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I have an S3 GSL SE manual steering that I am trying to install electronic power steering on. I read a few other forum posts and saw that the radiator and the ac condenser could potentially get in the way of removing the steering box and the column. Is this true? I would also like to know the procedure to remove the steering column and box since it wasn't clearly detailed in the FSM. I have the steering wheel and all the related electronics removed from the interior, so the only thing remaining is to remove the actual column itself.
It would help to know what components you need to keep from your factory set up and what the kit is you are installing. That said, you can avoid removing all the extra stuff if you cut the old steering column close to the old steering box. I did this when I installed my MTheory rack and pinion kit a couple of years ago. There's a lot of good info on here where folks are installing R+P setups and would probably apply to your situation.
Is it an electric power steering setup specifically for the RX-7 or are you customizing something? Make sure to post here how it goes and take photos of the process!
I just talked with one of their employees today. Seems as if the installation is almost identical to the MTHEORY rack and pinion, in terms of removing the steering column. The person I spoked with mentioned that I had to cut the column about 4.5" above the gearbox, so I will not have to go through the trouble of removing the radiator and all of the other peripherals to drop the column. I believe that you will need to retain the stock gearbox.
I will definitely document my process when I get around to doing the install. I keep forgetting to update my build thread, but I have done some substantial modification to my 7. Need to update my website as well.
I had a GSL with power steering. IMO the power steering was only needed to cover up the weight of the pump and its ridiculously heavy mounting bracket. I depowered the box and removed the (failed) pump and bracket and it felt a lot like my manual '80.
I don't know the year splits, but my '84 had manual steering that was extremely slow and light compared to my '80. What is also interesting is that my '81 came with an '80 steering box.
it was always weird to get out of my '81 and into my Volvo, as the Volvo steering is much heavier in feel despite power assist. Must be an extra 1000lb on the nose or something
