Manual R&P

[Wild83C10]

Anyone go from stock power steering to a manual rack & pinion? I purchased the C4 DM and I'm looking to dump some weight from the front. I'm just curious how "manual" or hard the manual R&P was. Thanks

[N2TRUX]

Scoti was working on it. I don't think he has it up and running though.

[Wild83C10]

No one has a manual rack?

[see ten]

I know it's not the same, but I put a manual rack on my wifes 54. We went with manual due to space constrictions. To go power on a car like hers you end up with the pump directly above the part of the rack where the lines enter. I was told that I would have to have lines made long enough for them to make a loop to enter. Either way...My wife is 4' 11" and she drives a car with a manual rack. It's easier to turn then a standard manual steering box but not as easy as power steering. The only time you can tell you're driving something without power steering is when you're at a dead stop. Even the slightest bit of forward or back movement makes it pretty easy to turn.

[Wild83C10]

Thanks for the info see ten

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

Anyone go from stock power steering to a manual rack & pinion? I purchased the C4 DM and I'm looking to dump some weight from the front. I'm just curious how "manual" or hard the manual R&P was. Thanks

A manual R&P is not available for a C4 application & Uni-Steer does not recommend using a power unit w/o the assist because the torsional forces will sheer the teeth. The C4 DM requires a C4 power R&P.

That being said, Ken is correct about my application though..... my set-up is a 'one & only' manual steer C4 (Nate enjoyed it so much ) via custom MII R&P's ( ~ $300). This allows me to run power assist if I want it; or manual if I don't (it does require a different R&P for each application but I'm OK w/that). The MII application R&P is also not as good as a C4 R&P application w/the C4 being more performance oriented.

I didn't want a bunch of clutter in my engine bay. Just a big-block w/the bare necessities: alt for power & a/c (I do live in TX). I made my own low mount brackets for my set-up before I purchased the C4 DM (one accessory down low on each side of the motor). I wanted to retain what I had & didn't want to spend 2K+ for a Front-Runner or True-Trac serp system. If I decide to run power steering, I'll use an OE 67-72 BB truck set-up to keep the factory theme going under the hood (if it'll fit).

[Wild83C10]

The new C4 DM uses the Mustang II R&P not the C4 anymore. So that may allow me to run a manual R&P. If I could get a hold of Nate I would ask him.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

The new C4 DM uses the Mustang II R&P not the C4 anymore.

I didn't know that had changed.

I know he was originally going to do a 'custom' R&P but when he discussed what he needed w/Uni-Steer, they said the regular C4 item would be easier (thus cheaper). No sense reinventing the wheel there so that's what he went with.

[62LS1]

Originally Posted by Wild83C10

The new C4 DM uses the Mustang II R&P not the C4 anymore. So that may allow me to run a manual R&P. If I could get a hold of Nate I would ask him.

I hope this doesn't turn out to be true. I'm in the process of sourcing parts and plan on buying the complete Corvette front suspension with rack included. If possible, I don't want to have to go out and buy another rack from the Mustang.

[Wild83C10]

Originally Posted by 62LS1

I hope this doesn't turn out to be true. I'm in the process of sourcing parts and plan on buying the complete Corvette front suspension with rack included. If possible, I don't want to have to go out and buy another rack from the Mustang.

Here is a PM that Nate sent me a few months ago:

"Correct... the original DropmemberC4 uses the C4 rack. Due to the fact that the C5 design will be using the mustang rack... I have changed the C4 to use the mustang rack as well. Makes it a bit easier to have one rack for all the kits!..."

So yes it is true. Sorry man. You could probably sell the vette R&P anyway.