Rack & Pinion with 351w in a 65-66 car?

[GT289]

Originally Posted by 65coupe408w

Hi Everyone,

So I have a dilemah. just got my 408w powered fastback back on the road.During the build I put completely fresh OEM power steering in the car, and upgraded to the borgeson pump. I revalved the pump to operate at stock psi, however my steering is just too light. I dont feel like I have any connection to the road through the steering wheel even with my 225 zr17 tires up front.

I am looking to convert to manual Rack and Pinion, however I am not sure if this is possible with a 351w based motor in a 65 car. Has anyone done this? Any input is greatly appreciated!

Even at the stock psi, it's too much. Takes about a 7" pulley on a stock Ford
pump to get you where you need to be- that'll give you the feedback you lack.
(I open-tracked my '66 for 10 years with the factory style PS, but you have to
do a few mods to make it work the way you need it to for that task)

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

[slow-poke]

Originally Posted by 65coupe408w

Very interesting. I emailed TCP and they said it would not fit! Do you have the 1 3/4 primaries on your super comps?I am really leaning to the TCP rack if it will fit.

Do you have any pictures? especially where the UJ's connect the column and rack? This is where they said I would have an issue.

Thanks!

I'm using 1 3/4 primaries, and they fit with room to spare. The steering shaft occupies the same space that the original steering box did.

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/at...1&d=1359168434

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/at...1&d=1359169087

[vipex]

This may or may not work but it may be interesting discussion fodder. You say the steering is too light as a result of your power steering set up. Why not install a much larger pulley on the PS pump to cause it to slightly under perform (by under driving it) and this should give you the extra resistance or feel you are looking for. Just an idea - and a very inexpensive try. Even if its unsuccessful.

[65coupe408w]

Originally Posted by slow-poke

I'm using 1 3/4 primaries, and they fit with room to spare. The steering shaft occupies the same space that the original steering box did.

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/at...1&d=1359168434

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/at...1&d=1359169087

Thanks so much for the pictures! I thought that it would fit. Tcp said it wouldn't but your pictures don't lie! I will be adding this to the to do list.

[slow-poke]

It seems if the header manufacturer has not tried the combo they just say they won't fit to be on the safe side.

Hedman told me that their swap shorty headers would not fit with Dart heads on a 351W and they fit with no clearance issues.

[GT289]

Originally Posted by vipex

This may or may not work but it may be interesting discussion fodder. You say the steering is too light as a result of your power steering set up. Why not install a much larger pulley on the PS pump to cause it to slightly under perform (by under driving it) and this should give you the extra resistance or feel you are looking for. Just an idea - and a very inexpensive try. Even if its unsuccessful.

Good idea...... see post #16 above