I've read and read and searched and read...

I'm still torn. I want my 93 hatch to have more responsive steering and still be manageable for daily driving. The way I see it, I have 3 choices...

1) Quaife QSR gears
2) Integra rack with "looped lines"
3) Integra rack with PS

...and I like wide tires and small steering wheels I'm hesitant to do the "looped lines" thing because in my experience ps rack with ps disabled is hell. I'm hesitant to go with PS for obvious reasons (feedback), but I'm still considering it as the best steering response + driveability + cost option. Also I have my reservations about whether the Quaife gears will make enough difference for the price.

So basically power steering will be $130-180 used parts for 16:1 ratio. Quaife = $260-280 depending on what all I replace for 17.3:1 ratio. How would you guys compare the choices?

Is it just me or are no 2 power steering systems the same? I drove my buddy's 93 SI the other day and the steering felt as responsive as my manual rack but it was obviously power assist when sitting still. Perhaps it's worn out and doesn't overpower the steering forces so great? what do you guys think, would there be a way to minimalize a power steering system to balance between feedback and power assistance? Could be ideal.

 

I have a 95 si with an integra rack. I left the PS in it because I like it that way. I have a small steering wheel. Its about 3 turns lock to lock, slightly less, and I would consider it perfect...for me.

my $.02

 

cool, I have been leaning a bit toward the PS route, sacrificing the steering feedback.

 

I'm not sure what your purpose is but if you're autocrossing, and you're class allows, PS always seemed like the better route for me. I've driven both PS and non-PS and always prefered the ability to move the wheel faster with a PS over having to feel the resistance of a non-PS rack, especially through transistions and slaloms. Many people have a different opinion so its just a matter of preference.

 

I'm not sure about autocross classing, but this is 99% my daily driver and 1% for track days, autox, etc. That being the case, it has to be streetable. I love having steering feedback with the manual rack, but I'm tired of cranking it like a bus.

I work on old British iron and they have way more responsive, manual steering! I fell in love with the quick response and I wish to have it on my civic.

I think I'm going to do Integra power steering, I found a nice pump for cheap and a buddy has an entire parts car and is going to supply the rack & stuff.

I'm curious if anyone has done a side-by-side comparison between the Quaife QSR and Integra power steering.. I'd love to hear the opinions.