F355 from the factory without power steering

Yes. As Brian mentioned, unassisted steering was available as an option...


Image Unavailable, Please Login

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Image Unavailable, Please Login


Specifications for both are given.

Having an F355 Challenge, I understand why it has power steering and how it helps me on the track.

 

I understand it was available as an option. I posted the literature, diagrams, and even a pic of the front sway bar for it. That's not new info. What I argued is no one actually ordered it and at 3.45 turns lock to lock, I can see why.

I stand by my statement. Anyone who actually has a 355 with the OE manual rack conversion is in possession of an extremely rare 355. This was not a commonplace option ordered, even in Europe. I did my homework. Don't be surprised if no one actually shows proof.

 

Yikes. And the same turning circle. Maybe we should ask @lanab how it feels to drive.

 

348's and the like had a smaller diameter steering wheel. Usually 350mm or less. It helped.

 

Yes, the turning circle is the same, Ian. The power steering rack is quicker than the manual rack...3.2 turns lock-to-lock v. 3.45 turns for the unassisted rack.

The specifications for the power-assisted steering setup states: The power steering pump varies its displacement inversely to engine speed to ensure optimum "feel" under all driving conditions.

I see this on high speed tracks like Daytona and Pocono where turns are taken at more than 150mph. On those tracks, when slowing down to enter an infield road course, the increase in power steering boost is most welcome.

 

If anything, a smaller diameter steering wheel in a manual steering 348 would require more effort to turn.

 

More effort, but less hand movement overall?

 

I would say so, Ian. My F355 Challenge has a 350mm diameter steering wheel. My car never got the FHP "quick steering" rack as did the last of the Factory-prepared "Evo" Challenge cars. Many of the early F355 Challenge cars did not have the FHP rack and associated paraphernalia installed, most likely by driver-choice as they were accustomed to the feel of their steering over the previous three or four years. It wasn't a mandatory update when The F355 Challenge was eligible for the Challenge Series. There were other upgrades that were far more important eg. the strengthened shifter linkage.

There are three other F355 Challenge cars in my group, all with standard power steering racks. One of the owners swapped his 350mm steering wheel for a 320mm diameter wheel. I'll see him next week at Watkins Glen. I'll ask him if he prefers his current steering wheel to his original 350mm wheel.

 

My Exige came factory with a 330mm steering wheel. I put in a 300mm steering wheel and never looked back. Exige is manual steering only.

Zygrene… a car reviewer on Youtube with about 250 cars under his belt gave my car a perfect score for steering and he never gives a perfect score in that category.



Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Apples and oranges. What is the steering ratio? What is the vehicle weight (1,120 kg vs 1,483 kg)? How far way do you sit from the steering wheel? Do you lift weights? My Lotus Esprit also had no power steering. I kept the wheel the same size, but had to move it closer to me (with a boss) and put a few extra psi in the front tyres to make it easier to drive at low speeds.