The slow steering of my 2004 STI has always made me nuts... I was musing about the L&E Column, but can't seem to find any recent posts or info on it.
L&E Fabrication - L&E Steering Columns
Anyone here used one?
I'm curious if it's still collapsable (for safety) and how brutal the install process is.

 

I'm interested in more info on this as well.

 

why not just run the q-rack and leave your steering column alone

 

Price. ^

But I wouldn't use the L&E steering quickened, it takes away the collapsability function of the stock column. I'd rather the steering column collapsed in an accident, and not my lungs.

 

That's my question: do you lose the collapsibility?
I'm certainly not driving a street car with a harpoon aimed at my chest
The Q-rack is almost twice the price...

 

Call them and ask...

 

Team mate check GT5!

 

I wouldn't do it unless you run a cage, a race bucket and proper 5 point in your car.

Q rack is the only safe way to go on a street car.





talking about harpoons at your chest...
My caddy set up is all metal and certainly doesn't collapse... and this is the middle of my steering wheel... glass cone of death.

 

I will once my ps3 is setup again. Moving sucks.

My understanding is that they mod the OEM column just like q-rack does, but I would CALL THEM before making any internet conclusions.

If you want to talk about safety then the q-rack is out for most people...considering most people drive like idiots with a regular rack.

 

The q-rack modifies the steering rack itself, not the column.

L&E modifies the steering column. They leave 1.5-2" of the collapsable section of the steering column.

Post #23
Quick steering column - Page 3 - Subaru Impreza WRX STI Forums: IWSTI.com

 

That's good information. My understanding was that it was an entire new column. Still having the collapsable part is crucial.

I think I'd still rather go the Qrack way though.

Are there any side by side comparisons of the 2?

 

From where to where?

 

Q-rack and L&E make two completely different products.

Q-rack makes the part that installs under the motor, between the tie rods. Its like $1200 for a rebuilt rack or $2200 for a new rack. And they come from Canada so that's in Canadian dollars. (eh?) They come in 12.5:1(2.4 turns) and 11.5:1(2 turns) ratios which translate to

L&E makes the part that installs onto the firewall and dash support beam, connects to the rack on the bottom side and has the steering wheel on the top. It's 'Murican made in Colorado and its only about $500. The L&E column increases the steering rotation output as compared to input by a 1.5:1 ratio. This means that the final number of turns lock-to-lock will be 60% of your current value, and there are OEM Subaru Racks that vary,

They both make the steering a little bit heavier, and essentially have the same function. I've read positive reviews for the durability of both products, though there have been a few forum-reported-issues with both companies (we all know how reliable those posts are)

In the end the only real reason to get the Q-rack is safety concerns and a heavy wallet.

 

I've had a chance to drive around a bit with the L&E part, and I loved it. I'll get one eventually but its not at the top of my list yet.

Install of the Q-rack should be relatively easier than the L&E column IMO since you don't have to deal with removing any interior panels and dealing with a bunch of wiring.

 

Yeah the Q-rack is a purely mechanical install on the bottom of the car. i think the only way I'd go that route is if I damaged my stock rack or something like that.

I don't feel the need for any quicker steering on the street. Very rarely have I run in to an issue of not being quick enough on the wheel including controlling a side ways car at 60mph on ice.

I'll have to read about the L&E set up though. Might be worth it at some point... but I'd say there are a lot of parts that demand $500 in attention much much sooner. LOL!