power steering

[old cobra]

I want to change over to power steering, I'm old and weak ha ha. recommendations? It's a Mkll

[mcwho]

I want to change over to power steering, I'm old and weak ha ha. recommendations? It's a Mkll

I am building a MKIV, have the 3 turn lock to lock from breeze, alsso the offset alum mount hims, get a GM/Saginaw pump and its pretty straighforward.

ps I'm old and weak as well, turn 71 in June!

[MPTech]

Jeff Kleiner posted this in another topic.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?17319-At-the-beginning-of-the-process-a-few-questions

Simple, affordable, and readily available at almost any autoparts store. This is what I used and it works GREAT.
TIP: Install Honda PS fluid for smooth / quiet operation.



There are some beautiful high end power steering setups out there that can easily run well north of $1K. I'm more of a K.I.S.S. sort of guy and whenever possible like to use reliable, proven, readily available and cost effective components. Here's my recipe for doing power steering for under $400 using OEM components along with aftermarket mounting hardware and plumbing. If you happen to begin with a complete kit you can cut that cost even further by selling the FFR manual rack through the forum classifieds for around $150.

Steering rack; choose one:
---Autozone #64163; 2.25 turns lock to lock $75+$18 core =$93
---Autozone #6439; 2.5 turns lock to lock $75+$18 core =$93
---Autozone #6406; 3.0 turns lock to lock $54+$20 core =$74

Power steering pump:
---Autozone #6383 with reservior $45+$24 core =$79

Mounting bracket and pulley:
---CFR Performance bracket #HZ-4306 $55
---CFR Performance pulley #HZ-02011 $40

Hoses and fittings:
---1) Breeze #70516 P/S rack AN adapters $26.00
---1) Breeze #21514 P/S pump AN adapter $13.00
---2) Breeze #21523 Straight AN hose ends $15.00
---1) Breeze #21524 90 degree AN hose end $17.50
---4 FT. Breeze #21102 Braided Teflon hose $19.60

For a street car I recommend the 3.0 rack. If you prefer a little less assist you can trim the relief spring until you get to the desired level then forget about it. I use my car on the track a lot and run the quick 2.25 rack in conjunction with an adjustable Heidts valve to regulate the amount of assist (full boost on the track, reduced on the street). If you go this route the valve and additional plumbing will run in the neighborhood of $150.

Good luck,
Jeff

[Jeff Kleiner]

Thanks Mark; you saved me a bunch of typing and cut & pasting!

Jeff (old and not a very good typist ;) )

[skullandbones]

I used PS because my donor pallet was a PS car. I was torn for quite a while but finally went with the OEM pump and rack. I added the Hiedt valve instead of cutting the spring as some have done. I like the adjustability even though I have not AXed yet. So the PS is a relatively economical mod to do compared to all the not so economical things that go on these projects. I will probably change the ratio of mine when installing offset Breeze bushings for bump steer and relocation of rack but that is a tweek that can wait. I still get a kick out of people watching me maneuver my car in tight places at meets and such. You won't regret it!

Good luck,

WEK.

[CraigS]

You can do it as inexpensively using the Jeff K list or do it better w/ all Breeze parts. Either way get the 3.0 turns rack for the street. I personally didn't like the Heidts valve and have better luck w/ the cut spring mod. Don't worry, if you cut a little too much you can shim it back w/ small washers. Not using the valve saves more than just the cost of the valve. You also need 4 AN hose ends.

[mcwho]

I had ordered a kit from JEGS 925102 and the hoses are too short, havent found any replacements other than what Breeze has. My son who is helping me is more skeptical of the "Build at home" hydralic lines, so are these make it yourself lines reliable ?

[Jeff Kleiner]

...so are these make it yourself lines reliable ?

Yes.

Jeff

[R8er]

I only count 3 hose ends in this post. Don't you need 4? I'm ordering all this as well, just don't want to get hung up on my install because I'm missing a fitting.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I only count 3 hose ends in this post. Don't you need 4? I'm ordering all this as well, just don't want to get hung up on my install because I'm missing a fitting.

Only 3. When using a Ford pump the low pressure return line slides over a barbed male fitting on the reservoir and is clamped (I prefer to use a full contact EFI hose type clamp rather than the worm drive style because they won't cut the inner hose). I set them up with the 90 degree AN fitting at the pressure port of the pump and the 2 straight AN fittings at the rack.

Jeff