Manual Steering?

[RetroGT2006]

Sub'd for an interesting build..

 

[neema]

while it sounds like you'll be in different circumstances than I was, I had my steering rack go out from popping a fuse on the battery (woops) and had fun driving around for a day without any power steering. It was tough. Parking lot speeds are a given, but even at higher speeds, you still get an arm workout. This is with 305s up front.

Perhaps you could make things work better if you messed with caster. Like some others have mentioned, I would use some sort of power steering.

 

[jsimmonstx]

while it sounds like you'll be in different circumstances than I was, I had my steering rack go out from popping a fuse on the battery (woops) and had fun driving around for a day without any power steering. It was tough. Parking lot speeds are a given, but even at higher speeds, you still get an arm workout. This is with 305s up front.

Perhaps you could make things work better if you messed with caster. Like some others have mentioned, I would use some sort of power steering.

Yeah, I decided to go with the 2005-10 hydraulic. I should be able to get most of the parts used/rebuilt. If I buy everything new from Ford, I'd be spending at least $715.

 

[jsimmonstx]

I'm currently at 26% of my estimated parts goal of $18.9k, and am expecting a reasonably sized cash infusion in the next week or so (2-5k). I also picked up a set of barely used AFR 205 heads w/ 1.6 rockers for $1600 (the original owner is upgrading to 220's) which saved me $475 off the cost of new heads and rockers.

The same guy has a brand new Tremec T56 that I can probably get a real deal on as well.

New strategies include:

- Griggs 15:1 close-ratio power steering rack
- BMR S197/351W Engine Swap tubular K-member - more expensive, but serves two purposes - removes weight and allows easy mounting of engine
- Going for shorty headers to try to avoid potential exhaust and clutch problems. Gonna try to find 1-3/4x3, but they're as scarce as hen's teeth - maybe from Mac or BBK.

 

[jsimmonstx]

I'm now at 69% of my parts goal.

 

[jsimmonstx]

Bought a set of AFR 205 heads with 1.6 rockers ($1660), a brake/clutch pedal assembly with a manual trans master cylinder reservoir ($130), and a fox body accelerator pedal ($19).

I also found a guy in Houston that did a similar swap into a 2005 and bought the video he sells that describes the process and lists part numbers. It's real value though, is allowing me to see what order in which things should be done, and reinforces my practice of having all of the identifiable parts on-hand BEFORE starting the swap.

One thing I learned from the video - Push-Loc fittings and hoses are cheaper and easier to use than steel braided line.

I also expect little/no fabrication to be needed. At this point, the biggest concern I have is modifying the gas tank to support the new setup. I question whether I'll be able to use the OEM fuel pump, and how do I monitor fuel level? Everything else seems easy.