I have a 98 dx hatch, got rid of the powersteering using a manual cx rack, and column u joint. Total pain in the *** but worth it. Had to take exhaust, shifter linkage off. To
wiggle the steering rack out. Other than that it wasnt too bad. And I had to use the manual steering racks u joint- the ps one doesnt work. I guess its threaded differnt or somthing. Took me a while to figure out what the hell was goin on. Steers good now.

 

Is this worth the conversion if you don't mind the turning being a little stiffer?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by O RLY &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is this worth the conversion if you don't mind the turning being a little stiffer?</TD></TR></TABLE>

cx steering rack is the ****. feels good too

 

CX steering rack also has the worst steering ratio of ANY Honda rack. It might feel better, but you're moving the wheel more for the desired amount of turning. The better option would've been to leave the PS rack in and just pull out the pump and such, and then vent the rack. Or better yet, do that with an Integra rack. And as I've said eleventy billion times, if that's too "hard" for you, go to the ******* gym and lift some weights. The CX rack is cake to move by comparison.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sscguy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">CX steering rack also has the worst steering ratio of ANY Honda rack. It might feel better, but you're moving the wheel more for the desired amount of turning. The better option would've been to leave the PS rack in and just pull out the pump and such, and then vent the rack. Or better yet, do that with an Integra rack. And as I've said eleventy billion times, if that's too "hard" for you, go to the ******* gym and lift some weights. The CX rack is cake to move by comparison.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ratio is only 1/8 of a turn difference. the feel of cx rack is great though, feels like you have PS.

so retain PS rack and disconnect PS pump to it right??
that's why manual racks have power assist man

 

Have you tried PS with the pump disconnected? It is very stiff, but for the Integra or Si rack, the ratio is SIGNIFICANTLY better. It may be an 1/8th of a turn (I was under the impression it was more), but it makes a tremendous difference in feel. I did this just last year (went from CX to de-powered Integra rack), and would never run anything other than a 'teg rack in a Honda.

 

To me it was worth it. The feel alone and road control is alot better. As for the ratio its not that noticable. But i havent been doing any auto crossing or anything like that. Its a descent amount of work to back up and turn left or right when u go to move forward. But i slip the clutch a little and its like i have ps. Only major reasons i did this : 1 the itr swap i have - didnt have a ps pump ( yea they are all over the place, bs, and people the people that didnt throw theirs away want 60 bucks for them) 2. no more belt squeal 3. ps fluid leaks. one less thing to worry about

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sscguy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have you tried PS with the pump disconnected? It is very stiff, but for the Integra or Si rack, the ratio is SIGNIFICANTLY better. It may be an 1/8th of a turn (I was under the impression it was more), but it makes a tremendous difference in feel. I did this just last year (went from CX to de-powered Integra rack), and would never run anything other than a 'teg rack in a Honda.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes I have, on a 95 EX Coupe. Felt like **** IMO. PS racks are not made for you to disconnect the PS pump and just run it like that. It's all a difference of opinion. To me, I'm willing to sacrifice turning ratio to gain a better feel of the road and "softer" steering with the cx rack.

 

You're right, everyone will have a different opinion. The CX ratio, though the resistance was nice, was just too sloppy for my taste.

 

^^ I can respect that bro

 

i like the ratio on a pump-disco'd DC2 rack or EG (ex civic) rack, but the ratio on a quaiffe'd manual would best them all. Just a lil too much $$ for my taste.

 

cx rack &lt;--- free! thats why i did it that way

 

Good deal if it was free. Otherwise, I don't advise it.

I went with a rebuilt rack on my '90 LX, but I recirculated it right away. There's more reasons other than the shorter ratio, but in the end - 100% worth it. When done properly w/new rack, a recirculated PS rack is much better than a manual.

BTW, I owned a cx w/manual rack. The steering was nice, but I'll also admit I'm biased since my LX has a front sway & 22mm rear sway, while the CX had none.

I suggest you follow up the mod for better steering feel with a mod for better cornering - big fat rear sway. I had the chance to drive my old CX the other day, and I was shocked. The wheel would turn, but the front would just push ahead Fat rear sway's aren't just a bandwagon...

 

Yeah, Honda PS racks with no PS aren't too bad...I have an H22 with no PS on a PS rack, and its a little tougher, but try steering an Eagle Talon TSI with no PS on a PS rack...wow...

The main reason I'd do this is for weight reduction, but its just a waste of time and money if you ask me.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chrisw85 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i like the ratio on a pump-disco'd DC2 rack or EG (ex civic) rack, but the ratio on a quaiffe'd manual would best them all. Just a lil too much $$ for my taste.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Quaiffe Civic rack is actually the same ratio as the Integra rack.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HiProfile &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I suggest you follow up the mod for better steering feel with a mod for better cornering - big fat rear sway. I had the chance to drive my old CX the other day, and I was shocked. The wheel would turn, but the front would just push ahead Fat rear sway's aren't just a bandwagon...</TD></TR></TABLE>

O yeah, maybe i should add that i have upgraded my front with SI LCA's with SI swaybar and EK9 rear sway in the back.

 

manual is anyday better .

 

Manual rack has a 19:1 steering ratio and the DC2 PS rack has a 16:1 steering ratio. Whats the difference? Lock to lock the Manual takes 4, while the DC2 only requires 3.

Anyone run into problems when swapping a ps rack into a manual subframe? I'm about to do the same here very soon.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by audiophyle_247 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Anyone run into problems when swapping a ps rack into a manual subframe? I'm about to do the same here very soon.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would like to know also. I know for sure the subframes & mounting hardware are different (atleast on EG civics).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94eg! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I would like to know also. I know for sure the subframes & mounting hardware are different (atleast on EG civics). </TD></TR></TABLE>

Are you sure? Because for EKs, they're not. The subframe is the same if I'm not mistaken

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by R-Lug &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Are you sure?</TD></TR></TABLE>

These pics compare the mounting hardware on the passengers side. Notice the PS mounting hardware is much shallower...

EG manual gearbox:



EG Power gearbox:



Plus their matching subframes have different part numbers & descriptions:
94 Civic CX 3dr 50200-SR3-C00 = "beam RR."
94 Civic EX 2dr 50200-SR3-H50 = "beam RR. (power steering)"

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94eg! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

These pics compare the mounting hardware on the passengers side. Notice the PS mounting hardware is much shallower...
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Are we talking about subframes or racks??? I was talking about subframes. Subframe should be the same whether manual or PS.

 

Perhaps you missed the bit I wrote below the pictures (I gotta stop doing that).

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94eg! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Plus their matching sub-frames have different part numbers & descriptions:
94 Civic CX 3dr 50200-SR3-C00 = "beam RR."
94 Civic EX 2dr 50200-SR3-H50 = "beam RR. (power steering)"</TD></TR></TABLE>

The point I was trying to make is that the mounting hardware is different because the sub-frames are different. The shallow mounting hardware of the power steering gearbox matches the deep mounting groove of the power steering sub-frame (and vice verse). You can also tell because the mounting bushings are different and the bushing on the Manual gearbox is not removable or swapable. It comes glued on.

What I would like to know is if these differences have any impact on a gearbox swap? Some say yes, and some say no, but I can't find any concrete answers...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 94eg! &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Perhaps you missed the bit I wrote below the pictures (I gotta stop doing that).

The point I was trying to make is that the mounting hardware is different because the sub-frames are different. The shallow mounting hardware of the power steering gearbox matches the deep mounting groove of the power steering sub-frame (and vice verse). You can also tell because the mounting bushings are different and the bushing on the Manual gearbox is not removable or swapable. It comes glued on.

What I would like to know is if these differences have any impact on a gearbox swap? Some say yes, and some say no, but I can't find any concrete answers...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmmm... that's definately interesting. I'm almost positive that for the 96-00 Civic, the subframes are exactly the same. Can you check on the part numbers for that and confirm that yes they are?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HONDA RR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">manual is anyday better .</TD></TR></TABLE>

i have no problem driving my looped civic rack. i parrellel parked it at the post office today. plus manual ratios are just kinda sloppy feeling after driving a looped rack, with breather. i wish i could make it tighter