I have heard that some guys remove their power steering from the FD3's.. I was wondering how this affects the handling and what all has to be done to make this conversion. I mostly just drive the car for fun, not a daily driver and I would really like to simplify my engine compartment!

 

Dont do it. If you just drive your car for fun, removing the power steering takes the fun out of fun.

A lot of guys that race their cars aggressively will remove it because they can get a better feel for the road conditions, it helps stiffen up the steering wheel and make it less luxurious.

I've driven with it on and off and it is a much more "fun" car with the power steering on when your cruising around town.

Your not really simplifying the engine bay and the weight savings argument is out the window since these things only weigh like 15 lbs.


One thing I have really wanted to do is eliminate the ABS - I've gone to enough driving / race schools / track days, that I would feel confident driving without it and I hate all the little lines that run along the back of the firewall. Removing the ABS would make your engine bay look way more simplified than removing your power steering

Things I would do in the name of simplification way before the power steering would be:

1.) Battery Relocation
2.) Eliminate Stock Air Box
3.) Eliminate the Rats Nest and go non-sequential

 

thats just your opinion.

with that said, IMO i rather not have it... honestly if u drive on a highway without it, it feels completely different, you get amazing feel fro the road. yeah its a bitch at low mph ex parking, but id trade it up for the better feel any day.

if you remove it you can either get the loop wires or get marval? to convert it to a manual rack

ditch PS IMO. esp if its your "fun" car....... i was dd w.o ps......

 

I suggest you search for past discussions on this. There was a good thread that rynberg (former moderator) commented on that had a lot of opinions on this.

 

Took mine out last year and I love it, should have done it a long time ago, I have the loop line for now but will convert it later just for reliabilty, Rich "GoodfellasFD3S" has been running the loop line for over 3 years with no problems.

My next elimination will be the ABS...

 

I have already gone to the single turbo, ABS elimination, battery relocation, front mount intercooler and microtech.. I'm wondering can I just remove the belt to see what it would be like or would it be harder steering than just regular manual?

 

What consist on the loop line is it as easy as it sounds?

 

The loop line is easy to make or buy. I modfied the existing connections with a flared end and added a hose with a few clamps myself. You can buy one from a number of vendors on this site. The line ties the input and output connections together on the steering rack for the fluid running to and from the pump.

I have driven the car with and with out power steering. I prefer the feel of the road. If you buy a loop line, remove the power steering components, and don't like it then you can just reassemble the power steering components. It shouldn't take too long to put everything back together and purge the lines of air.

 

are there pictures how to loop the lines ?? and then what just fill the lines with p/s fluid ??

 

The feel between loop line and a full conversion (such as maval) is noticeable. But if you like the loop line feel... you'll love the maval feel.

 

What?!?

If ANYTHING, that's completely backwards. Removing the PS, and doing it properly doesn't take any fun out of it. Secondly, and many have used this argument, if it's a street vehicle, why would you remove the ABS? Now, I've removed it myself, but I've also properly done the manual PS conversion. Unless you only move from parking space to parking space, it's a world of difference and I haven't looked back. I run Toyo RA-1s at a 245 up front and parking lot manuvers aren't that bad.

From a simplification perspective, neither buys you anything, but from a cleanup perspective, they both offer great benefits.


Agreed though understated. The only thing I didn't like is the loop line gives you more perceived play since the quill shaft is still loose. As soon as you do the full conversion, it's a world of difference. It's not that hard to do yourself either. That's what I did with a friend over just a couple of hours.

 

What does a manual swap usually cost? and where can you find the parts?

 

I had mine bypassed for a couple months. Mine was difficult to steer because my camber was in too far. The self aligning torque was high. After i got it aligned correctly it was much better. But, I ultimatly put it back on because I really didn't have a reason to remove it. It was a dream on the highway without power steering!

 

You basically take your Rack off, send it to Maval gear and they send you a converted one, install the new one and your done.

I believe it cost upwards 250.00 to have it converted + shipping

http://www.mavalgear.com/

 

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...21&postcount=9

 

Does anyone make a manual quick ratio steering box kit for our cars?

 

i can understand that too, if youre doing tons of consecutive turns it might get tiresome but IMO it def helps to feel when your rear tires are about to slip out......

 

I've been tracking the car for years and never had that problem.

 

because you've been doing it "for years."

 

seems like it's a pretty split decision..

 

you probably got bigger muscles then me

power steering FTL!

 

It really is. Ultimately you should find one that's local and cart around in it to see if you like it. Granted, a couple min driving won't tell you everything, but it will give you a glimpse. Of course, that test drive should be a proper conversion The looped line was really during slow speeds.

PROS (Full conversion)
-Cleans up the bay
-Less drag on the motor (granted it may be negligible)
-Much better road feedback

CONS
-More effort required
-Stickier tires will be that much more worse, to a point
-...and that's all I can think of

There are some safety issues to consider as well. Needless to say, for very quick steering movements you have some nice hydraulics to help you. There is always a chance that without, there could be a situation that you would say damn I wish I left it that way.

But, to each their own as usual. As I mentioned, I certainly don't have any regrets. However, I will say that if you DO do it, do not half *** it and loop it. The seals are still in place and you are still pushing a little fluid around. Might as well just take the PS belt off. It's really bad.
But, to each their own.

 

I have two FD's one came with PS and one came without. They both now have PS. I just didn't like it without PS, even with the extra feel I didn't care, but I'm also one to keep A/C as well. It makes me wonder if the people who boast the better road feel even drive the car to the limit where that even matters.

 

Thanks for the pic Gordon. Do you mind me asking, how long have you been waiting for it? I'm not sure I need one made of aluminum, but it'd be nice not to have to worry about the box rusting. Also, forgive my ignorance, but is that ratio 2.4 turns of the steering wheel to complete the range from lock to lock?

 

that is a nice lookin piece!