16:1 manual steering
I rebuilt my OEM manual box with a 20:1 gear set from Firm Feel. Easy to do, really, other than removing/installing the needle bearings. Had to make a tool for them. Probably could have just left the old ones in, as they looked fine.
I didn't have the nerve to go all the way to 16:1, so went 20:1. So far I like it. Not enough curves in this part of the country, though, to really take advantage of the quicker steering.
As for the muscle required, I've driven manual steering cars all my life. Always thought power steering was for wusses. Now that old age (be 70 in a couple months) has pretty much turned me into a wuss, too, I'm a bit more sympathetic. Still get by, though. The trick is never, ever try to turn the wheel while stopped. I've seen people back up and stop with the wheels cranked full to the right or left, then try to straighten them while stopped. Straighten them while still backing, then just go forward. Duh. . . .
Edit: here's the tool I "made" by modifying something I already had:
I rebuilt my OEM manual box with a 20:1 gear set from Firm Feel. Easy to do, really, other than removing/installing the needle bearings. Had to make a tool for them. Probably could have just left the old ones in, as they looked fine.
I didn't have the nerve to go all the way to 16:1, so went 20:1. So far I like it. Not enough curves in this part of the country, though, to really take advantage of the quicker steering.
As for the muscle required, I've driven manual steering cars all my life. Always thought power steering was for wusses. Now that old age (be 70 in a couple months) has pretty much turned me into a wuss, too, I'm a bit more sympathetic. Still get by, though. The trick is never, ever try to turn the wheel while stopped. I've seen people back up and stop with the wheels cranked full to the right or left, then try to straighten them while stopped. Straighten them while still backing, then just go forward. Duh. . . .
Edit: here's the tool I "made" by modifying something I already had:
