steering upgrade help

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by satchelmcqueen, Aug 16, 2018.

  1. stumanchu

    stumanchu Stuart

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  2. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    I've heard a 200 weighs around 380Lbs, iron 289/302 approx 470-480Lb.

    Can no doubt loose 45Lb for alu heads, another 20-25Lb for intake and probably 10Lb for headers. Puts weight in vicinity of 200.

    Larger V8 bellhousing and converter maybe adds 10Lb(mostly fluid). V8 flywheel and clutch would probably add 15Lb.

    AFAIK the 8088 in mine are the lightest general replacement springs available.
     
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  3. satchelmcqueen

    satchelmcqueen Member

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    I'm glad to hear this. I disnt consider aluminum heads and intake weighing less. Also I would have thoight a v8 vs 6 would be more of a weight difference. Ill buy the 6cyl springs and rebuild now. Thanks!
     
  4. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    I've been running the stock 6 cylinder springs with a V8 for 45 years, I like the softer ride they give you. I found the biggest difference in front ride height, at least on my car, came from different offset wheels. A wheel that sticks out farther puts more leverage on the spring causing the front to sit lower. My case was just the opposite, the tires moved inward and the front raised up.
     
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  5. HarleyGA

    HarleyGA Member

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    I'm wondering if anyone has tried installing electric power steering.
    https://americanpowertrain.com/i-8550013-ez-electric-power-steering-for-1965-70-mustang-cougar.html
     
  6. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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  7. groberts101

    groberts101 Member

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    There have been a few around here who have converted to electric. Not as expensive as some may think if you have some basic fabrication skills and a junkyard near by. IIRC, there have been a few other vintage car owners who've grafted them into the collapsible columns too. Tons of info on these types of conversions out in netland. Protouring and a few others have excellent writeups.
     
  8. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    I was referring to the product linked in his post.
     
  9. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    I read reviews that said it was a boy dog to install. some had it installed by pro shops and they had problems. all agreed it was a nice system after you make it fit.
     
  10. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    A boy dog? LOL Not quite as bad as a girl dog.
    On my Chrysler daily driver with electric steering the motor is on the rear of the rack.
     
  11. HarleyGA

    HarleyGA Member

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    Reading some older post on this subject. The chief complaint seems to be the dead feel and lack of self centering. the only time I need some steering assist is when the car is at a dead stop. Once rolling the steering feels great. Why could the electrics be configured to operate only at say under 10 mph?
     
  12. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

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    Hey Harley:
    They HAD this at one time .. Back in the sixties they had a car that they advertised as ' Full Time Power Steering'
    and ran commercials showing a lady in white gloves ( ? ) sitting in the parked position and then turning the wheel
    with ONE FINGER .. I can't remember the brand of the car .. but I remember the wheel turning bit ..
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
  13. HarleyGA

    HarleyGA Member

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    I saw a system like you described on “Fantom Works”. You could turn the steering wheel with your pinky at a dead stop. Wouldn’t want that sensitivity while driving but would be a huge benefit at low speed.
     
  14. Buck62

    Buck62 Member

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    To me, the cost and labor of converting to power steering isn't worth it... with the exception being age or physical impairment that makes it necessary.
    Fix all the front end parts first. Make it all tight and then grease it all to make it smooth. Our 6-banger Comet is so light up front that power steering would just make that "floaty" feeling even worse at highway speeds.
    Replacing our tie-rods, ball joints and idler arm with new Moog parts changed everything for the better.
    Now, brakes are a different story. Eventually we'd like to go with power disc brakes. But steering isn't a problem, as long as the parts are snug and smooth.
     

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