I am looking at EK hatches and Im thinking of buying one this weekend. I can't add attachments yet so you can see it, as I had to start a new profile. Hadn't used my old one since 03 or 04.

How is it driving with no PS? Have always had it and Im not sure how much different it will be??

How different is a manual rack vs a power rack that's been looped? Please don't bash me for not searching, as Im trying to get a few posts under my belt with this new profile.

 

Not bad, somewhat of a pain till you get used to it, but I added PS to my EK hatch lol

 

Sux, depending on use.
Much more feedback from car to driver, expecially when suspension is upgraded.

Different ratio's and L2L

there is a boatload of specs for all different racks/pinions ratio's when you search.

 

Thanks for the responses. It's been years since I've driven a friends CRX that had a manual rack with a zc swap. From what I remember it wasn't so bad unless the car was stationary.

I'm looking at an ek hatch with an H22-S swap tomorrow and then one with a built LS/Vtec on Saturday. Neither have PS or A/C. I'm planning on rectifying the A/C issue ASAP and possibly the PS later on. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference between the heavier H and the LS. Both have similar suspension work - drop springs with koni's.

 

New members can post pictures using sites like PhotoBucket.

 

Thanks, I know I could have used bb code and so forth, but Im on my phone and its soooooo slow! Went to p-bucket to upload a couple pics from my phone but it wouldnt work. Also didnt want to use the source page where the cars are being sold because I want to buy them! or at least one of them and I didnt want a bunch of others looking at the pages... selfish me, I know! Thanks for the help though.

 

Better to have a manual rack than to have a looped power rack. Manual has a higher ratio L2L. Either way, you just need to learn to drive without power assist to be able to make tight maneuvers easily.

 

If you are referring to a manual rack having less turns L2L you are incorrect.
The power racks have less wheel turns L2L

Also having suspension mods, good tire, ect.
All of these mods make the steering give much more feedback from the road that recomending this might be catostrophic for unexperienced drivers, as it makes for quite a white knuckle ride while driving spiritedly (auto-x, road course, canyons)
MUCH more input needed from driver.

 

I drove a 96 Hatch with a manual rack, almost as easy and "loose" feeling as a P/S rack IMO. Of course this was with skinny little 175 tires.

My 99 Civic has had a looped rack for the past few years. Had 185s on it originally, and then 205s, back to the 185s since it back to stock before selling. It is definitely tougher to turn the wheel, but I am used to it by now and I like the "feedback" feel it gives. BTw, I could feel the difference when wider tires were put on. It was slightly more difficult to turn the wheel when not moving. Just my 2 cents for ya.

 

This is what I mean.
P/S 1: 3.6
Manual 1: 4.0

All other things being equal, the manual rack requires slightly less effort from the driver.