the work yourself, consider the potential savings the RetroRack could give you. While the units are costly (currently about $2500), what they could save you in having to pay a professional to solve fit or clearance issues for you later down the road, might make it worth your consideration. New products always have a high cost. As the company grows, and production increases, it's our hope that the unit price of these will come down. It's a great looking, high quality unit which performs great.
RESOURCES:
SEMA Show Video Interview
American Online Imports Product Videos
Bishop Endurance Testing on RetroRack
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.
RESOURCES:
SEMA Show Video Interview
American Online Imports Product Videos
Bishop Endurance Testing on RetroRack
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.