Manual Rack???

mipedley · 03-05-2007, 06:53 PM

hello everyone!!

i have ben woundering if i should go with a manual rack or just stick with my power?
i dont drive my car everyday but a least 3 times a week and i dont take it to the track just once a year if i ma lucky i just wanted to clean my engine bay up a bit is it going to be worth it?

thanks mike

1989GT · 03-05-2007, 08:46 PM

Keep the power steering.

goodyear1984 · 03-06-2007, 04:00 AM

yea what he said keep it the only thing i would get rid of is them smog pump.and if ur ac dont work get the delete kit if u already havent ...that wiil clean up alil bit but personally i love my ac and ill never get rid of it...good luck

88workcar · 03-06-2007, 06:28 AM

I never bought a "manual rack" I just got rid of all the hoses, and the pump. I do have skinnys up front ALL THE TIME. Mine drives as good as one could ask for. Ask your self this, How bad do I want to go fast? There are too routes to accomplish this MONEY & NO MONEY. I came up with no money, ran 11.68 @ 116 best ever. Ran 11s with several diff set ups. Now money is not the problem. When you truly answer YOURSELF, DO I WANT TO GO FAST? Things will fall into place for you. If others decide 3/4 of your decisions for you , How will YOU be happy? A bone stock motor in my car will run 12.50s because of the choices I have made, I regret none. 10 years ago a man asked me, Do YOU want to go fast? I said YES.

goodyear1984 · 03-07-2007, 01:37 AM

well if ur broke then listen to him..manual rack will be eaier to steer than a power rack w/o a pump..if ur not racing the car dont take the p/s off ...is not worth it put the money in something else..buy a nitrous kit

USMC302 · 03-08-2007, 10:40 AM

FWIW, I love my manual rack, the turning radius has improved and it's just as easy as power steering, only 20lbs lighter. I drive it on the street all the time. I replaced it because I went with a tubular K-member and had it off anyway, if your just starting the mods and like everyone else said if you want to go fast, start somewhere else. If you really just want to clean up the engine bay, it would help. Good luck.

~The Jester~ · 03-08-2007, 08:08 PM

I put a manual rack on my car, drove it EVERYWHERE and LOVED it. Honestly that was one of the best performance upgrades I ever did to it. It handled better, steered better, and NONE of the "Fighting the steering wheel" that you're thinking. LITERALLY steered this thing with one hand at 120+ I will say that I had "skinnies" up front, but they were radials. Go to Pep boys and get tires for a VW bug!

But even making a right from a stop sign, it steered every bit as easy as power steering. Front rims weren't "recommended" for street use, but I had ZERO problems, other than the lug nutz wanting to loosen up from time to time. Pay attention to that, and you're gold.

Now that being said. Performance increase? I dunno! It almost HAS to be, just because it's lighter. But how much HP does it take to turn that PS pump with a belt???? ALOT. Parasitic crank loss, is what it's called.

mipedley · 03-08-2007, 11:30 PM

thanks for all the replies!!

i still dont know yet i really dont wanna put skinnies up front on my car i would like to stay with the poney rims but i think the tire i have will be hard to steer 245/45/16.

this is my setup. gtp heads,explorer intake,65 thb,ford f-cam,24lb injectors with bigger fuel rails and pump, under drive pullies,3:73's,upper and lower control arms.

i am not to concerend about the power increas even thought it will be nice i just want the look in side the engine bay.

and i want to go fast!!!

88workcar · 03-09-2007, 06:27 AM

and i want to go fast!!!
and i want to go fast!!!
and i want to go fast!!!

This time listen to the little devil on the left shoulder not the little angel on the right

and i want to go fast!!!
and i want to go fast!!!
and i want to go fast!!!

USMC302 · 03-09-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mipedley

i am not to concerend about the power increase

and i want to go fast!!!

First of all, these two comments don't belong together, they don't like each other.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mipedley

i think the tire i have will be hard to steer 245/45/16.

I run 17X8 99 Cobra rims with 255's up front on the street and can still turn it with one hand, granted I have the quick ratio kit use skinnies at the track, but love it and have no problems on the street. I also have the UPR bump steer kit on it.

goodyear1984 · 03-11-2007, 09:05 PM

usmc302 hey does it steer too easy ,like over steering when ur goin 90 plus? i had a manual rack in a car befor i didnt like how it was at high speeds

USMC302 · 03-12-2007, 10:40 AM

Well, the only time I'm going 90+, is in the quarter, so I try to stay as straight as possible anyway. I'm not trying to turn at those speeds. I feels perfect IMO..

goodyear1984 · 03-12-2007, 11:06 AM

lol well i here you there

Coupe50h · 03-12-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~The Jester~

But how much HP does it take to turn that PS pump with a belt???? ALOT. Parasitic crank loss, is what it's called.

If your driving straight, it hardly drags at all.
Everytime i run a shortbelt, i didnt see any gains worth mentioning.

However im sick of my leaking ps pump, and about to do what 88workcar did.

USMC302 · 03-13-2007, 01:07 PM

IMHO, a power steering rack and pinion requires power steering fluid ran through it, you run the risk of the rack failing or locking up if not used properly. Not to mention, the steering shaft is not meant to handle non-power steering, it has old rubber bushings that will also be put under more pressure and eventually fail. That is why the manual rack and hardened steel steering shaft go hand in hand. It may be fine for a while, but is it really something you wanna chance? If your going to go through the trouble of plugging the rack, remove the hoses and lines, what's a few more bolts so swap in a manual rack? Budget you say? I had a guy tell me that Advanced Auto parts sells a manual rack and pinion for the 87-93 mustang for less than $150. Good luck either way!

goodyear1984 · 03-13-2007, 11:30 PM

my buddy did the same thing.he just took off the pump and hoses.deff not the right way to do it..some people just dont pay attention to detail..i would only take the ps off if it was at the track most of its life

mipedley · 03-16-2007, 11:42 AM

ok i am going with the manual rack what else beside the rack and steering shaft it self do i need to get to make this work?

USMC302 · 03-16-2007, 12:59 PM

While your down there, it wouldn't hurt to throw on some new tie rod ends and then be sure to get it professionally aligned. if your car is lowered, make sure you get the offset bushings. Good luck.

mipedley · 03-16-2007, 03:24 PM

great thanks alot to everyone that helped out and i will let you know how it works out and if i have any more questions i will be sure to ask them here

thanks agian

03-05-2007, 06:53 PM	#1
mipedley Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 19	Manual Rack??? hello everyone!! i have ben woundering if i should go with a manual rack or just stick with my power? i dont drive my car everyday but a least 3 times a week and i dont take it to the track just once a year if i ma lucky i just wanted to clean my engine bay up a bit is it going to be worth it? thanks mike

03-05-2007, 08:46 PM	#2
1989GT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 1,511	Re: Manual Rack??? Keep the power steering. __________________ 89GT,Pro-Bullet 306, H/C/I and a bunch of other stuff. Sold 00GT, Vortech S-Trim, Steeda Boost Pipe, C&L intake, Mac off-road H-pipe, Flowmasters, B&M Ripper shifter, Eibach Sportline springs, Koni Struts/shocks, MM full length subframe connectors, Cobra brakes, 3.73's. My Car Domain Page

03-06-2007, 04:00 AM	#3
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Manual Rack??? yea what he said keep it the only thing i would get rid of is them smog pump.and if ur ac dont work get the delete kit if u already havent ...that wiil clean up alil bit but personally i love my ac and ill never get rid of it...good luck __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

03-06-2007, 06:28 AM	#4
88workcar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Pierre Part, La. U.S.A. Posts: 1,850	Re: Manual Rack??? I never bought a "manual rack" I just got rid of all the hoses, and the pump. I do have skinnys up front ALL THE TIME. Mine drives as good as one could ask for. Ask your self this, How bad do I want to go fast? There are too routes to accomplish this MONEY & NO MONEY. I came up with no money, ran 11.68 @ 116 best ever. Ran 11s with several diff set ups. Now money is not the problem. When you truly answer YOURSELF, DO I WANT TO GO FAST? Things will fall into place for you. If others decide 3/4 of your decisions for you , How will YOU be happy? A bone stock motor in my car will run 12.50s because of the choices I have made, I regret none. 10 years ago a man asked me, Do YOU want to go fast? I said YES. __________________ 88workcar 1988 Mustang LX 342. 417rwhp @ 6800. 28 X 10 ET Drag, 4.30s, 10.69 @ 126.43 1.42 60ft. 11.13 @ 127.7 on BFGs 1.72 60ft Rice Hater # 42 To be old and wise, You must first be young and stupid I'm somewhere in tthe middle.

03-07-2007, 01:37 AM	#5
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Manual Rack??? well if ur broke then listen to him..manual rack will be eaier to steer than a power rack w/o a pump..if ur not racing the car dont take the p/s off ...is not worth it put the money in something else..buy a nitrous kit __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

03-08-2007, 10:40 AM	#6
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	Re: Manual Rack??? FWIW, I love my manual rack, the turning radius has improved and it's just as easy as power steering, only 20lbs lighter. I drive it on the street all the time. I replaced it because I went with a tubular K-member and had it off anyway, if your just starting the mods and like everyone else said if you want to go fast, start somewhere else. If you really just want to clean up the engine bay, it would help. Good luck. __________________

03-08-2007, 08:08 PM	#7
~The Jester~ Rat Killer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cold ass Ohio Posts: 1,143	Re: Manual Rack??? I put a manual rack on my car, drove it EVERYWHERE and LOVED it. Honestly that was one of the best performance upgrades I ever did to it. It handled better, steered better, and NONE of the "Fighting the steering wheel" that you're thinking. LITERALLY steered this thing with one hand at 120+ I will say that I had "skinnies" up front, but they were radials. Go to Pep boys and get tires for a VW bug! But even making a right from a stop sign, it steered every bit as easy as power steering. Front rims weren't "recommended" for street use, but I had ZERO problems, other than the lug nutz wanting to loosen up from time to time. Pay attention to that, and you're gold. Now that being said. Performance increase? I dunno! It almost HAS to be, just because it's lighter. But how much HP does it take to turn that PS pump with a belt???? ALOT. Parasitic crank loss, is what it's called. __________________ d-Con Racing "Nothing fancy, just 347 inches of RAT POISON!" MICE need not apply.....

03-08-2007, 11:30 PM	#8
mipedley Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 19	Re: Manual Rack??? thanks for all the replies!! i still dont know yet i really dont wanna put skinnies up front on my car i would like to stay with the poney rims but i think the tire i have will be hard to steer 245/45/16. this is my setup. gtp heads,explorer intake,65 thb,ford f-cam,24lb injectors with bigger fuel rails and pump, under drive pullies,3:73's,upper and lower control arms. i am not to concerend about the power increas even thought it will be nice i just want the look in side the engine bay. and i want to go fast!!!

03-09-2007, 06:27 AM	#9
88workcar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Pierre Part, La. U.S.A. Posts: 1,850	Re: Manual Rack??? and i want to go fast!!! and i want to go fast!!! and i want to go fast!!! This time listen to the little devil on the left shoulder not the little angel on the right and i want to go fast!!! and i want to go fast!!! and i want to go fast!!! __________________ 88workcar 1988 Mustang LX 342. 417rwhp @ 6800. 28 X 10 ET Drag, 4.30s, 10.69 @ 126.43 1.42 60ft. 11.13 @ 127.7 on BFGs 1.72 60ft Rice Hater # 42 To be old and wise, You must first be young and stupid I'm somewhere in tthe middle.

03-11-2007, 09:05 PM	#11
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Manual Rack??? usmc302 hey does it steer too easy ,like over steering when ur goin 90 plus? i had a manual rack in a car befor i didnt like how it was at high speeds __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

03-12-2007, 10:40 AM	#12
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	Re: Manual Rack??? Well, the only time I'm going 90+, is in the quarter, so I try to stay as straight as possible anyway. I'm not trying to turn at those speeds. I feels perfect IMO.. __________________

03-12-2007, 11:06 AM	#13
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Manual Rack??? lol well i here you there __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

03-13-2007, 01:07 PM	#15
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	Re: Manual Rack??? IMHO, a power steering rack and pinion requires power steering fluid ran through it, you run the risk of the rack failing or locking up if not used properly. Not to mention, the steering shaft is not meant to handle non-power steering, it has old rubber bushings that will also be put under more pressure and eventually fail. That is why the manual rack and hardened steel steering shaft go hand in hand. It may be fine for a while, but is it really something you wanna chance? If your going to go through the trouble of plugging the rack, remove the hoses and lines, what's a few more bolts so swap in a manual rack? Budget you say? I had a guy tell me that Advanced Auto parts sells a manual rack and pinion for the 87-93 mustang for less than $150. Good luck either way! __________________

03-13-2007, 11:30 PM	#16
goodyear1984 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york Posts: 482	Re: Manual Rack??? my buddy did the same thing.he just took off the pump and hoses.deff not the right way to do it..some people just dont pay attention to detail..i would only take the ps off if it was at the track most of its life __________________ 347 stroker all forged,arp everything,stud mains w/girdle,7qt pan,full roller, custom cam, aluminum heads swirl valves 5 angle valve job.quick fuel 750,areomotive pump,cobras w/nitto drags,and m/t et drags for the track, ford racing 373 gears,centerforce clutch,tko500,underdrive pulleys,bassani x-pipe,flowmasters ^best et so far 11.6 1.61 60ft coming soon 9sec et's 1992 mustang gt 2001 gmc 1500 4x4 78 century boat 92 skidoo

03-16-2007, 11:42 AM	#17
mipedley Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 19	Re: Manual Rack??? ok i am going with the manual rack what else beside the rack and steering shaft it self do i need to get to make this work?

03-16-2007, 12:59 PM	#18
USMC302 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Gallatin, Tn Posts: 1,326	Re: Manual Rack??? While your down there, it wouldn't hurt to throw on some new tie rod ends and then be sure to get it professionally aligned. if your car is lowered, make sure you get the offset bushings. Good luck. __________________

03-16-2007, 03:24 PM	#19
mipedley Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 19	Re: Manual Rack??? great thanks alot to everyone that helped out and i will let you know how it works out and if i have any more questions i will be sure to ask them here thanks agian

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