Just starting this post as general discussion to get opinions of those with actual knoweledge. I am wondering what the steering would be like if I converted my rack to a non hydraulic manualised rack. I know how it can be done but how heavy would it be for day to day use. Background of my car 2+2 but running an LS 6.0. Power steering is now run through the GM power steering pump. My reasoning of why this may be plausable in my case: 1. The car is now 100kg lighter than it was as a 2+2 TT Auto, most of this weight coming off the front of the car. 2. The HICAS has been removed as it wont function without the Nissan ECU. 3. The low speed steering (high pressure) no longer functions for the same reason, it needs the Nissan ECU to do so. So if that low speed steering no longer works is power steerin actually necessary?
Have played with mine a little. Comes out of necessity when you engine swap. The power steering box needs signals from a number of inputs and then provides a PWM voltage to the rack solenoid. By varying the voltage on the rack solenoid it changes the assist (ie feel / how heavy) the steering is. What I did was to make a variable power supply and adjust the voltage going to the solenoid to get a comfortable feel. In my case I found that by applying around 8Vdc (Can't remeber the exact value), it gave me the best compromise for parking and driving. So I have removed the power steering control box and fitted a small power supply in its play. I always thought that one day I might build a smart one to replace the OEM box but never got around to it. This dicussion has been bounced around on the forum b4 and I know of some guys who claim to have just un plugged the solenoid however I found the steering to be too heavy without it being powered. I guess this is something you might want to experiment with to find you happy place.
My steering is not heavy at all because of the explanation above re weight over the front axel. So I don't need to add any electronics to give it any more assist. The question is if I manyalised the rack would it be any heavier?
The experience with my cars (pulsar and Z31) Non-powered (pulsar) is always heavier. With pump removal (pulsar power assisted) or failure (Z31) it was stupid heavy steering. I haven't experienced Z32 pump failure, but my TT intermittently cuts the low speed assist and it feels slightly heavier than my Z31 power assist.
