Hydraulic to mechanical steering box ? F355 | FerrariChat
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Hydraulic to mechanical steering box ? F355

Discussion in '348/355' started by rorschach23, Oct 18, 2010.

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  1. rorschach23

    rorschach23 Rookie

    Feb 6, 2010
    16
    #1 rorschach23, Oct 18, 2010
    Hello. I was browsing and this caught my attention:

    "As a standard the F355 were equipped with rack and pinion power steering was, but a direct mechanical steering was available as an option for enhanced driving feel. "
    http://www.topspeed.es/auto/ferrari/1995-1999-ferrari-f355-ar11026.html

    Then i checked here:

    Hydraulic
    http://www.ricambiamerica.com/parts_catalogs.php?M=FE&P=&V=diag&I=1385
    Mechanical
    http://www.ricambiamerica.com/parts_catalogs.php?M=FE&P=&V=diag&I=1386

    And see that there is such a part available.

    So , if is this conversion doable to any F355 ? i mean direct fit and just remove the extra parts from the power steering ?

    Motives for this: curiosity and i like the ideea to have things (tehnically) as simple as possible :)

    Any imput is of great help.Thank you.
     
  2. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

    Jul 8, 2006
    5,234
    Georgia
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #2 bcwawright, Oct 18, 2010
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2010
    There are several things one must consider in the mech vs hyd. steering rack.

    These cars are not lightweight....if you track a 3000lb car and are using a manual gated shifter it is not the easiest thing in the world to negotiate alot of the turns on any race track.

    When running on the street at low speeds and especially parking you've got your hands full.

    The mech. steering would be more suited for a paddle shifter which allows you the ability to grip the steering wheel with both hands.

    The hyd. system is speed sensitive but there again it is highly subjective...some drivers like and some don't.

    As for changing? The only problem may be the mounting bracket location.....there are many other mech. steering racks that will work on the 355 which allow you to select the ratio that best suites your driving needs.
     
  3. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,727
    #3 Mitch Alsup, Oct 18, 2010
    The WSM indicates both options are/were available. It goes on to change the steering geometry (5 degrees of caster rather than 7 degrees of caster) for the manual steering rack.
     

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