Power or manual steering?

[Draginutz]

I defintely like the clean look of no p/s but can appreciate having it in tight situations. Who runs p/s and who storngarms it and why? i am ordering my new front clip and have the option of p/s or manual. My arms say power but my gut and eyes say manual.

Thanks

[406 Q-ship]

Depends on the car. A light weight car then a manual steering is OK cause you can get away with a reasonable amount of caster without having be a body builder to steer the car at low speed. When the car gets above 3200 to 3300 pounds then it is power steering all the way, great feel with faster ratios and then you can run caster numbers like 3 - 5° positive for great tracking at speed.

[parsonsj]

Right: if you want fast steering, lots of caster, and big front tires: you need power steering.

jp

[Randy67]

I currently autox my El Camino (3361 lbs) with a quick ratio 16:1 manual box. I love it on the street, but it hurts my times (and arms), especially when slaloms,offsets and 180's are there. Just too hard to turn it fast enough, I end up having to slow down a bit so I can make the turns. Even then its hard to run the line you want to. Power steering is going on my Camaro for sure.

[Draginutz]

Noted and thank you. Anyone recommend P/S pump, hose, bracket pulley kit? Is there a esonably priced kit? its for a 63 nova with a mustang II rack. Thanks

[cheapthrillz]

Awesome, I was wondering the same things. So P/S for the Galaxie it is! No more school bus turns!

[Randy67]

I've heard nothing but good about these guys: http://www.krcpower.com/ There are several stock car suppliers that sell KRC as well. You can talk to them directly as well, very helpful guys there.

There is also alot of good talk about Lee's power steering stuff, Mark at www.scandc.com sells his stuff.

You can't go wrong either way. Hope this helps.

[bret]

Going with manual steering will only delay the installation of a quality power steering system. On our GM cars we use DSE steering boxes with Turn One pumps. On our Ford stuff, the TCP rack and pinion system from Chassisowrks is the ticket. Spend the money.

[6spdmalibu]

If you go manual steering, think about all the wear and tear on the column. Especially if its a tilt column. But if you want to save some weight, go with a larger steering wheel to help turn the wheels at slow speeds. Don't forget to install a cup holder just to make it more bearable. Had a manual steering when I lived in the city, never again. Personally PS all the way.
0.02

[Rick Dorion]

That's a good point on stressing a stock column/steering wheel. I currently have manual to get the 68 on the road. The stock PS was a real leaker. I like the feel and responsiveness of a 600 box.