Jared,
When we built my CR we used a power steering rack without the power
steering. I drove it that way for a year or so. It was a bit heavy when
moving slowly as in parking, otherwise fine. I had my right shoulder go bad
so hooked up the power steering (was from a Mustang II). It was fine for
parking, but that was about it for me - no feedback at speed, just turned if
you moved. I had ortho on my shoulder (rather than joint replacement),
and it worked very well. A year ago I drove it one last time before getting
my left knee joint replaced (yes I was a wreck) which would mean no driving
a stick fo a couple of months. The next morning there was a trail of fluid from
the left front which turned out to be power steering fluid from a blown seal.
That was it - I got a new rack (not power steering) and had it ready to go when I was able to drive it again. A little work a slow speeds (I don't park where I would have to parallel park) but a joy compared to the old rack, pre power steering, and the power steering.
My only regret was that I didn't just go out and get a standard rack in the
first place. Great feedback and no twitch. I also have a 351W.
This was a bit wordy but hope it helps.
