redlinevo7 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Hey guys, did a lot of searching and reading before posting but found mostly questions being answered by opinions so was wondering what you guys are running up front as far as tire width and sizes go and how you find the steering. I am in between keeping the stock rack and pinion out of the Z versus WRX power steering but I will be running a 235/17 tyre up front with the rb26 on my 280 and was wondering what I should expect as far as effort goes. I will be designing it as a dd but don't really expect to drive it more than a few times a week. I'm leaning towards the stock rack simply because I want to keep the feel genuine and not to mention it will just be easier in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluDestiny Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 There are people running 275 slicks up front, of course that is a track car only kind of deal. I am using 235's on my 280zx with a manual rack and don't have any issues. Just sore arms after and autocross day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I ran a 250mm slick with manual steering. It's a bitch when you're stopped or moving slow, not an issue at all once you get moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger280zx Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 In my experience it is the parking lot maneuvering over the actual street driving where the manual steering becomes a hindrance. 235 street tires just don't have the grip, well if you're not an 80 year old man or a 12 year old girl that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3VO 3VOM Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I had 245/45/16 on my Z for a while and like everyone said, moving slow is difficult. At a stop good luck. But when you're moving its not that bad. Autocrossing and racing like BluDestiny said may leave you with sore arms though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I went from 225's on +4 rims to 255's on -13 rims and I didn't notice a huge difference in effort. In both cases, I found any kind of slow speed driving to be very difficult. But I'm 6'7" tall, and with the steering wheel I had, my arms were straight out. This gave me no leverage. I then switched to a wheel and adapter combination (Momo adapter + NRG short quick release + deep dish NRG wheel) that moved the steering wheel several inches closer. It was like I suddenly added power steering to my Z! I couldn't get over the difference. I'm now able to maneuver in parking lots without straining to turn the wheel, and I have a lot more confidence handling the car at speed. I realize not every one is as tall as me, but it's still worth considering your position to the steering wheel. Your elbows should be at about a 90 degree angle. Nigel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlinevo7 Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Thanks for the info guys, that's what I needed to hear and also what I assumed to be the case. Don't plan to go grocery shopping with the car so don't think parking will be a big enough issue to care about. Could always do with a little extra arm muscle. I think I will stick with the manual for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74_5.0L_Z Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 (edited) I run 275/35-15 Hoosier A6 on all four corners. I also run 6 degrees of caster. Turning the steering wheel when stopped is a challenge, but is no problem while moving. That being said, I feel like I've had a good upper body work-out after a day of autocrossing. I would love to install a power rack and pinion set-up with a quicker ratio. Often my speed through a course is limited by how fast I can turn the steering wheel. Edited July 18, 2013 by 74_5.0L_Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlinevo7 Posted July 18, 2013 Author Share Posted July 18, 2013 OK well yeah I can imagine a 275 extra sticky race tire being quite a challenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R3VO 3VOM Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Speaking of difficulty turning, it's definitely more expensive than the Subaru rack I'd think (never really looked into it) but anyone ever seen one of these? http://www.zccjdm.com/catalog.php/azcarbum/dt93255/pd2134757/CUSTOM__DATSUN__ELECTRIC_POWER_STEERING_KIT_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlinevo7 Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 I've seen other members post up similar parts but for 2250 plus shipping etc I think I will stick with bicep power for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyuZ32 Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 So would a 16x9 rim fit well enough to run like a 255 in the rear? maybe even a bit bigger for hook? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richs72RBz Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 Good luck finding a street tire that is bigger than 245 for 16" wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLATA Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 225/50/16 on mine , no issues what so ever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 I've seen other members post up similar parts but for 2250 plus shipping etc I think I will stick with bicep power for now. FWIW, I think my Woodward rack is cheaper. Requires more fabrication to get it in, but you can get a faster rack ratio, whatever length rack you want, and adjust the level of assist after the fact. http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/97073-woodward-power-steering-project/?hl=woodward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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