I had read some time back about a rack n pinion kit for first gen RX7's...reviews were mixed saying the manufacturer took too long to deliver...does anyone here know about this or anyone offering rack n pinion swap kit for the recirculating ball system that is plagued with slop?

 

Respeed is the guy you are referring to that is not selling on THIS Forum anyways,due to some incomplete transactions.
Check out the 1st Gen Specific Section to see if there is any info on other means of doing a manual rack.
I "think" I heard of a VW based steering box??..(I'm an FC guy so it's purely in recollection.)

 

I just had a rebuilt steering box put in my 85 SE. Made a big difference. You don't realize how much slop is there until it's put back the way it's supposed to be. Totally Tolerable now.