Leonel

Is time to do the Power Steering rack once again, this is really getting old and expensive. I got a couple of question with regards to the manual steering conversion, I run 225x45x17 tires up front and it seems a little heavy and requires quite a bit of effort to parallel park in SF, will the manual steering box have a quicker turning ratio? will lightening (removing steering pump)the front end help? anybody autocrosses with manual steering?
Thanks for all your help
Leonel

944meister

the manual rack has a tighter steering ratio and i believe LR sells the correct steering rods for a late offset conversion. the powersteering pump only weighs about 5lbs, but you will have less parasitic loss by removing an accessory belt.

DER951

I converted my late offset 951 to manual for DE use. Effort was not excessive, and feedback was much better. I ran 265-16 tires all round, with about 3.5 degrees negative camber in front. With the camber, slow (paddock) speed effort was not bad, but you would not want a smaller than stock steering wheel.

You can remove the pump, reservoir, cooling loop, and heavier rack. No more leaks.

I parked the car due to engine damage, and full steering set (rack, shaft & late offset tie rod ends) is for sale for $500. This set only has 5 track days on it, and is like new. Cost new was over $900.

GTSilver944

I've done autox with power, broken power, and manual. Manual is definitely a workout, especially with low speed turns, but doable. Noticed the difference in ratio, but can't say the weight difference without ps (or AC for that matter) is noticeable.

Leonel

So if you live in a heavely populated City with very tight parking, would you recommend it? this a daly driver

Fara

Manual steering on a small diameter wheel is a workout at slow speed.
Doable, but those with a slight build will bulk up a bit :P

DER951

For mostly city driving, I would not recommend manual steering.

For mostly open road or track, I would.

odurandina

don't do it.

krystar

if you have to parallel park or maneuver at <5mph like parking garages, avoid going manual.

normal street driving, you won't notice a difference.

arthropraxis

I run a manual rack with 225 17in up front on the street daily. It is harder than power steering but not by much. I don't really notice it, even slow speed parking lots. What I don't like is the ratio, it takes too much steering input to get the wheels to turn. BTW, search for moog inner tie rods there is a model that is a direct bolt on to convert the early rack to late offest for about $50 a side.

jeffrsmith

+1

CyCloNe!

I run a de-powered rack and enjoy it, little tight in parking lots but well work the time and effort. I plan to get a really manual rack since I hear its better. Also I do lots of city driving and parking lots.

CurtP

I converted a few years ago and have mixed feeling about it. For normal driving, I love it. For slow-speed parking lot maneuvers, it kind of sucks. I haven't decided if I'm going to go back to power steering or not, but I'm giving it serious consideration. I wish someone used a better rack and pump that aren't so prone to leaking.

944hal

If it's a street car for daily driving I don't think you would like the manual rack. I put one on my track car because I got tired of the leaks and blown seals. I love it on the track. In the pits and maneuvering around in my driveway is a lot of work. I would not do it on and every day driver.

Jamesr6967

I have the factory manual rack in mine and use my car as a daily driver whenever I feel like it (which is lots!), I don't have to though as I drive my own highway truck (semi) for a living and don't drive to and from work. You won't be able to hold a coffee while driving in a parking lot, but that is the only drawback I have found

I have heard that the manual rack is 3.5 turns lock to lock and the power one is 3 turns. I know of lots of people who have 'capped' their power steering after filling with oil and didn't have any issues. I wouldn't hesitate and actually prefer the feel and feedback of the manual, was a big selling point for the '83! I can feel when my tires are starting to lose their grip through the steering wheel.