power steering question

[cobrabritt83]

Do most people use manual steering or power steering? not sure on what one to go with.

[JDwithSC]

It's a luxury you certainly don't need, but I love the setup Olthoff installed on my car. It still looks vintage and makes parking a hell of a lot easier.

[ROBERT GWALTNEY]

I put manual in mine and it works just fine... even at a dead stop its not that hard

[209]

I had power early on, say 5k miles and then went back to the stock rack. It was nice at times but bloody quick other times. The installer still has my unit if interested.

[patrickt]

Unless you are physically infirm, you do not need power steering in a Cobra. And if you are that physically infirm, you should seriously consider another car.

[Dirty Harry]

I started with power steering, but I didn't like it, so I gave away the pump, hoses and rack and went to manual steering and I liked the car much better. Still do.

[vatdevil]

Manual...better feedback.

[TimeForACobra]

I'm seriously considering power steering since I autocross my car. It's a workout trying to maneuver the car on a tight course. Plus I'm looking at a quicker steering ratio. Should make me quicker.

[Cobra #3170]

Originally Posted by TimeForACobra

I'm seriously considering power steering since I autocross my car. It's a workout trying to maneuver the car on a tight course. Plus I'm looking at a quicker steering ratio. Should make me quicker.

It is the only way to go especially if you have a fast rack, the stock Cobras were something like 22 to 1, my current ratio is 12 to 1 and it is perfect for autox or even track events. I run a GM pump with separate reservoir and a modified Appleton rack with low boost, plenty of feed back and very responsive.
I had to make new ends to the rack to get the tie rod length correct and to position the rack so that the stock steering shaft would work.

[RICK LAKE]

cobrabritt83 Couple things where let out for info. What tires are you looking to run on the car? What is this car going to be used for? shows, autoX, roadracing, just a cruiser? Whos suspension is in this car?
To start with any car can be made to turn easy with alignment that is setup with low caster and "0" toe. The car will respond slower to inputs from the driver.
Wheels and tires. If you run the 15" wire wheel and skinny tires, the stock setup will be fine. If you are running 15-18" wheels and tires with a 100 wear rating, the steering will be a bear. You better have brick layer forearms for driving more than 15-30 minutes on a twisty road. How the car is setup to drive will increase or decrease how much strength is needed.
I have been running an ERA for 13+ years with a system similar to COBRA#3170. I am running 17" wheels with 200 wear tires. Even after 20 heats and the power steering, you still get a good work out. The guys I run against get out of their cars and do the arm shake to remove cramps and tingles from driving hard. Me no problem after switching. Still run the wooden steering wheel. I ran 2 years without PS, what a beating. Nascar, all your road racing groups except F1 run them. Why work harder than you have too. To drive perfect driving lines, powersteering is the way to go.
The car is yours, do what you want, is the other half or girlfriend going to drive the car??? This maybe the ONLY answer you needs for this problem. Rick L. Ps Cobra #3170 won the Optima event 3 years ago with less tires and a driver in his 60's over guys half his age.

[xlr8tr]

I still watch this all the time, #3170 kicking serious butt. Pretty hard to do this without power steering i would think....

1966 Cobra sweeps the autocross - YouTube

[WardL]

All-Right! #3170! You are my hero! I've done Autocross for one year and I have not been able to beat the young bucks with the foreign cars! I know I would do better with PS. I would want to go with electric though. Each to his own.

[sspano01]

check out my thread in the "460 forum" on power steering. i am using a volvo electric-hydraulic with my thunderbird power rack, works very well!