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View Full Version : Power-to-manual steering conversion


KaMiKaZeE
11-20-2002, 03:42 PM
Well my power steering system is leaking fluid, I was putting more in every week but now it's like every other day. Anyway, I'd like to gain the extra horsepower by removing the power steering alltogether and going manual. Can anyone tell me what I will need and what is involved in doing a proper power-to-manual steering conversion? Any info is appreciated.:help:
88bluelx
11-20-2002, 03:46 PM
I too would like to get this setup. I would like the increased road feel and control.
Coitis1
11-20-2002, 03:53 PM
IMO, there is no increased road feel and control. otherwise i don't think it would be in every new car. can someone cofirm this, but don't all they have to do to gain the hp is take off the belt that goes to the power steering pump?
Coitis1
11-20-2002, 03:54 PM
well actually, i guess u have increased road feel.
KaMiKaZeE
11-20-2002, 04:16 PM
OK well yes you will get more road feel from a manual setup, and also I said a PROPER power-to-manual conversion not a GHETTO one. I want a steering box that is meant for manual steer. not forcing around one that is meant to be hydraulic so I can f*ck it up. Does anyone actually know anything about steering for our cars that can help me out?
anchovies
11-20-2002, 04:22 PM
You'll need a manual steering rack i think :D
You can get some from Canada or Canadians
http://www.3geez.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8044&highlight=manual+steering
oldsub86
11-20-2002, 05:24 PM
Most manual steering systems are much slower in order to reduce the effort required. You won't notice on the highway but you will when you try to park.

I am not sure about Hondas but I have an old Chevy pickup without power steering and it is awful in tight spots. Parking lots, putting it in the garage etc are difficult due to the effort required to turn the wheel and the number of times you have to turn the wheel to actually turn the vehicle. I bought a power steering box and pump from a junkyard and need to track down brackets for the engine so I can install it.

I vote for power steering. If you have to fix it, it won't be any more difficult than a swap and you won't like non-power.

Randy
88bluelx
11-20-2002, 06:51 PM
right but it'll still be rack and pinion and the power system tends to take out the road feel which is what you want for autocrossing and the like
shepherd79
11-20-2002, 08:21 PM
you won't gain much bny removing the pump. may be 2-3 hp.
in my opinion, those 2-3hp are worth sacrificing for a nice power steering. just fix the leak.
ACCORD EX
11-21-2002, 02:05 AM
are manual racks available for our cars ?

MIKE
Jims 86LXI HB
11-21-2002, 02:22 AM
Originally posted by ACCORD EX
are manual racks available for our cars ?

MIKE

Oh yeah, carotman's got the inside line on that.
ACCORD EX
11-21-2002, 02:46 AM
damn i didn't read the link !

thanx Jim !

MIKE
KaMiKaZeE
11-21-2002, 02:47 PM
What is that "flaming river lightweight aluminum" one that was mentioned in the thread posted by carrot? Also does anyone know if there was a manual rack produced on some other car sold here in the states that will fit? maybe some old 'lude or civic or something? Oh and it doesn't need to be honda as long as it works. I really do hate the power steering on my car. I am used to more feel and effort than that. it feels so "disconnected" and sloppy.
KaMiKaZeE
11-21-2002, 02:50 PM
Hey also do you think I can get a new OEM manual rack from a parts store here in the us?
1988starter
11-21-2002, 06:34 PM
Is this what you are looking for
http://www.nopionline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dspparts&vL1ID=0&makeid=140&modelid=010&catyear=1988&catid=0063&pcid=417&vTitle=1988%20HONDA%20Accord%20Steering%20Rack%20% 26%20Pinion%20Assy
KaMiKaZeE
11-22-2002, 09:16 AM
That site must be down cause at the moment I can't see anything there.:sadwave:
1988starter
11-22-2002, 11:28 AM
http://www.nopionline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=dsppcs&makeid=140&modelid=010&catyear=1987&catid=0063&vTitle=1987%20HONDA%20Accord%20Steering
KaMiKaZeE
11-22-2002, 12:43 PM
Is that rack for manual steering or power? isn't our steering sys a power-assisted r&p? if not then please tell me. I think I need a rack meant for manual so it will be a little easier to turn. Will a drained power sys be easier to turn than a filled one with the belt off? When my fluid goes down below a certain point the wheel gets hard to turn. But in my brother's Fiero he has manual steer from the factory and it's not as hard to turn as mine with low fluid is. I love the feel of his it isn't too tough but you definitely feel "connected" to the road.
KaMiKaZeE
11-22-2002, 12:50 PM
I have actually considered buying a fiero too because a 5spd v6 gt handles really great and can kick a stock 3g's ass. Also there are kits to swap in a small-block chevy v-8 and then they beat vipers. With the mid-engine rear-drive setup it launches really well too. I don't know why fieros get so much negative attention from the car guys usually. a slammed gt with rims even looks tight. my brother's has been mistaken for a ferrari before by several ppl. Well I'm getting off topic. Back to steering.