I have an '85 gs with a manual steering box that is toast. I see that CP Racing has a conversion kit that will eliminate the old box and make it into rack and pinion steering. Does anybody know if these kits are any good or if any one else has a similar product for a better price???

 

From what I've heard (not personal experience) they are good, but it is not a bolt on kit. There is a lot of mod work needed, and if you are not up to the task it might not be the best idea. There are people who have it who are on this forum, so I'm sure you will get some good information. Also, try a search. I seem to remember some good threads on this topic. Good luck.

 

Thanks!!

 

According to the e-mail that I sent them, they said it was a straight bolt on kit with every part needed to do the job included. Seemed a bit pricey at 500 bucks though. I don't have any firsthand knowledge of the kit though, so anyone who has actually purchased one would probably know better.

 

Here, I did a search for you:
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/cp-racing-r-p-kit-new-version-part-ii-354897/
and
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/has-anyone-installed-cps-new-r-p-kit-364015/

 

That's what it said on there website. But the price showing now is 650.00 US.

 

I could have been wrong about the mod work. That was just what stuck out in my mind. Sorry if it is bad information.

 

The CP Racing kit is a direct bolt-on Rack and Pinion setup. The steering radius is reduced slightly (IIRC 3.2 lock to lock instead of 3.4.. or something like that), but the steering is much tighter.

The good news is, yes the kit is pretty good. It's got it's ups and downs like anything, but it's overall a good kit.

The bad news is CP Racing. They take WAY too long to ship and they say things like "you're getting version 2 of the rack, which is much improved" when really it's version 1 with a new sticker... There was a thread on that a while back.

Anyhow, the main thing is that you should SEARCH a bit more to find some more info. There are a few threads on the rack and on CP racing that should help you decide if you want to go ahead with buying the rack. You can also adjust your current steering box with the article at mazspeed.com in the facts section. Replacing inner and outer Tie Rod Ends and the bushings on your Idler and Pitman arms helps improve steering dramatically as well. And the advantage of using the stock rack is that it's cheaper.

Jon

 

Since I haven't managed to fit a steering sector in my toaster yet, how do you know that yours is toast? (light, dark or charcoaled)

If you have too much play in your wheel, (I assume that is your problem) are you sure it is all due to the sector? Ball joints, tie rods and idler arm bushings can also give excessive play in the steering wheel. If all of those components are up par, there is a very good write-up on how to adjust the steering sector and reduce the play in the steering.

Just food for thought, might save you a couple of buck son a possibly unneeded replacement.

 

DUDE your steering box is fully adjustable.... check mazspeed.com for instructions.

 

I had the steering checked out, all components were ok it was determined that the box was at fault. I was also told that the box had already been adjusted to the max.

 

If your positive that the box is at fault and you try the adjustment proceedure posted above with no success then PM me as I have got a perfect condition low-milage box that hasn't been adjusted, but please try and fix yours first because thats cheaper. If you have no success lemme know and we'll work something out.
Grant

 

OK thanks It might be a while before I can check it since the car is stored.

 

No prob, just PM me if you need it. I'm in BC so you won't have to pay customs.
Grant

 

Happy Good Year Grant;
I have completely rebuilt my 84GSL Steering Componets i.e. RB & Tokico Parts=$950.00US (Minus) the Steering Box which is really tight and responsive.
One problem though!

When I pulled the Steering Wheel Off I broke the Pin or Whatever it's called that keeps the Wheel from Pulling or Pushing in about 1inch or so!!!
I used a Puller-Damnit!!!!!

No problems driving it that way, just wondering if there is a fix or do I have to replace the Box to correct this.
If I need to replace the Box, I would be very interested in Buying the one you have for sale.
Email me @
sgieldon@earthlink.net
Thanks
steve

 

Your problem is with the column, not the box.

 

Where do I start tearing apart and look for what is causing the Steering Wheel to go in and out about an Inch???
sgieldon
steve

 

Either replace the steering column, or run a bolt through the inner part of the column. But be aware if you do that, the column will no longer collapse in a collision as it was designed to.

 

Thanks CrazyJoe for the Quick Relpy.
Kinda another PTA project to do next weekend.
My steering is as tight as a Vigin's Puss and I sure hate to mess with it.
I can't believe this happened since I used Puller.
Thanks Again
steve