Should I get power steering?

[Jack21]

An old fart like me likes his creature comforts. That's why a CR in the first place. Although not absolutely authentic in every original detail, the changes made over the original were clearly improvements over the original car that I wanted to build and drive. And I love the way this car feels, and drives.

Before building a Cobra, I test drove one of CR's Saxons (Austin Healy 3000 replica) with a 302, and manual steering. I clearly disliked the manual steering. So, one way or another, my Cobra would get power steeering.

Long story short. To make power steering work in a light car, street rod or Cobra, the rack effort and feedback had to be increased, and the pump pressure had to be decreased.

An AGR supplied high effort valved, standard ratio late ('79 - up) Mustang rack bolted right in. The CR frame accepts either MII, or later Fox body racks. But the late rack weighs about 15 pounds, compared to the MII's 80 pounds.

The pump, per AGR can be either Ford, or Saginaw (GM), but their preference was the Saginaw.

The Saginaw pump is used on recirculating ball type steering boxes, including Ford pickups, and vans. The operating pressure of recirculating ball systems is higher (~1300#), than rack and pinion systems (~800 - 1000#). RB's Antique Automotive makes a low presure relief valve for the Saginaw pump used on racks for street rods that solved the overpressure and high speed squirelliness.

I think Don now has these valves for Ford pumps. Summit now carries AGR racks, and pumps. The RB's valve is $40 bucks.

I had to cobble lines, and brackets for the pump.

Bottome line. It works perfectly, and I was delighted from day one. Power steering in a Cobra. It can be done!

Today, however, I would take a serious look at the Flaming River power rack and pump system.