Manual Steering?

[jsimmonstx]

Mod plans may dictate that I remove the EPAS from my 2012. I'm not a drag racer, so it doesn't wear skinnies on the front. Has anyone converted to the Flaming River manual steering rack (or looped their OEM hydraulic rack) on a S197 and retained their wider tread width tires? Can you comment on steering effort?

 

[csamsh]

What could possibly make you want to do this?

 

[NoTicket]

If you are just worried about the EPAS shudder after changing your front LCAs:

A) Sometimes it doesn't happen.
B) If it does happen you can still buy the ford racing rack. I think Rehagen still sells them.

 

[JEWC_Motorsports]

He is doing some weird shit lol. He isnt worried about the shudder from the epas rack.

 

[Justin_H]

If you plan to autocross, forget it. With a car this heavy, it'll really slow you down as you simply cannot move the wheel fast enough. I've known guys in good shape with cars half the weight that went faster after adding power steering.

 

[GallopingFord]

Sub'd to see what you are interested in removing it for.

 

[Boaisy]

If you plan to autocross, forget it. With a car this heavy, it'll really slow you down as you simply cannot move the wheel fast enough. I've known guys in good shape with cars half the weight that went faster after adding power steering.

Same. Tried a Miata couple weeks ago at a charity autocross since my Mustang was not "ready." They had their power steering looped, and it was all fine and dandy until you get into the tight areas. Even for that light ass car, it was a good amount of work to run slaloms.

 

[jsimmonstx]

What could possibly make you want to do this?

I maintain a certain level of insanity that pretty much nobody else appreciates.

 

[jsimmonstx]

If you are just worried about the EPAS shudder after changing your front LCAs:

A) Sometimes it doesn't happen.
B) If it does happen you can still buy the ford racing rack. I think Rehagen still sells them.

I'm swapping out the motor to a 408 stroker, and the EPAS will probably not:

a) allow the motor to fit down over the suspension

b) work right because the ECU won't know what speed the car is going.

"Shudder" is not on my list of concerns.

 

[jsimmonstx]

Sub'd to see what you are interested in removing it for.

Motor swap, which pretty much moves the ECU from the category of "useful electronics" to "unnecessary weight".

The more I look into this swap, the more it looks like it's going to turn into a purpose-built track car. The idea is insane. It's going to be more expensive ($25k) than many folks are willing to deal with. The car will definitely be a bad-ass mofo in the end. Let's just say that the car will have earned the stripes that are already on it.

 

[Roadracer350]

I know the FR500S rack from ford "reduces" the input but does not take it away completely. Not sure if it would fit your year tho

 

[2013MustangGT]

What sanctioned body are you planning on racing? SCCA/NASA? If this is going to be an all out track car make sure you build it to the class that you want to race. It be a shame to build a car and not be able to race with a sanctioned group.

Also, if you let us know what the car is being built for we may be more helpful.

 

[2008 V6]

Running wide R-compound slicks without power assist with very little forward or rearward momentum will be a chore in any vehicle let alone a boat like the current mustang. Street – parallel parking - PIA – Maneuvering though pits being strapped in depending upon seating position will be difficult too – BUT – Once moving at a pace on a racetrack - Minimal steering input is not a problem with a properly set up rack. I feel better feed back but that is just me. I have not done a newer Mustang but would have done mine when made to be to be track specific. Unfortunately that will never happen. Converted back to 100% streetcar. Other vehicles I have had with manual racks with R or A compound slicks were no problem on track once moving but much slower input maneuvering though pits when strapped in was more difficult.

 

[csamsh]

I wonder if you could get the 05-10 hydraulic rack to bolt up- I remember seeing pictures of a coyote conversion kit from sema or pri

 

[GallopingFord]

Motor swap, which pretty much moves the ECU from the category of "useful electronics" to "unnecessary weight".

The more I look into this swap, the more it looks like it's going to turn into a purpose-built track car. The idea is insane. It's going to be more expensive ($25k) than many folks are willing to deal with. The car will definitely be a bad-ass mofo in the end. Let's just say that the car will have earned the stripes that are already on it.

What setup, if you don't me asking, is going to set you back 25K? Crate engine?

 

[SoundGuyDave]

408 is a stout setup... And yes, $25K is NOT out of the question, assuming all "race grade" parts and solid machine work. Given the weight, though, I think you're still going to want a power rack under there. It's easy enough to mount a PS pump to a Windsor block, and then it's just a matter of fabricating lines to hook to a 05-10 rack. Since I doubt you're sticking with the OE K-member, you may need to add a bump-steer kit depending on rack mounting, but there's no real size difference between a manual and power rack. It's all in the lines and their routing.

 

[jsimmonstx]

I know the FR500S rack from ford "reduces" the input but does not take it away completely. Not sure if it would fit your year tho

Flaming River makes a manual rack as well (and is the one everyone seems to use when they go manual). The other option would be to loop a used power rack from a 2005-10, which would be cheaper, but I don't do stuff simply because it's cheaper unless all other options are similar in terms of application and suitability.

 

[jsimmonstx]

What sanctioned body are you planning on racing? SCCA/NASA? If this is going to be an all out track car make sure you build it to the class that you want to race. It be a shame to build a car and not be able to race with a sanctioned group.

Also, if you let us know what the car is being built for we may be more helpful.

I'm not concerned about sanctioning bodies. I'm merely adding a crapload of power to the car, and want to run on the local road courses during track day. All other usage will be street driving.

 

[jsimmonstx]

I wonder if you could get the 05-10 hydraulic rack to bolt up- I remember seeing pictures of a coyote conversion kit from sema or pri

Any S-197 rack should bolt up. Since the new engine is going to be a stroked 351w, finding/making brackets for the pump/reservoir shouldn't be a problem. My only issue with it is that it uglies up the engine bay.

 

[jsimmonstx]

What setup, if you don't me asking, is going to set you back 25K? Crate engine?

Local builder, stock block, completely forged bottom end, AFR aluminum heads, nasty cam, quickfuel 830cfm double pumper, and a Tremec T56 trans, and probably an aluminum flywheel to reduce weight. If it wasn't for the transmission, the cost would be closer to 17K. I figure the parts will cost about $20k, and I'm adding $5k for "no-see-ums".

The car has an automatic right now, but you simply can't build a serious road car with an automatic.