[JTOMA]

Has anyone done a manual steering conversion? If so, which kit did you use and how did it go?



My PS pump, rack, lines pretty much needs to be replaced/rebuilt. For the same money I am thinking about just converting to manual and saving the weight and hp to turn the pump.



Any input would be helpful.....



Thanks.

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[jww968]

Manual racks were offered on early 944 cars which had a different offset, spindle and control arm. I know some vendors offer different tie rods to match up to later 944 configuration, but I do not know about the 968. (Probably the same.) The universal shaft between the steering wheel and the rack must also be replaced. Check the rules for anyone you plan to race with as I do not think the 968 was offered with manual steering and this may be a stock class violation. Do not use the ps rack without the pump.

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[josephsc]

Because of the differences in the offsets, you'll need the tie rods from a 944 Turbo Cup. They used to be super hard to find, but a bunch of guys started to offer them as part of a kit now -- though I heard they are still having inventory issues. Here's one source: Paragon Products.



A lot of 944spec guys seem to prefer disabled PS rack for their steering ratios. I'm not sure exactly why. When you disable a PS rack, you have to make sure you leave PS fluid in there because it provides lubrication to the rack. An easy way is to disconnect the PS belt -- but I have heard that people have also just created a loop from one hole of the PS rack to the other to close the circuit and removed the pump, reservoir, and cooling lines.



Personally, I have a car I've been running on manual mode for a while (PS belt disconnected) -- but that's mostly been because I've been too lazy to do a proper repair.

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[Eric_K]

The complete kit from Paragon would be the easy way to go.



I did my conversion before Paragon had the kit so I ended buying pieces from a couple different places. The tie-rods are rumored to be hard to find but that is not true. They are readily available from Porsche - just look up the part number and order away. Apparently, manual steering was an option in Europe for some late offset 944's. I got my rack off ebay and the intermediate shaft from Paragon, although that is also available directly from Porsche.



With the right collection of parts, everything will bolt right up.



Eric

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[Jason Judd]

I agree with Eric, I had mine done last year...



My mechanic didn't charge me that much in labor; so it must not have been that difficult.



Jason

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[JTOMA]

[quote name='Jason Judd' date='Feb 17 2006, 07:30 AM']I agree with Eric, I had mine done last year...



My mechanic didn't charge me that much in labor; so it must not have been that difficult.



Jason

[right][post="16109"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



It looks like I can get all the parts I need for about $800. I am ordering today and will make a go at installing it myself. Thanks for all the help! This forum is proving a most excellent resource!

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[Jason Judd]

That's about the price I paid for my stuff, too.



By the way, there's plenty of people who will buy your power steering parts.



Jason

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[JTOMA]

[quote name='Jason Judd' date='Feb 17 2006, 10:05 AM']That's about the price I paid for my stuff, too.



By the way, there's plenty of people who will buy your power steering parts.



Jason

[right][post="16119"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



That is good to know. Thanks Jason! I will have quite of few interior parts also, including both seats. I just have not got the list together yet. I wanted to post everything at the same time. Thanks again.



Jeremie

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[flash]

has anybody looked into retrofitting a rack from something else? you can get a non-power rack from a 60s japanese or british car for peanuts - change tie rod ends to match and bingo - seems like a pretty easy job



if you want to keep power, you can probably find a tigher ratio too, like off of a Z car, and get rid of the ugly 3 plus turns lock to lock

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[Lemming]

Jeremie - have you done the conversion yet. If so, how hard is the steering? The reason I ask is that I'm running a psuedo manual (belt deleted) on my daily driver and turning is tough. My track car with 15s is a breeze to turn with the true manual rack, but if I remember correctly, it was easy to turn when I just had the belt removed. I'm guessing the difference is in wheel and tire size (fronts are 7.5s running 215s).

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[Jason Judd]

Tim,



It will be a lot easier to turn your wheel if you use a true manual rack, compared to a power rack with the belt removed.



Jason

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[TheMirror]

Jason -



Is your car a street car, track car, or combo? The manual rack conversion is interesting to me.



Best,



-Mirror



[quote name='Jason Judd' date='Mar 7 2006, 01:25 PM']Tim,



It will be a lot easier to turn your wheel if you use a true manual rack, compared to a power rack with the belt removed.



Jason

[right][post="17023"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

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[Jason Judd]

[quote name='TheMirror' date='Apr 18 2006, 02:19 AM']Jason -



Is your car a street car, track car, or combo? The manual rack conversion is interesting to me.



Best,



-Mirror

[right][post="19404"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

__________________________



Mirror,



A;most entirely used for the track...But I have been known to drive it on the street on a nice Sunday morning.

Best,



Jason

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[Anchorman]

At least when you're pulled over, you can honestly say you didn't know how fast you were going. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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