power steering

bly · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2001, 12:30 AM

i am torn between power steering or no power steering. my wife wants power steering but i dont really see it necesary. has any one got any input for me?

Chad Johnson · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2001, 05:51 AM

I'm running 275X40X17 Michelin Pilots on the front of my car and it takes a real effort when jockying around. At speed it is obviously not problem and probably gives better feedback.

I guess it depends on how you plan to use the car.

Jack21 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2001, 04:42 PM

I installed PS in my car, and I love it. And my wife loves it. Should you?

Is steering the car at under 20 MPH important to you? Like parking.

Is your wife going to drive the car?

Are you spoiled by today's PS equipped cars?

Do you plan on running 235 or larger tires on the front?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should seriously consider power steering.

Honestly, PS is not the bane of all Cobra builders anymore. We'll show you how.

snake oil · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2001, 04:57 PM

WHY WOULD YOU LET YOUR WIFE DRIVE IT?
BUY HER A DIFFERENT CAR WITH POWER STEERING AND ANY OTHER OPTION SHE WANTS!
SNAKE OIL

427sharpe · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2001, 10:04 PM

ARGHHHHHHHH!
You guys are killin' me! First theres a thread on air conditioning and now power steering! 10 bucks says your wife rides in the car ONCE--and after complaining about the noise and getting all of the tangles outta her hair she'll never set foot in it again.

Buy good seatbelts, anchor the seat real tight and NIX the power steering.

wadesdad · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2001, 08:24 AM

Bly,

It's your car, do what you like. I am including PS, PB, and an automatic. I want my wife to be able to enjoy the car. After all, she is the one who gave up a spot in the garage for the Cobra!
I have spoken with many about this issue. Those without PS, wish they had it. Those with it LOVE it. There's a lot of weight up front to overcome otherwise.

-wadesdad

dalola · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2001, 09:43 AM

bly,
Ok, just to confuse you more....I have manual steering with a heavy 460, and my Cobra steers like a dream!

Instead, invest that P/S money into a nice free weight set!

Dave

Coloradocobra · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2001, 09:53 AM

Bly,

I decided up front to use power steering on my car and it worked out great. From NASCAR to exotics, most are using PS today. My system uses a Mustang II power rack. I used a combination of a late 60's bracket and a 93 Mustang GT pump with a V-belt sheave. The new pumps still use the same diameter shaft as the pumps from the 60's. My only change will be to drop the pressure with a new valve as the steering is a little too light. Heidt's and others make a valve. I say go for it!

Gary

Campy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2001, 02:10 PM

Allow me to make a generalization.
When most prospective builders make that decision to enter the realm of Cobra ownership, I suspect some assumptions are made. They assume that a Cobra is just another fancy, cool looking vintage sports car. It is also possible they may consider it a everyday driver suitable for dropping the kids (kid) off to school. Maybe a great car for a trip to grandma's house just a few hours from home....

Wrong!

While some of you, including myself, will take that occasional trip to get our blood pressure prescription filled, the Cobra is NOT your average car, by no stretch of the imagination.

In contrast, the Cobra is darn near street legal rocket on wheels. Although it's small in stature, its bark is every bit as penetrating as it's bite! This is one mean ass car and handles just as a car of its type should. Let's face it, a Ferrari it's not. We know our Cobras are tight, responsive and basically a no-nonsense street legal, race-capable badass car.

I never would have believed it if I hadn't built one myself. Driving the Cobra has to be one of the most exhilarating experiences. The car attracts attention wherever it goes; you are forever bombarded by the oohs and aahs. "Hey man...is that a real one?"

I think the truth is some people get all "touchy-feely" about building the Cobra and tend to forget what it really is and what it represents. You are not going to turn this beast into the family wagon. Sorry Charlie!

My wife will only drive with me if I promise not to rev the engine.

To the point, I don't have power brakes, power steering, power door locks

or power windows. The only power I have is under the hood. That's where I prefer it to be.

mikiec · #10 (**permalink**) 10-19-2001, 02:35 PM

No power steering, no A/C, no power brakes(thinking about changing that one).

Wife drives it and loves to go shopping.

Mike

Jack21 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-20-2001, 09:39 AM

It all boils down to this: It's your car. Build it the way you want, and build it the way you intend to drive it. The primary person who must be happy with the aesthetics and functionality of the end product is you. Just be realistic with your expectations and use your $$$resources accordingly.

You don't need a $20,000 NASCAR engine and junkyard parts on the rest of the car for a mostly street driven car. You'll hate it.

You will find that a Cobra is the most gawked at car on the road though. It's a little unnerving at times.

stush · #12 (**permalink**) 10-20-2001, 02:27 PM

I am with campy on this one. There are a few times when you think "I wish it was easier to turn around" but lets face it, most people are not buying these cars for their every day errands and pulling into and out of parking spaces. Mine is remarkably easy to drive without PS and in fact the lack of power brakes has not made a difference to me.

My wife has no desire to drive it although she is more than happy to go for a ride provided I stay within the speed limit. She loves just sitting back and waving back to everyone who gives the thumbs up...she thinks she is in a parade I guess.

Bottom line, unless this is an everyday car .."You don't need no stinkin' power steering"

Stu

Jack21 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-21-2001, 11:02 AM

Kinda like going to the Cobra store and checking the Race option, or Street option. You can have it either way.

I like the power steering, power brakes, power door openers, leg burn shields on the sidepipes, heater that works, sterio that I listen to occasionally, etc.

And I drive it to work, drop kid off at school, go shopping, take trips, etc. I wanted a sports car, not a race car, and that's what I built. My wife helped me build it, and she loves driving it. And one of these nights we're going to find a nice secluded beach someplace and properly "Christen" it too.