Power Steering

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January 09, 2009, 04:29:17 PM

I am in the process of building up a 66 Dart GT. It is a 273, 4-speed car with manual steering. I'm putting in a Blueprint 408, 375 hp. crate motor with the original trans.(rebuilt) and a new 8 3/4" with 3.91 posi. New disc brakes on all four corners with 15x7 ralley wheels. New sway bars front and rear and tighter torsion bars. New leaf springs and KYB shocks with poly-graphite bushings everywhere. The exhaust system is TTI headers with the 2 1/2" exhaust. Needless to say, the car will be setup as a well handling street car. Now for my questions. Should I switch over to power steering or is it even necessary? If so, what parts will I need and where can I get them? Is the manual steering good enough for good handling or would firm feel power be a better bet? Would a faster ratio manual unit work better for this purpose or would it make the steering to hard for my Wife to drive? I am not new to early A-Bodies but I am new to building a car, with handling in mind, as its primary use. I feel that now is the time to tackle this, while everything is apart for rebuilding. Any help or advice, is as always, greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Benny

in my experience, you not only dont need it for that ride, but in-my-opinion it'll handle far better with the manual steering vs the regular mopar (over-)power steering. you'll get way more road feel and feedback than through the power setup, not to mention the car doesnt weigh enough to really NEED power assist.

sounds like its going to be a really nice driver.

with Capt Jack. I have a Blueprintenigens enigen (408ci) for my 65 barracuda. Have you run the enigen yet? If so what do you think of it?

I just got the Blueprint engine last week and havn't had a chance to run it yet.It may be a while with all the work to be done before it goes in the car. I'll let everyone know when its up and running.
Thanks,
Benny

Capt Jack,
Thanks for the input. I think this is the way I'll go.(stick with manual Steering) One more question, What about the Faster Ratio gear Boxes from Firm Feel Steering and Suspension? Should I consider one of these?
Thanks Again,
Benny

I agree with the above posts although I have a 66 Valiant convertible with power steering and like it. It's not really worth it since you would have to get the Flaming River conversion kit ($160) or modify your existing steering shaft because the manual one is longer. That's only the beginning. PS brackets, PS pump, PS gear box, PS hoses.....adds up in a hurry. hammer

I have the same handling setup but added subframe connectors and convertibles came with torque boxes. You probably already thought of the subframe connectors. I have had the tti headers installed in the car and let me tell you it is a bitch getting those things to fit. The stars have to line up perfectly for them not to hit anything. Make for damnn sure you have your motor in the stock position and height. I had to shim the motor 1/4" to clear the center link and idler arm. I had my engine and K-frame on a moving dolly and installed the motor and headers and tranny as a single unit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUmeUHC5VL8

Trust me it is a good idea to get a new idler arm (cost $50 w/ shipping from rockauto.com Moog part) it will help with clearance. I did not have any issues with the power steering at all.

Since you are going with the 408 that means you will need the powermaster starter from tti. If you are running a 10.5 inch clutch you may need to do some modification to the z-bar setup for clearance. I'm running the Keisler 5-speed and hydraulic clutch so I can't help you on the Z-bar thing.

As far as handling goes a wider tire will help as well. I used the offset kit and a 255/60/15 fits comfortably.

Sounds like a great project. I hope have my done in the next few months.

Dave, Thanks for the input. Your car looks great. I like the Keisler 5-speed. I just can't afford it this time around. As for the steering, I talked to the people at Firm Feel Inc. and they convinced me to go with power. Wildcat Auto Wrecking in Sandy, OR had everything I need. They are sending it on to Firm Feel for a Stage 2 firmness rebuild. Turn around should be about 3 weeks to my door, so I am told. I think this is the best way to go for me. I'll try to post photos when everything is finished. Thanks again.
Benny