Power to Manual Steering Swap
judebert
familEE
I've just reached the break-in stage of the electric conversion for my '88 Wagon. I must say, this thing is a pleasure to drive. I took the whole family (five people) down to the pool for a quick visit, and we all fit quite easily. Better yet, the car didn't roll a lot; felt like a car, not an SUV.
Of course, I've got a problem with the steering. This one came with power steering, and I'm trying to save my juice for more important stuff, like moving, stopping, and air conditioning. (Hey, this is Florida!) We've eliminated the pump and stopped up the inlets. Man, is it hard to steer anywhere below 35mph.
We called the local Honda dealer and found that there is a manual rack for the '88 Wagon. Has anyone ever made this swap before? Any idea what kind of trouble I'm into?
Thanks in advance.
Of course, I've got a problem with the steering. This one came with power steering, and I'm trying to save my juice for more important stuff, like moving, stopping, and air conditioning. (Hey, this is Florida!) We've eliminated the pump and stopped up the inlets. Man, is it hard to steer anywhere below 35mph.
We called the local Honda dealer and found that there is a manual rack for the '88 Wagon. Has anyone ever made this swap before? Any idea what kind of trouble I'm into?
Thanks in advance.
Comments
It weighs about the same as stock. I took out the engine, tank, and exhaust, and put in 500 pounds of batteries and 100 pounds of other stuff. I haven't gotten around to weighing it yet, but it feels good and doesn't make weird noises.
Wouldn't a manual rack use a smaller ratio, so I have to turn the wheel more times to go from end to end, making steering easier?
I suggest swapping in a manual rack from an 88-91 (EF) CRX/Civic SI. The SI rack is a "quicker" (faster from L to R, lock to lock) than the other model manual racks, and its a direct bolt in job in the wagon...
You should be able to get a used one from the salvage yard for $50-$100, or a rebuilt one for around $200.
Hank
http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=572765 = how to...
The Si rack is actually the slowest of all the racks, but will have the greatest mechanical advantage (easier to turn). The Si is 4.1 turns lock-to-lock and the Hf/Dx is 3.9 turns. I'm guessing the reason for this is for the fact that the Si had wider tires.
If you want a really fast rack, get a quaife, they aren't SUPER expensive.
it seems like a better non power option in civic with larger (15's) wheels.
Hank