[dapkusm]

Newbie here. Just picked up a project roadster that's been partially-assembled but still has a ways to go. It's got a power steering rack from a 94 I was told. I don't plan on tracking the car. Most likely it'll just be a weekend cruiser. It doesn't have a power steering pump on the engine so I guess the last owner wasn't planning on it. That seems odd to me but maybe not on these cars? I realize they're light, but are they easy to steer without it? TIA

Mike Dapkus
2002 Roadster

 

[emac]

I ran my mk4 for a short while with the FFR manual rack before replacing it with a PS setup. I like the car a lot better with PS. You can run more caster with ps.

Have you considered electric ps? It seems to be more popular now than it was back when I built.

 

[Boat737]

I have PS, and like it. I would do it again. Just a bit more comfortable for my old bones.

 

[Ian G]

I built my Mk3 with a Flaming River quick ratio manual rack. It has been fine, but as I am getting older, it has become more difficult to steer, especially low speed and parking. So this winter/spring it is getting an EPAS system. Then it can get more caster and should improve it's handling.

 

[CDXXVII]

Added power steering after 4 years of driving a manual rack. Set up correctly it make all the difference in the world. It drives like a different car. Got rid of the twitchy feel on the freeway and Canyon runs are a blast now. Highly recommended.

 

[jhargrove]

yes to PS

 

[edwardb]

If it has a PS rack and no pump, possibly the original builder was planning a de-powered donor rack setup. Something done with builds early on but universally recognized as a very poor setup. Yes to PS. It's about better front end geometry, as some have mentioned. Increased caster. Not primarily steering effort. Dramatically changes how the car drives.

 

[Greg_M]

I’ve run it for 16 years with power brakes and would do it again. Others have driven my car and complement it on how easy, “normal” it drives, rides etc.

 

[CraigS]

My MkI had a depowered Mustang PS rack. It was horrible. So I powered it up. Once I get the assist level straightened out by cutting the spring in the pump it was great. My MkII came w/ an FFR manual rack so I thought maybe that would be OK. A month later it had PS. I used this pump from a 99 Explorer.

The label shows one w/ a built-in reservoir but this Part number has no reservoir. This is a GM style pump which is well known to be better than the old Mustang pump. I mounted it using one of Breezes mounts plus some spacers.

I agree with Greg. PS allows you to make the car dive like a normal car. He11 of a fast one but normal nevertheless.

 

[dapkusm]

I ran my mk4 for a short while with the FFR manual rack before replacing it with a PS setup. I like the car a lot better with PS. You can run more caster with ps.

Have you considered electric ps? It seems to be more popular now than it was back when I built.

I've seen a few guys doing the electric pumps but no personal experience with them. I think the initial cost is higher than a belt-driven pump, but I guess they are supposed to last longer?

 

[dapkusm]

I built my Mk3 with a Flaming River quick ratio manual rack. It has been fine, but as I am getting older, it has become more difficult to steer, especially low speed and parking. So this winter/spring it is getting an EPAS system. Then it can get more caster and should improve it's handling.

You're going electric? What is is it that's leading you down that path?

 

[dapkusm]

I’ve run it for 16 years with power brakes and would do it again. Others have driven my car and complement it on how easy, “normal” it drives, rides etc.

Power steering or power brakes? Or are you saying you have both?

 

[emac]

Jeff kleiner has some good posts about exactly what you need for adding PS. I went a different route and used a Jones racing pump setup and an AGR rack. At the time some people were having issues with the AGR racks, and they assured meit was due to too much pressure. Jones racing dialed in the pump to AGR specs and I haven't had any issues. My PS was added after the car was finished.

 

[Brastic]

My opinion is no power steering. For me, there is something wonderful about driving a car without power steering. The car just talks to you. My Hot Rod has electric power steering. It works really good. Too good for me. Sure, power steering is nice in a parking lot, but numb the rest of the time. I just unplugged the electric power steering and now the car is amazing. I did not remove it as I know that age happens and I am sure in the future, I will want it back.

 

[Greg_M]

Power steering or power brakes? Or are you saying you have both?

Yes. Ford Hydroboost with the reduced boost pressure pump spring mod. Also have ABS.

 

[5.8Cobra]

I have done power steering on all 5 of mine. Wouldnt have it any other way. I did power brakes too, call me a sissy but I like how it drives.

MZ

 

[Ian G]

I built my Mk3 with a Flaming River quick ratio manual rack. It has been fine, but as I am getting older, it has become more difficult to steer, especially low speed and parking. So this winter/spring it is getting an EPAS system. Then it can get more caster and should improve it's handling.

You're going electric? What is is it that's leading you down that path?

I am going electric so I don't need to replace the rack. Also no need for a pump, so don't need to change the front of the engine drive system, and no hydraulic hoses, so no potential leaks. Lots of OEMs are using electric also. The one I am using can be adjusted for amount of assist.

 

[Ptstew2467]

I drove my Mk 1.5 for 15 years without P/S and added it a couple of years ago. A huge positive difference. I say yes.

 

[SCracer]

Yes to power steering, and yes to power brakes. don't use the quick ratio steering rack...too twitchy and scary at speed...been there, done that.

my car has the non-sport ratio steering rack...Powered...with the power steering spring mod on the pump to take some of the assist off the wheel...and vacuum assisted brakes...with the recommended alignment. And it drives like the sports car that it is, and the steering reads my mind. it is a pleasure to drive, and i don't think anything about the effort, or control, and enjoy the feel in the wheel...i love it!

wouldn't have it any other way.

Have fun with the build!

 

[KB519]

Added power steering after 4 years of driving a manual rack. Set up correctly it make all the difference in the world. It drives like a different car. Got rid of the twitchy feel on the freeway and Canyon runs are a blast now. Highly recommended.

View attachment 370284

That stystem looks great!!!!
where did you find the coolant pipe?
custom bends?
thanks