OK...I want to ditch the PS on my '93 Z when I drop the new motor in. I really don't like the $600 price tag for a manual rack. There have been a few that have suggested just capping the power rack, and running it without the pump.

First question...Is this dangerous in any way?

Second question...Is steering effort dramatically reduced when swapping to a manual from a disconnected power rack?

Frank

 

Capping the factory rack and running it without the pump is exactly what you DONT want to do, trust me the steering is way to heavy that way. It's virtually undrivable. You literally have to sit upward and use both hands to turn properly even when the cars in motion. From a dead stop or low speed (like in a parking lot) it's a nightmare.

As much as I don't like the $600 price tag for the Madman unit, I really have no other choice. I'm ditching the P.S. on my '93 Formula before I put back in the motor. I want to clean up and creat as much extra space as possible not to mention reduce some extra weight.

I had the oppertunity to drive an LT1 z28 last month that had the same madman unit and it's a NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE between just "capping" the factory unit.

Once the car's in motion, steering effort is virtually the same as the stock power assist, you'd never know the difference. At low speeds though, it's a tad bit heavier (obviously) but still completely acceptable. I had no problems parking at all. 1000x easier to drive then just dissconnecting the factor P.S. Completely drivable in an everyday car.

Just save up the money and buy an aftermarket unit. It's worth it.

I'll be ordering up the madman rack in the next month or two after I order my AFR heads ....

Good Luck

 

Frank,

Our 01 Z had a short belt that I would run at the track. The damn thing is so hard to turn I won't let kelly run it that way.. Even at speed it takes quite a bit of muscle to turn.

 

Yeah, it's quite a struggle turning w/ the looped rack. The pinto-style rack madman uses has a MUCH better ratio in it. Plus, the racks are pretty easy to swap.