racin66coupe

techincly(sp?) if you really wanted power steering but didn't want to sacrifice power, you could. some stock cars run their pump's off the driveshaft, now, obviously it doesnt work all that well at low speeds. but at highr speeds where race cars are, it works great, and you loose no power. but stock cars are a PITA to drive with no power steering simply because you are turning so much, so even at high speeds it helps to have power steering... just another thing you could do with enough mods to a stock chassy if you really wanted power steering. stock cars also tend to run their alternators off the driveshafts for the same reason. but the parts are built for it (power steering pump and alt) so you cant really just get any pump. well i goes you could but i dont see it last very long

Norm Peterson

Firmer feel is something that I think you can get with the integral PS units, mainly by switching the little torsion bar that's inside. Don't know if anything analogous exists for linkage-assist, though.


Norm

guitarman376

I have a 351w, and I know that is technically the biggest small block ford made during the time (unless you consider the 390 a small block). I plan on lightening the front end up with aluminum engine components, fiberglass fenders and hood, and global west coilover suspension. I also plan on relocating the battery to the trunk. Oh, and I plan on putting either a t5 or tko in it eventually anyway, so all those things should lighten it up alot. So do you think a manual rack would be preferable since I plan on shaving so much weight anyway? Thanks for the replies guys.

wumarshall82

I have had a 65 without p/s and my current 66 has it. I dont really notice a difference when driving at high speeds but I have heard it cuts down on hp just like a/c will. Its definetly a plus when driving at slower speeds. A 3 point turn can be a real PITA without it. You may have to deal with other BS such as if the valve leaks, ect.. and it isnt a cheap part ($400). My valve is also hitting my tie rod end so I need to fix that issue.

All in all, I personally like it since I dont see it too much in the older cars and I think it adds value depending on what you are looking for. It can add more problems to the long list that tends to come with these cars though

JMD

Without reading any other answers, I am going to answer...

My son's 66 steers great with the biggest tire/wheel combo we could fit, and in my opinion it steers easily even when stopped....

This said a 69 is a little heavier, but IMO power would still not be needed.

I have to wonder if the extra bother with PS is worth the trouble of a pump, hoses, potential leaks and cost on a R&P setup..

wumarshall82

If my car didnt have it when I bought it I wouldnt bother putting it in but if you want then of course get it! Its def. not like having p/s on a new car.

guitarman376

Thanks for the help guys

guitarman376

So HAS anyone tried that PS pump that TCP makes?