has anyone looked into converting an fd over to the electric rx8 rack.

 

come on, someone must have

 

Are you joking? Converting to the RX-8 electric rack? Why would anyone attempt such a thing?

 

Why? Why?? Why???

There is no reason to try it, and if you think that the RX-7 and RX-8 share similar components and that the steering rack from the 8 might work without too much modification, you are dead wrong.

 

- because it's an electronic assist unit requiring no pumps or pulleys.

I have looked into this idea but it's a NoGo for three main reasons

1) The RX8 units are high failure rate items, snoop around the RX-8 sites and you'll see what I'm talking about.

2) The unit requires control circuitry which doesn't seem to be available in standalone form.

3) The modification required makes this conversion too cost prohibitive.

There are aftermarket electronic assist options out there if you are willing to spend the money

 

These cars don't need an assist or power steering.

 

That's for damn sure, unfortunately a lot of people are either weaklings or just scared. I like to feel the road

 

Here you go kids: The "poor man's" power steering elimination mod. Guaranteed to free up 5 hp. More girl-attracting power than a neon underglow light.

 

I actually prefer it on a street driven car, as I do a few other assist (ABS). Having driven without it, I quickly found no reason to go "pure" when trying to take a simple cruise from point A to B while navigating amongst traffic.

 

It's not that bad.


Once the car is moving fast enough to have the clutch fully-engaged in 1st gear, you really don't notice it anymore...

 

Yep, its all preference. If I was primarily on a track continuously moving, no doubt. However, days driven through traffic I don't like it to be more of a chore that in has to be.

At the low speeds I travel in 2nd (I usually don't go back to 1st when moving), there really isn't any reason to delete my assisted steering either. Most times I'm accelerating, its at speeds I'd usually see in 3rd, of which I won't be turning much and/or the power steering isn't in heavy action. Case in point, I do most of my turning at speeds where power steering makes life easier.

Edit: BTW, I notice you're in VA, how about 66, 395, or 495 on most weekdays?

 

Toyota Prius daily driver.

 

lol

 

Haha....your daily is a high mpg almost zero emissions vehicle and then your fun car is a 15 mpg car spewing out emissions right and left. Interesting vehicular dichotomy you've got there....