Alternative steering rack

[loony]

In my build thread I posted my "new" steering rack.


It's RHD Fiat Punto Mk2 PAS steering rack... TRW 37502372.
Rack length (tie rod swivel center to swivel center) is about 530-540mm and about 2,7 lock-to-lock. But... mounted upside-down it's OK for my LHD roadster .

RHD builders must use LHD version, but it should be even easier to get appropriate LHD steering rack than for me to get RHD. They cost from £8 (+p&p) for used part and from £55(+p&p) for brand new "replacement".

I found that Fiat Croma/Lancia Thema tie rod ends have 12,9mm cone (just like Sierra), and fit Punto Mk2 rack (M12x1,5). But... will I need extensions like when useing Escort rack ?
Total length of Punto rack with tie rods and tie rod ends is about 1250mm (between ball joints).
Mentioned earlier Croma/Thema tie rod ends are similar length to Punto mk2 (I will check that), so... is it enough ?
What is Sierra/Roadster width between tie rod ends ?