manual steering???
 

Was there ever an 79-83 280zx offered with manual rack and pinion steering???

i currently have an 81 with power recirc ball type (at least i belive) and i wanted to know if i could convert it to a manual rack and pinion offering (a fairly experienced z guy told me i could but i have lost touch with him)

1979 280zx came with manual steering. Power steering was an option.

1982-83 had rack and pinion power assist steering. If your power steering goes out, you can still drive. :)

My first ZX had manual steering. It was a base model 1980. I believe that you'll also need to grab the front crossmember to do the swap as yours isn't set up for rack and pinion. I've looked at doing this on my daily driver for better steering response and weight savings. I'm not sure if the steering column is the same on these either...hmmmmm.

Since power steering started out as an option, I assume these cars don't really require it. Right? If I can live without frustration after removing my power steering, that's exactly what I'll look into doing. I certainly have nothing against freeing up some power in addition to the other benefits mentioned.

Well, it all depends on how you like the feel. My power steering pump went out a long time ago...and it really sucked in in-town traffic, and backing out of the driveway. The response was ok at freeway speeds, but I really prefer the power steering.

Also keep in mind that a power steering or power assist setup is going to be geared higher. Fewer turns of the wheel from lock to lock. A manual steering setup will be geared lower so it takes more turns of the steering wheel to turn the wheels a certain amount. It will be a little easier to drive a manual steering setup than a power steering setup with a broken pump. i also have driven my power assist setup with out the pump. It was livable. I gained 1mpg during the time I had the belt off the pump.

A full power steering setup would be much worse. 1981 had full power steering. Also, the 1982-83 power assist still lets you feel the road while driving. I like how that setup is.

Lucky me with the '81.. the steering is a bear, and I don't dare take it on the highway yet...