So I cant seem to decide on this issue.

Right now I have a fc3s 87 shell that has manual steering.
Im wondering If i should make a switch to power steering because of my end goal.

perhaps someone that has experience care to chime in?


plans are 255 tires up front,(275 back)

4.8 vortec (flame suit on)
turbo / intercooler
a/c set up


with that combo I would think it be too front heavy that I would hate driving it at low speed/ parking lot?

this will be my only car so its a DD.



im not new to manual steering. I have a 260z now thats a turbo v8, and id say its border line annoying at parking lots. but the tires are skinny fronts (195) AND datsun steering wheel are pretty big compare to an rx7.


Im worried that I may not like it after its all done.


any one here have manual racks and have wide tires? how do you like it?



im consider keeping the manual since its:
1. cleaner
2. no need to figure out how to connect the pump on the 4.8
3. one less think to leak.

 

I put a manual rack in my 86 fc since the power steering pump died. It is pretty light for me and I have 245 tires on it. The dead stop turns are a little heavy but not much, if you are rolling at all the steering is easy. Based off this I cant see a 255 tire with a little more weight making it that different.

 

You could also look into the electric MR2 power steering mod. If you do this I recommend the MRS (MR2 Spyder) pump because it has the reservoir built into the pump.

 

I've had two fc's with manual racks. One was a stock base model with 195 all-season's and the other was lowered with 225 width summer tires. The base model was easier to maneuver, but the only time you'll really notice a difference is at parking lot speeds. Even on track, my amateur driving didn't notice much difference between the manual and power steering. IMO, the manual rack requires too much effort and is too slow. I'm a small guy and do a lot of parallel parking so my threshold for irritation is probably much lower than most.

I'd suggest power steering, but I realize it's not just a simple bolt-on for you. I'd seriously look into it and decide if the cost is worth it to you.

On a side note, 255's are going to be a tight fit up front unless you get the right offset wheels and some massaging to the fender.

 

i ran 235's with a 3 rotor and the manual steering was a one hand deal, it was actually easier than the power steering on my BMW e30

 

I had 285s on the front of my wide-body car with an OEM manual rack and had no complaints. Tough when you aren't moving, but fine once you start rolling.

 

I have 2 87 fc's one is a sport model with power steering and the 17.1: power rack and a manual rack which is 20:1. i ran the same width wheels on both. with the power steering looped on the sport model it was way to heavy. daily driving would definitely suck. the ratio of the manual rack is what makes the difference. but the power racks "feel" tighter to me.

 

I have a lsx 5.3/t56 combo with wide body shine fenders 17x9.5 with 255 re11a's and it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. But I do want ps :-)

 

Here is a better idea w pic

 

Ive ran 275/45/17 tires on +38 aftermarket mustang wheels. All way around, I was 3mm from my coils but it never hit. I did have slight tire rub on lower control arm when full lock left or right at a track..

I am also on coilovers not stock suspension.

Oh yeah, all this on a manual rack. I've own both and personally love the manual over power.