Power Steering or Not?

[geoff98]

Hi,

We have Jap import 1.6 we only use for track days and supersprints and driving to track as it's registered. It currently has power steering. I prefer no power steering as with previous 1.6 it gave better feedback on track. I am intersested in the following.
1. Does having power steering have much effect on torque or power on the track affecting lap times at 4500 to 7500 rpm?
2. Is there any safety or technical issues with removing belt from crankshaft to pump and driving a power assisted rack 'unassisted' on the track?
3. Would the the steering ratio using a power steering rack unassisted (less turns lock to lock) be an issue?

Geoff

[Mr_Q]

1. No
2. I've been told that this a Bad Idea. I was happy to leave it at that so I didn't bother finding out why.
3. It would be harder to turn than the normal non-assisted rack.

If you want to do it properly you can swap the whole system over - I'm sure you'll find plenty of candidates who'll be willing to swap their non-assisted gear for power steering.

[Boyracer]

I have just built the SE race car and have kept the Power Steering...maybe it's because I am old but it just makes it much more comfortable to drive...you will find a lot of race cars have P/S fitted...eg. F1,V8 Supercar...

I ran a non assisted P/S rack in my Yellow race car...works well due to the shorter ratio but it's really heavy.

I am fitting an aftermarket oil cooler because the P/S oil can get very hot.

[CT]

1. NFI - never been able to compare it
2. There is proper way to de-power a power rack - that's not it.
3. At speed, it's hardly noticeable.

I am with Boyracer. Current race car has no power steering and it's excellent on the track. Parking it is another story but it's a race car - not a carpark queen. My SE is also retaining it's power steering because it might get rally rego and then it would be nicer to park and during motorkhanas.

[geoff98]

Thanks for feedback. Getting a non assisted race is an option, just wondered what other options were viable.

CT, what's the proper way to de-power a power rack?

[Sheck]

Hey mate, i'm currently running a de-powered power steering rack it is great!!! Easy to turn and I love the less turns lock to lock - although i've got more lock now due to mods made by me so it sabout the same as a non-power rack.

Basically i took th ebelt off, the pump off and left the rest as is. Then drained as much of the fluid as i could get out by just turning the wheel with the lines loose - this makes sure there is enough fluid to lubricate the rack. Then i put a 90 deg brass fitting between the lines that used to go into the pump and now its all done!!

Leaving the reiovar in there allows the laft over fluid in the lines to travel up and down without resistance from air pressure building up.
Also if you were just to take th ebelt off, the steering would be very hard as you will be pushing the fuild through the pump and lines - this requires a bit of effort!

Good luck with it!
Dave