As my ignition was smashed to pieces when my car was broken into, I was given another ignition barrell that was attached to a steering rack by SWZ.

 

Now, would it be more advisable to get the ignition off one steering rack and put onto the one in my car, or to swap out the existing rack for the replacement one?

 

I know getting the old one off is a tad tricky due to the sheer bolts, but what are the things to watch out for when swapping racks. Hicas adjustment etc.

You obviously mean 'column' as the rack is underneath the car Marcus. The sheer bolts should drill out quite easily as they are soft. New ones will be a Wessex Garage job, usually next day delivery.

just change the barrel mate

Why don't you take the one off the spare column you have and then just plug the cars existing one into it just to try it, before going through all the nause of taking the one of your car.

Its not the ignition causing the non start problem, well apart from the fact that there isnt one and I can start the car with any key/screwdriver/knife/bit of wood etc as there is no barrell lol. My drilling skills arnt the best and thus i was hoping for an easier option, but i shall give it a go :)

Not sure about the shear bolts on the Z but Ive changed a lot of ignition barrels by using a centre punch to remove the bolts.

 

If theres enough of a head on the bolt a couple of smacks with a hammer and punch usually frees it enough to unscrew them by hand..

or dremel out a notch so you can use a scredriver ;)