Power steering

OldFoggey · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2014, 08:07 PM

Anyone have a Backdraft converted to power steering? My wife and I are in our mid 60's and she's small at 5 foot and 110 lbs so driving the Cobra is pretty much out of the question for her. She'd have no problem once moving but getting out of a parking space would be a real issue for her. With the 235/40 front tires even I have a time with it. I'm thinking about converting it over to power steering so she can have some fun too. My question is to anyone that has converted to power steering did it make a real difference when stopped?

Thanks.......Don

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2014, 08:29 PM

You can move it around with one finger if it's PS. My personal gripe with the PS is that it alters the handling at speed since the rack also speeds things up. Parking is 5% of the experience and I don't like to compromise the 95%...

I understand the benefit in an autocross situation with significant shifting and 1 hand driving, that's where it shines.

On the small block cars we have done, often we install a system to turn the pressure down (almost to the point of no assist).

PLDRIVE · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2014, 10:14 PM

Don u might try a larger diameter steering first. If u do go with power steering the size of the pump has a huge effect. Too much authority and u will loose the feel of the car. KRC did make a super speedway pump (small pump) that worked great with the smallest flow valve (I am not sure if they still make it). The cars that i have driven with a standard size pump offered very little feel.

Mark

OldFoggey · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2014, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. Now I just have to do some thinking about it.

Have a great weekend.........Don

SpecOp1 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2014, 07:20 PM

Don,
Reg and I discussed that recently. We did change out My steering column with a different angle ..much easier. He has a new smaller PS unit. We need to get together I am over in Lake Wales...
Cheers...Bill

Kobura · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2014, 08:00 PM

Initially, the manual steering on my car was a huge surprise in terms of the sheer effort required to turn the wheels, especially when maneuvering in and out of the garage. Now, I accept it as part of the uniqueness of the car which embodies many of the vestiges of the original basics of an automobile. i. e. four wheels, engine, and (manual) transmission. The manual steering reminds me that I am at the controls of a very fundamental machine, and that it is up to me to operate it in a state of high alertness to its behaviors in order to be safe...to myself and others.
The other benefit is a gentle and sometimes vigorous upper body workout by driving on the twisties here in the SF Bay Area.

dallas_ · #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2014, 08:58 PM

I put in an electric power steering system so I can turn it on or off with a flip of the switch. I really like it. Just another option that you can consider.

MOTORHEAD · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2014, 06:51 AM

Don: I have done several, both hydraulic and electric/hyd, when I worked for Suncoast Cobra in Sarasota. I was happy with the test drives, but never had the chance to drive one on the track. We used a modified Mustang rack with brackets I designed to make the rack a bolt-in deal, no welding. I agree with Cashburn that the best usage would be in a autocross situation, but I also understand the wheel cranking required in slow/no rolling situations. If you need help, conntact me. I'm in Bradenton.
Ted