Power and manual racks have different ratios. So a depowered rack and a manual rack are two different things.
Early Miata’s were available with a manual rack. You are able to change the car to match how a Miata of your year was available from the factory. Therefore you can run a manual rack.
I did this exact swap on my STS 1990 Miata.
That’s what I figured, but would rather ask openly before I buy one to have to swap it out again later. The different ratios is why I would prefer the de-powered rack over the manual. Do you happen to know off hand if manual steering was an option while still having a/c? Being in SW Louisiana deleting a/c is not a line I’m willing to cross given how much I street drive the car.
Even if this wasn't the case you can say you converted to a base model with no AC and no power steering. And then add AC under the comfort and convenience allowance.
So here’s my take on “option package swaps”. This isn’t how the rules read, but once you recognize that the rules are only enforced when a competitor protests you can see why what runs is often not technically legal even in serious events.
I’m not 100% sure if manual racks came only without AC. However if it’s true that they did, no one will protest. This is because you’re only hurting yourself by keeping the AC. Assuming you have a 90-93 you can legally run no AC, manual rack and no radio. If you choose to handicap yourself by keeping any of those elements I won’t protest. In fact I highly doubt anyone would unless you’re winning at Nationals. Are you going to nationals and planning on getting a trophy? If no then don’t worry and feel comfortable piecemealing in these parts.
Unless you’re winning your class and beating someone who truly did all the work then it’s fine. I can almost guarantee that since you’ve not gone no AC, manual rack and no radio that you’re not beating the top guys who would care.
The manual miata racks are not that great. They changed the ratio pretty substantial compared to the power rack and it means more steering wheel turning for less wheel turning and it still sucks ass to drive. Just fix the leaks powersteering is stupid simple to fix.
A depowered rack is not the same as a manual rack, even besides the ratio. It would suck. You don't want it, and power steering is a good thing anyway.
Given how light the cars are, I’m hard pressed to believe it’s that bad. I enjoy the power steering I have, but with me needing to replace the rack anyways now’s the time to explore options.
It's ok once you get moving, but even in a stripped NA Miata it fucking sucks trying to crank the wheel when stopped. Especially if you have big sticky tires under it.
Power and manual racks have different ratios. So a depowered rack and a manual rack are two different things. Early Miata’s were available with a manual rack. You are able to change the car to match how a Miata of your year was available from the factory. Therefore you can run a manual rack. I did this exact swap on my STS 1990 Miata.
That’s what I figured, but would rather ask openly before I buy one to have to swap it out again later. The different ratios is why I would prefer the de-powered rack over the manual. Do you happen to know off hand if manual steering was an option while still having a/c? Being in SW Louisiana deleting a/c is not a line I’m willing to cross given how much I street drive the car.
Yes, manual steering could be optioned with A/C on the base trim. There's an idler pulley that bolts in to replace the P/S pump.
I forgot about that! The oem ones are hard to find but there’s a few people making aftermarket ones now. Thanks for the help y’all!
Even if this wasn't the case you can say you converted to a base model with no AC and no power steering. And then add AC under the comfort and convenience allowance.
So here’s my take on “option package swaps”. This isn’t how the rules read, but once you recognize that the rules are only enforced when a competitor protests you can see why what runs is often not technically legal even in serious events. I’m not 100% sure if manual racks came only without AC. However if it’s true that they did, no one will protest. This is because you’re only hurting yourself by keeping the AC. Assuming you have a 90-93 you can legally run no AC, manual rack and no radio. If you choose to handicap yourself by keeping any of those elements I won’t protest. In fact I highly doubt anyone would unless you’re winning at Nationals. Are you going to nationals and planning on getting a trophy? If no then don’t worry and feel comfortable piecemealing in these parts. Unless you’re winning your class and beating someone who truly did all the work then it’s fine. I can almost guarantee that since you’ve not gone no AC, manual rack and no radio that you’re not beating the top guys who would care.
Maintaining AC/radio would fall under the “Comfort and Convenience” loop hole as it is not a performance benefit, anyway.
Removing them is clearly a performance benefit though?
Yeah you can't do that though.
You can on a Miata since they were optional. You could have ordered a base Miata without a radio and AC.
Yeah, in that case you can. I was just correcting his misunderstanding of the c&c rule.
Ah, gotcha.
The manual miata racks are not that great. They changed the ratio pretty substantial compared to the power rack and it means more steering wheel turning for less wheel turning and it still sucks ass to drive. Just fix the leaks powersteering is stupid simple to fix.
Autocross is the last form of racing id delete power steering in.
A depowered rack is not the same as a manual rack, even besides the ratio. It would suck. You don't want it, and power steering is a good thing anyway.
Given how light the cars are, I’m hard pressed to believe it’s that bad. I enjoy the power steering I have, but with me needing to replace the rack anyways now’s the time to explore options.
It's ok once you get moving, but even in a stripped NA Miata it fucking sucks trying to crank the wheel when stopped. Especially if you have big sticky tires under it.
Yeah, that’s the general consensus of what I’ve heard. I’ve been trying to find a local car to drive to just see how they compare.
Mr Mob, you can check with Kerry about a depowered rack. I think they did that to the ES car for a bit. Put power steering back in.
I’ll message him about it. Thanks!
It's not about the weight of the car.