POWER steering on to a mk2?..G*D HELP ME

[15 inches]

I gave my mk2 without power steering,along with a donor mk2 8v with power to a 'local' mechanic(ha)to swop the power over on to mine,he's had the cars for nearly a month and says its a b@stard of a job cos he's got to drop the sub frame or someting.
Any one ever put power on to a mk2???
And is it such a bugger of a job..

OR SHOULD I THREATEN HIM WITH A VAUXHALL CAV STEERING RACK JOB!!!!!

[mk1]

LOL , have done the cav rack and a calibra turbo
Do have to drop the subframe to fit the rack on the mk2. Not to bad a job if all the bolts come out . Cant put a time on it, but a fair bit of work stripping two cars steering off, then fitting a different system back on to one.
Steve.

[15 inches]

Cheers for your reply,ill let him have it a while longer then-and keep well away..

The steering rack on  a cav is not a nice job,i found that geting the 'u' shaped bracket back over-once you'd originally bent up cos you couldnt get to the bolt underneath was near impossible..

If only every thing in life was as reliable as...er..

cheers

[sKrEwBaLL]

I hope you got a price first!  

[15 inches]

You wont beleive me when i say ?30 for the rack and ?100 for the gear box!
Im sure that will change though..

And yes he does wear a ten gallon hat

[rustynuts]

I would have words with him, its not a major job. It would probably take about 4 hours to an experienced mechanic. The subframe does need dropping slightly or the engine lifting to get the rack out. Also the brackets need to be fitted for the power steering pump and reservoir, the pulleys changed over and thats about it. Not a difficult job for a mechanic, sounds like he is prioritising other people.

[AdamB]

Dont get power steering fitted! you lose so much feedback.
I have hated the feel of power steering - had it on an Integra, and celica GT4. But my BMW 325i and the Golf dont have it, and they give so much feeling back when you are giving it some stick.
_ besides - you dont need a gym subscription when you get to work out on every drive!!

[15 inches]

The power steering is for parking ,i know what your saying about the 'feel' but its nice to cruise about .Especially as the gti does'nt need all that gear change stuff -just keep it in 4th and take it easy round the city!

[rustynuts]

Actually the Mk2 power steering is well weighted, it is also a little more precise as there are less turns lock to lock. If you have big wheel aspirations its a must. Which reminds me I must get round to fitting the Mk2 with power steering one day.

[Zoid]

My Mk2 8v I bought has PAS, originally I hated the idea and thought you'd lose feedback etc, however I love the PAS, it's not overly assisted just gives the steering a nice feel. Similar to the feeling when you've brand new tyres fitted and the tracking is spot on, well the steering feels like that to me all the time, I couldn't go back to a Mk2 without PAS now!

PS don't all 16v's come with PAS as standard?