12:1 Ratio, Stiletto Gen5 Small Box Rack and Pinion
How to Determine Steering Ratio
The overall ratio of a steering system is determined by the degree of the movement of the front wheels in relation to one turn of the pinion or steering wheel. Example: One turn of the steering wheel (360º) divided by 30º tire movement would have an overall ratio of 12 to 1 (360/30).
This overall ratio is determined with the distance of the rack travel created by one turn of the pinion and the length of the spindle arm that the tie rod connects to. A shorter steering arm will result in faster steering and the overall ratio smaller numerically. A longer arm will result in slower steering and the overall ratio larger numerically.
For reference purposes, the ratios that we list are calculated using a spindle arm length of 5 inches. This is the distance measured from the center of the spindle king pin axis to the center of the mounting hole for the tie rod.
Rack Travel
10 : 1 has 3.141” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
12 : 1 has 2.618” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
15 : 1 has 2.094” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
20 : 1 has 1.570” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
Still have questions? Don't hesitate to call or email us.
This product is finish assembled to order. Please allow 3-5 days lead time.
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8.5 in. Width has 2.625 in. Total Rack Travel
with 1.00 Turns of the Pinion (lock to lock)
9 in. Width has 2.875 in. Total Rack Travel
with 1.09 Turns of the Pinion (lock to lock)
11.250 in. Width has 4.625 in. Total Rack Travel
with 1.76 Turns of the Pinion (lock to lock)
12.750 in. Width has 5.5 in. Total Rack Travel
with 2.10 Turns of the Pinion (lock to lock)
Tie Rod Attachment Orientation
Vertical Bolt Centerline
Horizontal Bolt Centerline
Stiletto Steering Systems – Second to None
Originally introduced in 1973 for drag racing, the Stiletto Small box rack & pinion is compact, lightweight and smooth; the choice of Champions – the benchmark for driving control. With it's unparalleled performance and durability, it has also grown to be the standard for many other types of motorsports competitions. You can trust Stiletto Steering's experience and commitment to excellence to deliver you to the winners circle.
The NEW release of the Stiletto Gen5 Small box is Next Level.
In addition to several design improvements listed below, this 5th Generation update of the Stiletto Small box is also now available in four different ratios – further increasing it's versatility and enabling you to match the steering response to your application and driving style.
Steering Ratios Available
10:1 - Fastest
12:1 - Faster
15:1 - Medium
20:1 - Slowest
Popular Uses
Drag Racing
Micro/Mini Sprints
Off-Road
Land Speed
Formula/Baja SAE
Solar/High Mileage
Mini-Modified Pulling Tractors
Gen5 – Outperforms your Expectations
Stiletto Gen5 Steering box housings are the foundation for the ultimate experience in steering performance – masterpieces of engineering and precision machining.
To obtain the optimum rigidity and torsional stiffness necessary to maintain proper gear alignment, the housing is crafted from ultra tough 2024-T4 billet aluminum.
This aerospace grade aluminum alloy is significantly stronger and has proven to be superior over 6061-T6 or cast aluminum alternatives.
The knowledge gained as the industry leader over the last 5 decades has provided invaluable information about what works – and what doesn't.
Gen5 – The Smart Design
Unnecessary material has been removed in all the right places to save weight without reducing strength where it's needed.
The gear box housing and internals are also stabilized from the effects of thermal stress created during production with a patented Sub Harmonic stress relief process.
All aluminum components are anodized for corrosion resistance, added durability and good looks.
Gen5 – Super Secure & Durable Boots
Positive sealing anodized aluminum "threaded boot collars" provide the ultimate seal and retention of the unique nylon interwoven neoprene boots – adding life by keeping moisture and foreign debris out of the mechanism.
The Aurora PTFE-lined rod ends provide a secure and dependable connection.
We could save a few dollars by using cheaper components as others do – but why sacrifice performance and longevity of an important assembly?
Gen5 – Optimized for Performance
State-of-the art manufacturing methods have elevated Stiletto's legendary 'Swiss Watch' performance by holding critical tolerances to microns.
Both the rack & pinion are crafted of durable heat treated chromium alloy and exceed AGMA specs.
Black oxide conversion coating improves lubrication retention on critical contact surfaces and corrosion protection.
The hardened pinion gear is mounted on precision grease sealed ball bearings, and the rack glides on micro finish, align-honed, wear resistant silicon-bronze bushings with proprietary formulated Stiletto Lube.
Every detail applied in the construction of a Stiletto Steering rack and pinion steering assembly plays an integral part in delivering Stiletto's benchmark smooth action with near zero backlash and durability.
We can't (won't) tell you all the finite steps required to produce an assembly of this caliber – but will share that a Stiletto Steering System rack n pinion should be your only choice.
Gen5 – Rear vs. Front Steer Flexibility
On "rear steer" applications (with the steering arm pointing to the rear), the housing mounting bolts are to be positioned below the rack for proper steering wheel rotation. On "front steer" applications (with steering arm pointing to the front), simply invert the housing when mounting for the proper steering wheel rotation.
What if you Want to Change to a Different Steering Ratio later?
For ease of changeover, the pinion gear location relative to the mounting bolt holes is standardized on all Stiletto Gen5 Small boxes. This eliminates the need to relocate the steering shaft if you want to change to a different steering ratio.
How to Determine Steering Ratio
The overall ratio of a steering system is determined by the degree of the movement of the front wheels in relation to one turn of the pinion or steering wheel. Example: One turn of the steering wheel (360º) divided by 30º tire movement would have an overall ratio of 12 to 1 (360/30).
This overall ratio is determined with the distance of the rack travel created by one turn of the pinion and the length of the spindle arm that the tie rod connects to. A shorter steering arm will result in faster steering and the overall ratio smaller numerically. A longer arm will result in slower steering and the overall ratio larger numerically.
For reference purposes, the ratios that we list are calculated using a spindle arm length of 5 inches. This is the distance measured from the center of the spindle king pin axis to the center of the mounting hole for the tie rod.
Rack Travel
10 : 1 has 3.141” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
12 : 1 has 2.618” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
15 : 1 has 2.094” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
20 : 1 has 1.570” of rack travel in 1 rotation of steering wheel
