Would any of you consider adding power steering to your FB? My wife drives my 7and I was thinking it would be nice for her to have a little help with steering, even though it's not that bad.

Mike

 

It'd be nice but I'm already used to not having it.

 

When I got my car, it had the pump, but the pump was bad (leaked) so it was basically without. When I stuck a new pump on, it made a world of difference. I'd recommend it, it's a breeze to turn the car when you're backing into a parking spot.

 

getting hard to find the rack lately too. mazdatrix dosnt even sell them anymore. Otherwise i would grab one up!

 

No steering rack on the 1st gen, only a steering box. But for someone to put power steering on one, you would have to find a good pump and box from a 84-85 that has power steering. Not a common option, and those are the only years that had it. I'm not sure if there are any issues with the column either, you might need the whole power steering column to make it work.

 

you need the power steering pump and the steering box and all the lines to boot.
not trying to sell them but i have them .

 

oh yea billy from respeed has a rack and pinion converson that is sweet and also will make the little 2300 lbs car easy to drive

 

Thanks guys for your input. I was surprised that all who responded supported the idea. I kind of thought that most of you would have shot the idea down for various reasons.

Mike

 

I don't personally see any need for it. I've never had a problem turning into parking spots, backing up, or anything with it really; however, if you are looking to make your life easier it can be done.

I'd just suggest buying all the parts from one that came with it as an option.

 

^I drove my car for 2 years with that bad pump (thing leaked like crazy and spat P/S fluid all over my spark plugs). I got used to the steering but I prefer it even more now that I have the new pump on. To each his own. I just love having real power steering now.

 

Interesting that this topic was just brought up. I just picked up an 85 GSL that I am going to use as a driveline donor for my Starlet project and when I got it, I was very suprised to see it was a power-steering car. I am debating on installing the PS setup in my GSL-SE with the TII swap. I moved the GSL today and I was amazed how easy it was to steer at slow speeds, but I am not sure of how nice the high-speed stability and feedback is.

 

High speed steering is not a problem. The P/S pump disengages (turns off) after 55mph. So even then, it still feels the same. Nimble would be the word I'd use to describe it.

 

^ Ok, thats good to hear. I just know that some light cars with PS tend to be very darty. My dad's Chevy Monza is a nightmare to drive because the PS makes the cars steering way to light.

 

I fell in love with my car again when I got the new pump installed. You get used to its "darty-ness" real quick, so it shouldn't pose as big of a problem as your pop's Monza.

Oh yeah, I've had my car up to 100+mph and changed lanes smoothly without worrying about it going off-track too quickly. Does that help?

 

^Definently, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

crazy I was just thinkiong about PS as well... hmmm... I want Power steering!

 

I am glad that I started this thread. It seems that you all are wondering what your FB would be like with PS just as I was. I think it would be great. If I can get the used parts, I'll install it.

Mike

 

lol most of yaull told me a year ago, "DON'T Get power steering it sucks etc etc etc...."

I put powersteering on there and it was great. Especially inner city driving.

I would reccomend changing the rubber hoses too. Just the age of them, ya know?

 

^ When it comes to removing the main pressure hose, you might want to get a good pipe wrench. That was the only damn thing that would break the fitting at the distribution (?) block on the fenderwell. Even a flarenut wrench wouldn't do spit for me.

And, anyone getting new return hoses, don't fall for someone telling you it'll cost $24, cut to fit. Not hard to get a return hose for P/S. Guy at auto zone told me it'd be $24, cut to fit. Guy at Advance Auto Parts said it's a simple hose for P/S, $3 per foot. Been on there since, no problem.

 

My Power steering went out in my 85, and I was all like Oh NOES! but now I'm used to it, sure backing it up is a little tough, but eh it's not worth the work to add PS in my opinion.