..boB wrote:
> Spike wrote:
>
>> Or you can go with a bolt in rack and pinion. Get the kit with the
>> tilt steering column: ) I've been eyeing the www.mustangsplus.com
>> RP&Tilt kit.
>>
>> On Wed, 02 Mar 2005 11:27:13 -0600, Chris >
>> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Hi,
>>> Trying to convert my 65 Mustang from Manual to Power Steering. Does
>>> anyone know if the Steering Box needs to be changed? Or do I just
>>> need the Control Valve and Slave Cylinder?
>>>
>
> I used the R&P manual kit from Mustangs Plus. I had factory PS, but
> (as has been said) it's not very accurate, and it leaked a lot. It's
> also heavy, and the factory pump robs enough power to be noticeable.

Yes, I also noticed the reduced drag, and noise. Less float, too.

> I have to admit I don't much like it. The ad says, "Manual steering
> that feels like power". Don't believe it. It fells good when driving
> down the road. Very smooth and precise. But low speed maneuvers do
> require some muscle; much more than my Cobra.

The increased effort is true, even the best MS setup doesn't feel -at
all- like PS. It does feel better overall IMO. It improves road feel
considerably, as Bob mentioned. It took me a few months to acclimate to
how manual steering cars like to be turned, while rolling -just- a
little bit. There are times I curse it, but they are few.

Also, this tidbit - my '67 is set to +1 deg. caster (I believe -0.5 deg.
is the stock caster setting), and while this actually increases steering
effort, it makes the car track better. This rec. came from an old
geezer curmudgeon (not ByM). It is well worth it.

> If Flaming River ever makes a power rack for this conversion, I'll be
> buying one. I'm also looking closely at this kit called "Steeroids".
> If I had seen that a few months sooner, I would have bought it.

With R&P, also keep in mind header interference, and other things. I've
considered R&P, but to me, it's just not worth the expense. I'll put
those $ into horsepower and paint, and deal with the bump-steering,
skittish factory steering characteristics.

And with MS, put the thing into a power-on (or off) slide with a tight,
even factory-spec suspension, and it'll naturally correct itself. You
just have to know how and when to catch it, then reel it in. It's a lot
more fun than the mushy PS setup, to me.

My suggestion? Unless you've got a BB, get a 16:1 box, and just grease
everything well every 6 mo..... my ten cents

--
Wound Up
ThunderSnake #65