I'm currently running a manual steering box in my 85 and it's, well, looser than a Saigon *****. I adjusted it not too long ago and managed to screw it up pretty good (it held for the auto-x, so I was happy). Now, I have another manual box from a 79 that I could tighten up and throw in or I have a power box and column that I could put in. If I went to the power box, I would have an overflow tank to hold the extra fluid of course. My steering box and steering column are readily accessible (I have custom brackets for the column and no interior whatsoever; my engine bay is wide open too) so that's not really an issue.

What I'm wondering about is anything that I might not be aware of such as it may require more than a box, a column, and an overflow tank. Also, anything I should watch out for in terms of breaking? Thanks for the help.

 

The manual box is better except in city parking situations. You may find the play even worse on the power box which was designed more for luxury than sport.

Its not easy to fit, I had a friend who tried and finally gave up because of the difficulties. From memory even the shaft was different so I suggest search the threads before you make a decision.

 

Hey Red, I understand that you have to swap the box and the column, but you know that because you have both the parts. It looks straight forward and would be nice for driving at the track. I believe that the power system has a 1/3 quicker steering rate.

best of luck.

 

As I understand it, I would rather have a little quicker ratio at the expense of a little more initial work.

Paul - While I know it was designed for ease of steering (a 50 year old woman design), I'm not using the PS pump or any of the wiring/tubing. I'm essentially going to be using a power box as a manual box.

I've thought about it all day today and figure I may as well just swap it in. My car is simple to work on because everything (I do mean everything) is gone so the labor shouldn't be too tough. Thanks for the input guys, always nice to have some enthusiasts to bounce ideas off of.

 

Redwood- keep us informed and good luck.

 

i never was a fan of ps. (in big cars yes its a must)
but there always seemes to be to much play up in the higher speeds.

 

Why cant you just loop a hose instead of an over flow tank? I want to remove the pump from mine. Is there a reason I cant just loop the box?

 

I too want to swap the boxes out... I need a new steering box anyhow, since I don't trust the condition of mine... (Side impact to front wheel...)

The power steering box is rare as hell, where did you guys get yours?

I've seen two RX-7's total in the three junkyards I've shopped at in my area. A 1980 and a 1983. (Both are near complete, save for seats... The 83 is missing a fender. What's with people leaving hoods up and air cleaner tops off?!?)

I would like to see how people have done the swap too.

 

I suppose a looped hose would work too, but I just wanted something that I could fill without a lot of work.

djmickyg - we're not talking about installing power steering, we're talking about using a power steering box without the power assist because it has a better ratio.

Pele - I got mine from the guy who sold me my shell when I built my car. It was sitting on the ground near the PS column and I said "hey, mind if I grab that too?"

I'm doing the swap this weekend, I'll be sure to post my results and impressions.

 

Pele, my GSL came with it.

Redwood, care to elaborate on how this is done? Just an explanation of the plumbing. Ahd what are you going to use as the bottle?