[Cobra 302]

This maybe a stupid question.

Can you use a power steering rack as a manual rack with no pump?
Will it damage it?

Want to convert to a faster rack 2.25 from a 3.3 manual rack.
But the rack is intended for a powered unit.

 

[Bob Cowan]

The original design of the FFR was to use the stock power Mustang rack, and simply disconnect and cap the hydraulic lines. Turn the power rack into a manual. The results are less than satisfactory. Mostly because the faster ratio requires a lot of muscle.

 

[Cobra 302]

This would be temporary until I installed the pump.

Maybe a couple of autocrosses without power.

 

[DARKPT]

You'll be fine, but if you decide you want a manual rack permanently, a slower rate rack would be better. I have the Fox Mustang rack de-powered with 245's up front. Parking takes a little effort, but driving it is fine without the hydraulic boost.

 

[Cobra 302]

I currently have the manual 3.3 for six years I like it.

But for the autocross I want something faster.
I want to put the rack in now and then the pump when I get a chance...

 

[DARKPT]

The guys here that autocross say that power steering is a must. It sill might be neat to get a manual and power comparison on a single car.

 

[Dan Babb]

I cant imagine that you would be able to muscle through the turns in an autocross event with a depowered power rack. Do you have arms like Popeye?

I drove a friends car setup with that rack...turning at the end of a cul-de-sac was tough.

 

[bhuff]

It won't be as easy as a true manual rack. I ran that setup on my 88 mustang for a while. I wouldn't consider taking that car to auto-x, but I could get around well and felt ok in emergency type situations.

A few quick tips... be sure to drain the rack well. PS fluid in the rack will cause extra resistance. Loop the lines to keep debris out of the system, you'll just be moving air around. If you were going to permanently run that setup, you might consider removing the valve in the rack. I have read that further helps to reduce the effort and make the rack behave more like a true manual rack.

And of course, suspension geometry plays a large roll in steering effort. A setup with less caster will be easier to steer, at the expense of some other characteristics.

 

[MJN]

John. Having run an unpowered power rack let me tell you that you will hate it. Wait until you can complete the upgrade in its entirety. Until then run the slower manual rack.

 

[Cobra 302]

I cant imagine that you would be able to muscle through the turns in an autocross event with a depowered power rack. Do you have arms like Popeye?

I drove a friends car setup with that rack...turning at the end of a cul-de-sac was tough.

The 3.3 I currently have or the 2.25?

 

[Cobra 302]

John. Having run an unpowered power rack let me tell you that you will hate it. Wait until you can complete the upgrade in its entirety. Until then run the slower manual rack.

It was just an idea..

I may take your advice.
Thanks everyone

 

[JKleiner]

Depowered quick ratio power rack + autocross = disaster!

Go ahead and try it then report back

Jeff

 

[McMahonRacing]

More creative ....

Try running the quick rack w/ a smaller dia. wheel ( step down from the 14" too around 10 or 12 ) ...... mine has the quick rack & a 12.5 wheel and before you think about turning it already has ...... Pat

 

[G-Pete]

Connect the pressure hose with the feed hose with a 2 foot loop. Put a little fluid in, that keeps the seals alive.

:wrench::wrench::wrench: