SAH-RX7

My latest project car (85 GSL) originally had power steering, however the power steering pump is missing. I could really care less about having power steering, but having it with no pump is tough! SO it seems I have 2 options..
Easy option.. find a power steering pump (anyone have one?) and bracket and be done with it. But is the power used by P/S worth worrying about as far a performance?
The harder (?) option would be to convert to manual steering, assuming i could find a donor car/parts. Anyone ever done this? Any idea how hard this would be?
Any input would be appreciated!

-Steve

OneRotor

iTrader: (3)

just purge the power steering fluid out of the steering gear and run a loop of power steering line from your pressure feed to your return feed.

Midwest 7's

iTrader: (4)

its amazing how much cleaner the engine bay looks with the p/s removed.
i did a swap but the engine was already out of the car so it was like real, real easy. the hole in the firewall is a little bigger for the p/s, that was the only problem i ran into, just a small gap you have to fill.

SAH-RX7

Thanks for the info.. I need to replace the clutch soon, so that may be my excuse to pull the engine and do the swap.. if I can find a manual steering assembly somewhere!

85rotarypower

I agree with this guy. Only change I will make, DON'T DRAIN THE FLUID!! The fluid is the lubricant for the gears inside the box.

OneRotor

iTrader: (3)

I guess you're right, just run a loop from your pressure to your return and be done with it. I was thinking about just cappign off the two holes, then you would have to drain the vast majority of the fluid to avoid hydralock.

F-MECH-PHIL

Hi...i have an 84 pwr steering pump .....if interested ,contact me

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

Keep in mind the lock to lock ratios are different, the ps box has fewer turns. I grew up with most cars being strong arm steering and have been spoiled by powersteering in all of my car for many years. When I built the widebody, I added ps to it, mainly due to the large front tires. For me, the ps is safer in my application because I can input steering changes easier and quicker.

Pumping most of the fluid out, by turning the steering lock to lock, and connecting the 2 lines is the best way to keep the ps box if that is the route you choose. It does need some fliud or the steering sector may bind and it will wear out quicker with out fluid.

XLNDRVR

iTrader: (3)

I also agree. I’ve been driving for years with the PS removed. Don't waste your time swapping steering gear. Keep the quicker ratio of the PS box by filling the box and joining the inlet and outlet with a clamped U-tube. I found it best remove as much air as possible from the system by attaching one end of the tube first, filling the tube with lube, and then quickly attaching the loose end to the remaining port.

Mike

DwArF

On the car I just got(85 GSL) it had PS. But when I swapped in my running motor I didnt have a PS pump on it and just drained the fluid from my car and didnt hook anything back up. Is it safe to drive my car like this? I've already put on 250miles

chiquirx7

iTrader: (7)

i have two manual steering box 125+ shipping