Hi guys,
In 1966, were standard Mini steering racks and Cooper S ones the same ratio? I want to do up a spare rack for my S and I have a spare 850 one to work with.

Regards
Al

Somebody will correct me but I believe all Aussie ones are the same.
It's the UK cars that had different versions.

I believe this is correct and ours is considered a quick rack compaired to the Uk one's

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

i found it cheaper to buy a new rack than have one recoed.

Maybe so, but I'll bet a reco'd rack lasts ten times longer than a modern new one!

Oz racks were all 2.3 turns lock to lock as were MK1 UK racks.
UK Mk2 on are 2.7, BUT they have a tighter turning circle. ie there are more teeth on the rack. Also MK2> steering arms are a different angle.
Rack ratio is about the same.

Oz rack itself is 7/8" diameter (UK is 13/16") so most UK parts don't fit.
But parts are available locally still.

I prefer Oz racks. Adjust them properly and use 90EP oil not grease, they will last many years. Change the boots if you get an oil leak.
My 1970 rack has been done up once in the last 39 years.

The later Oz Clubby racks were the same, but Leyland put grease in them instead. It dries out then no lube. I have scrapped many due to this- I have no idea what the grease spec was when they did it.
The rack maker (Cam Gears) always recommended oil be used, they said it's OK to top up grease filled racks with oil.

<edit> was a typo in rack sizes

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks, clears it up nicely.

Regards
Al