Michael Bowen

I had an 80 ball that I replaced with a R&P to clear a turbo engine. In short, the ball's are tougher and can take more weight than R&P's for a given amount of turning ratio...That is why you see them used on trucks while R&P's are only on cars. Anyway, There isn't a big difference. The ball seemed to have a tighter overall ratio and was smoother/more comfortable, but the R&P had a better on center feel and road feel. Most probably won't be able to tell a difference, and it's not worth changing one for another unless you have a good reason too. (Clearing a turbo, for example) This swap also requires replacing the front cross member from a car that had R&P.

Hey All About to drop my newly rebuilt L28ET turbo engine into my 80 N/A car. Just noticed that the recirculating ball steering box lives in about the same place as the turbo will be. Is there a clearence issue here, or do I need to convert the car to the rack and pinion? Hope not, as the donor car has been shipped off to the metal recycling yard Also, since I'm retaining the Nissan 5 speed, will the turbo clutch work with the Nissan 5 speed tranny, or do I need to use the clutch for the 2+2. (Swapping to the 240mm flywheel). Thanks all!!

I can't emphasize enough to use antiseize on any exhaust hardware or any stressed bolt like the head bolts. You will find that even after 5 years on the exhaust, the bolts come off like they were put on yesterday. I used it on every bolt on my formula ford, and just about every bolt on my road cars too. I've got a exhaust manifold and down pipe on my N/A with 381K on it now, and 10 years and 100K miles later, I just took them off and it was easier than just about any other bolt on the engine. Also, remember to torque down the bolts about 10% less since the threads are lubricated. It's too cheap not to use. Also, smearing a very small amount on the entire bolt/studs used on the super hot exhaust manifold will prevent them from rusting more than just a touch.

Thanks guys!! I feel better about the transmission now. Thanks for the spacer advice, as I had not noticed that yet. Is $75 a fair price for a 240mm flywheel? The decision before me now is: I have a 225mm flywheel now, and I will need a different clutch either way I go, so would it be better to go with a centerforce and my 225mm or the 240mm and a standard clutch?

Oh never mind...Just found the answer to the clutch question, but I think the tranny will take the extra HP.

I have a 1980 N/A 5 speed 2 seater that I'm putting a turbo engine into. The donor car had an automatic, so I'm using my Nissan 5 speed. Two questions. Will the Nissan 5 speed handle the power of the turbo engine, and will the turbo T5 clutch work with the Nissan 5 Speed? Someone told me the input shafts were different between the T5 and the Nissan 5 speed. If so, will the clutch for the Nissan 5 speed 2+2 work well for this application, as I understand this is a larger clutch. Thanks!! MB