Hey guys. Looks like I'll be getting the electric waterpump that I wanted, so the only accesory I would like to run is the alternator. I know that an S10 box would fit the car with some work (any idea which year would represent the least amount of work?), but what about a rack? I heard Mustang II racks are popular, any idea on the fittment and if I would be able to use my stock steering colomn or not? Also, what about just driving the car with an existing box but no power support, would that be too hard? I am trying to make as much power as possible!

Thanks guys.

 

No power steering pump would be OK as long as you don't plan on making any turns

 

If you have strong arms and plan to keep them that way, you could still make turns. Also, make turns at high speed because steering is lighter than when at slow speeds.

 

Well, I think I am going to go with an alternator only and the existing box just to get the car running, then go to a S10 box. I don't think I would like it too much with the existing box and no ps.

 

If your looking for a power increase you won't see any by removing the pump, it doesn't use any power going straight, the only time the pump takes away any power is when you turn the wheel. The ONLY advantage is the reduced weight of a manual system, I would do it for a drag only car but never for a street driven car.

 

True, that is why I don't want to remove my box yet. The only thing is, I have a sepertine system and I would not be able to use it with an electric waterpump. Primary reason for doing this is increased space and less weight. Car will see street daily, but its the beginning of my strip car project.

 

I would also look for a stronger steering wheel also. I'm not sure if TransAms have a similar wheel design compared to IROC cars but I definately shattered part of my IROC wheel while turning it with no power assist

 

Not good, I am sure they are identical. I also have a smaller diameter then stock steering wheel (Grant). That won't help matters! I might have to stay with PS.

 

I'm running an S10 box. It's hard to get use to it at first. But, once you drive it for awile you get use to it. I removed mine due to a custom 1/2" thick 6061 Vortech blower bracket (check my sig for pics). I am also running an electric water pump. I want to point out that you do not need to get rid of the power steering when you just want to run an electric water pump. Meziere makes a bolt-in electric water pump with an idler pulley for Serpentine TPI cars.

You can't run a rack without the installation of a custom K-Member with rack mounts (or unless you weld rack mouts to your existing k-member. In either case - it's still a manual setup.

The S10 box needs to be slightly modified to make it bolt-in because a reinforcement rib interferes with the swaybar mount.

http://www.celligent.com/tim/iroc/s10box/no_boltn.jpg

Tim

 

Thanks for your replies guys. I think I am going to go with an S10 box, that seems like the easiest way out. A little grinding is no big deal. Is it a lot more turns to get around then a stock box?

 

Yes - It is a lot more turns. Internally the S10 box is 7 turns lock to lock. However, you hit the bump-stops before that. It's approximately 5 turns lock to lock. My Subaru feels like a performance upgrade compared to the IROC - lol.

I don't advise anyone to do this 'mod' unless they either have to or unless your car is mostly a straight-line car. I intend to eventually replace this temporary fix with a power rack and pinion setup having the pump installed on the passenger's side.

Tim