power steering or not

[mdracr]

I have a 1965 Coronet with loose manual steering. Thinking about going to power. Any thoughts? What fits and what doesn't?

 

[wedgie]

I did just the opposite. Went from power to manual steering. Rebuilt the box with the Mancini quicker ratio worm and sector. I believe that it is 20:1. No regrets whatsoever.

 

[wedge5]

I hated my power steering in my 65 Coronet. It was to sensative for me. I like some resistance when I turn the wheel. It drifted to easy for my liking. I switched over to manual. Now that I have driven it both ways I would never switch back.

I think that the Federal pump in the one that was run on the 65' Let me know if you do the swap. I have a darn near new power steering hose for it. My old one was toast so I bought this right before decided to do the swap. I will sell it to you on the cheap. It is just sitting on the shelf in the my way.

 

[johnhinds]

Im swapping my power over to manual too. i'd just find you another steering box thats in a little better shape for around $100. switching to power you'll need to buy pump,steering box,column,hoses,pulley,belt etc. i wouldn't do it. if my car originally had manual steering i wouldn't swap to power. just my opinion. John

 

[64Belvedere]

I've got manual and I'm swapping to power. Had power steering on my 69 Dart and have it on my 64 Olds. Tired of the worn sloppy manual box on my 64.

 

[super-bee_ski]

mdracr:
I went to MP for my stuff. Application: 1970 Superbee. I found their product lacked Quality control. I had to machine one of the calipers in my garage due to excessive cast material on the part. Lots of guys have had good luck with them. I'm getting ready to due my 63 Dodge Polara next. Most likeley going "power discs" on the 63.
Anyway, it's your choice and it depends on what your doing. Heck, I'm 58 and in the 60s and early 70s, none of my cars had power steering. I love it.

 

[ilm65]

I've switched both ways--power to manual and manual to power--I'm 66 y/o and just starting to deal with arthritis--it's power for me. If you want your car to steer with some feel for the road (like modern power steering), go to firmfeel.com--they do primarily Mopars in three stages of steering feel. The majority of their customers purchase Stage 2--give them a call.

 

[Cranky]

My 66 Belvedere has manual steering in it and the more weight I took off the car, the easier it got to steer. It was just a /6 but those things are not much lighter than a small block and the car has ac on it too but the best power steering car I ever had was a 71 340 Cuda with the T/A steering setup. 2 1/2 turns lock to lock and with a late model E body steering wheel, it was pretty good feeling and fun to drive. It was also the best donut car I ever had!!

 

[mdracr]

Thanks for the input. I think i am going to try the mancini quick ratio kit. I really dont mind the manual steering, manual brakes (wilwood discs all 4 corners) and manual transmission (tremec tko600 5-speed). It keeps me off my cell phone.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

:blob1:Manuel here

 

[TheGodfather]

Power Steering vs. Manual Steering

Both of mine already had PS in them and they're just fine. I had one of them rebuilt by FirmFeel Stage II and it's Great even at 115mph in the 1/4 mile. No Problems and my wife likes to drive it too. I always say "A Happy Wife is a Happy Husband" !! :headbang:

 

[383man]

I also took the power steering off and went to manual. It steers so easy I dont need power anyway. Ron

 

[ninjapumkin]

Have PS but going manual. Like the clean look. Ease of plug wire routing and plug and starter access. Bought a flaming river box and adapter from Mancini Racing. Great customer service from them.