Power Vs. Manual Steering Rack
 

Just looking to get some input on what people prefer on the track. I have a true manual rack and a converted power to manual rack to decide between.

What ratios are the racks?

This question is almost impossible to answer anyway...too many variables depending on the car's setup.
Wheel size, alignment, tire type/compound and the track itself...all would make a difference.

Always preferred unadulterated manual steering.
I've run it up to 235 wide tires up front with no problems.
I would think they would become a bear when the fronts get to 255 or wider...?
So I guess it depends on what kinda tires you're running up front?


-Ted

I've heard some people complain that the manual rack ratio is too high and prefer a de-powered (gutted, internal valving removed) PS rack. I have a true manual rack on my track car and have never had a issue with it, although I do have to shuffle steer a bit more with my hands.

Come to think of it - you probably want to make sure you have a fully round steering wheel with the manual rack :)

-b

I've had 3 different setups in my car, the stock 17.4:1 power steering rack, that same rack de-powered and a 15.2:1 rack depowered with the pinion shaft welded (to eliminate some slop). My favorite by far is the 15.2:1, partly because it's a little faster, but mostly because it's more precise with better feel than either of the other two due to the welded pinion. This is with 225 wide street and race tires.

FD guys use de-powered ~15:1 racks with 285 race tires with no complaints, so if you've got decent strength and are willing to put in a bit of effort, it's no big deal.

Im running Azenis 205/55 I believe. The car is primarily going to be used for hill climbs. Im leaning more towards the manual rack with it already being clean and ready for paint. I believe these are the ratios:
Manual: 20.3:1
Power:17.4:1

The S5 NA power rack is 17.4:1, the S5 TII and all the S4 power racks are 15.2:1. A quick way to tell them apart is if it's got 3 lines to/from the pump then it's a 15.2:1, if it's got only 2 then it's a 17.4:1.

The manual rack is out of an 86 n/a which in the "What did the 2nd Generation RX-7 come w/. Options & standard features" thread shows a 20.3:1 ratio