Bye-bye p/steering belt (for a little while)

[hondakilla]

I took off the belt for the power steering and condenser and I have to admit that the difference is noticable.  The engine revs freely and quicker and I feel the power increase.  I am going to put the belt back on for the winter but this is an easy hp boost that can be done anywhere to those that are somewhat mechanically inclined and can net you a good increase!

I also like the "feeling" I get from the steering now....it feels nice and solid and doesn't transmit all those stupid little bumps to the steering wheel!

I should really feel a difference when I put on my underdrive pulley in the spring (didn't want to run it in the winter and ruin the finish on it)

[Gen1GT]

It totally IS a noticable difference eh Scot? This is a 'free power' mod, and I recommend it to everyone who can handle the heavy parking lot steering. Of course, the heaviness means better road feel. Also, there is definitely a noticable gain in power....

[Mike_Moss]

hey josh, there big diffs in heavy steering when changed back to the 14"s?

Scott: if you're going to run your car w/out the PS belt for a while, its recommended you drain the fluid.

Josh, you gotta drain your fluid! http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[hondakilla]

I would tend to disagree Mike,

Draining the fluid can cause damage a faster wear to the steering components then just leaving the fluid in. As you turn your wheel some fluid still moves over the parts lubricating them....if you drain all the fluid then all the parts would dry out! Now since I am only leaving the belt off for about a month I will be o.k. but most people I know who have kept their belts of permanently have rigged up a fluid return line so that every turn of the wheel basically works as a manual pump....better then nothing I guess!