whats up.
i just pulled the engine out of my FD, it was pretty easy for the most part. Some of my honda engine pulls gave me way more trouble. Before the engine actually came out, I pulled the power steering pump out and drained some of the fluid. It left me with more room to get at the PS lines and oil cooler lines. I know on all my hondas, i removed PS becuase i hate it, it looks like *** in the engine bay, robs some HP, ETC. i sat in the car and turned the wheel for kicks and giggles, seemed really really easy to me.(a good thing)
When i put the engine back in, i plan to leave the power steering crap out. Will i experience any problems? i will have a connector so that the remaining fluid will still flow from one side to the other. i did a search and i found that some people were having the "quill" welded up becuase it was weak. others were swapping out the rack with the T2 manual rack
and others said they had no problems just by leaving it out.
1) what is the "quill"?
2) is welding it all that nessecary?
3) what is everyones opinion on this? will it be ok or will i run into some problems?
thanks
-james

 

1. The "quill" shaft is the input shaft into the rack. There is (according to one RX-7 mailing list member) some free play in the shaft, and by welding the shaft solid, you'll eliminate the momentary hesistation (he's a track driver... he'd probably notice these things) before the car starts to turn.

2. It's not 100% necessary, just a "nice to have".

3. The rack will work just fine without power assist. Many people have been running without for years.

You'll need a recirculation hose to let fluid flow from one side of the internal piston assembly to the other, and that's about it. It should look something like this...



Minus the V8 engine cradle, of course...

 

I just removed my power steering and a/c and love it. I went the easy route and bought a pre-made bypass hose from crooked willow racing.

 

I just ordered one as well. I did not want to deal with the hassles of making one myself out of SS line. I can't wait to drive my car again. Now I will have no AC, PS, or ABS. But I will have a very nice and empty engine bay with the new single. I am excited.

 

hmmm... did you ever think that maybe the reason why the wheel turned so easily w/ the PS out is because you didnt have a 450 lb engine weighing down the front of your car? Cuz I know golf cars are easy to drive w/ out PS but then again, theres no moter int he front.


I live in texas so I dont have the luxury of pulling my AC compressor

My brother says if your gona be doing alot of Auto-X'ing or anything of that sort it would be smarter to leave the PS in, if you just a stright line driver then go ahed and yank it...

 

Sounds good. BTW, the engine was still in the car when i turned the wheel to test it, it just didnt have the PS assembly on it. so maybe 20lbs lighter. Anyhow, someone above mentioned they removed the ABS? i know mine does not work becuase i got caught in a snow storm and locked up all four wheels multiple times and ABS was no where in sight. Plus i would love to get that ugly thing out of my engine bay. Anyone have any advice/help/instructions for pulling that thing out? thanks.