I just had the RTR Power Steering Eliminator kit installed this
morning.
Took a couple of hours because we kept stopping so I could take
pictures. I dropped the pictures off earlier, so they should be
developed later this week (sorry, I don't have a digicam), and when
they're ready, I'll scan them and upload them so you all can see them.

The kit weighs about 4 pounds. The p/s pump and related hardware
weighs about 12 pounds, so there's a weight savings. Plus, there's is
now one less item to break. Not to mention all the real estate you'll
free up in the engine compartment.

Installation is pretty straight forward, with minimal grinding to
make the braket fit. Once I have the pictures posted, I'll point out
some of the areas that might give you some trouble, as well as some
short cuts that I've found.

After the installation was finished, I went for an hour drive just to
get a good "feel" for the steering.
My impressions were that the steering effort at low speeds is
definately more than before, but not as bad as I had expected.
It took a little getting used to, but nothing too difficult.
At highway speeds, the steering felt more "precise" and the steering
feedback is more noticeable. PLUS, the motor revs a lot easier
since it has one less accessory to power. As to how much more HP is
freed up. My guess is 1-2 more HP. I'll know for sure once I can get
my car to the Dyno.

A little more effort is required to throw the car into a tight turn,
but again, it isn't too difficult and nothing that you can't get used
too in a little time. Track racers will no longer have to deal with
the off and on again variable assist from overheating p/s fluid.
Drag racers will like the weight savings as well as the freer reving
motor.

Definately money well spent.:D

What is eliminated once you install the kit? hydraulic lines? resevoir? Do you keep the same power steering rack?

Steve

What is eliminated once you install the kit? hydraulic lines? resevoir? Do you keep the same power steering rack?
Yes. Yes. Yes, or you could buy a manual steering rack. Just know that the manual rack isn't as "quick" as the p/s rack.

Is your car a daily driver? If so, would you say the increased effort is okay for daily driving or you haven't driven it long enought to give an impression.

Steve

Is your car a daily driver?
Yes!:D

would you say the increased effort is okay for daily driving or you haven't driven it long enought to give an impression.
I would. But again this was designed for "Racers", I just wanted to prove that one could use the P/S Eliminator kit on a daily driver.

I was considering it for the following reasons:

1) would eliminate a lot of clutter in the engine bay

2) less things to worry about/maintain

3) I already have a couple of leaks in the PS lines so I would be saving money by not replacing those items

4) free up a little weight and hp

My only concern was the severity of the increased steering effort. I commute 70 miles/day, mostly highway. I also do local driving for my particular jobs.

Steve

was considering it for the following reasons:

1) would eliminate a lot of clutter in the engine bay
That it does. Getting at the oil filter is no longer a problem.

2) less things to worry about/maintain
Yep, no more checking the p/s fluid levels.

3) I already have a couple of leaks in the PS lines so I would be saving money by not replacing those items
Won't have top replace those either.

4) free up a little weight and hp
That you will do. We'll be having a Dyno Day soon, so I'll have exact HP figures soon.

My only concern was the severity of the increased steering effort. I commute 70 miles/day, mostly highway. I also do local driving for my particular jobs.
As long as the wheels are moving, the steering effort isn't bad. It's only when the car is hardly moving that it might become a problem. But I haven't had any problems parallel parking.
And like I said before, you'll get used to it.

How much was the kit?

Also, other than weight savings, how is this different than cutting the PS belt?

Uhm, the same belt drives the water pump.



Originally posted by keithert
Also, other than weight savings, how is this different than cutting the PS belt?

I thought they were separate because I've heard of people removing the belt when they take the car racing. If they are the same could a smaller belt allow the water pump only to be running?

How much was the kit?
$130.00 IIRC. Contact JOEL WARD (joelw@mcdirect.com) for pricing.

I thought they were separate because I've heard of people removing the belt when they take the car racing.
Nope. On Hondas, they're seperate, but not on an fwd SR20DE.

If they are the same could a smaller belt allow the water pump only to be running?
Umm,no. There wouldn't be any way to adjust tension.