short steering gear Lotus Elise / Exige
steering rack is one of the most effective modifications for enhancing the car’s agility. The standard steering rack on most Elise and Exige models is approximately 2.7 to 2.8 turns lock-to-lock. Upgrading to a “Quick Rack” typically reduces this to 2.35 to 2.5 turns.
1. Popular Quick Rack Options
Most aftermarket quick racks are manufactured by Titan Motorsport, who was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the Lotus Elise S1 and early S2.
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Simply Sports Cars (SSC) 2.5 Rack: A popular upgrade that reduces the ratio to 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. It is designed to maintain a balance between quick response and highway stability.
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Titan “Yellow Rack” (2.5 Ratio): Often referred to in North America as the “Yellow Rack,” this Titan-made unit is a direct replacement for the standard rack. It provides a noticeably sharper turn-in without making the car feel “twitchy.”
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Elise Shop “Hurricane” Uprated Rack (2.36 Ratio): One of the quickest ratios available at 2.36 turns. It features internal upgrades like phosphor bronze linings (instead of the OEM nylon) for increased durability and reduced “bump steer.”
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Komo-Tec 8-Tooth Pinion Rack: Komo-Tec offers a rack that utilizes an 8-tooth pinion (the original prototypes used this before Lotus marketing opted for a safer 7-tooth production version). It offers a more direct feel similar to the original engineering intent.
2. Compatibility & Hardware Differences
It is crucial to identify which brand of rack your car currently has, as the mounting and internal components differ:
| Rack Type | Model Year / Application | Identification |
| Titan Rack | 1996–2004 (S1 & Early S2) | Full aluminum casting up to the track rods. |
| Sona Rack | 2004–2021 (Late S2 & S3) | Casting around the pinion only; the rest is a black tube. |
3. Alternatives: Steering Arms
If you want quicker steering without replacing the entire rack, you can install Short Steering Arms (sometimes called “Quick Steering Arms”).
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These are shorter than the factory arms, effectively changing the leverage ratio.
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Pros: Much cheaper than a full rack and easier to install.
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Cons: Can increase steering effort significantly at low speeds and may require more aggressive alignment settings to prevent tire rub.
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