Total Control Products Rack Questions??

Let see...in order asked...

It is a thing of beauty, you have to pay top dollar but worth it in my opinion.

No "issues" whatsoever, in fact the ease of install is one of the best things about TCP R&Ps. Total definition of "bolt-in", took less than an hour to install and I was in no hurry, took almost as long to remove the factory stuff. Very attractive design and high quality materials.

No clearance problems, in fact my manual rack has more room for headers thant the factory PS stuff it replaced...BY FAR!

Ditto.

4MuscleMachines said:

Ditto.

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I too have a TCP R&P. As for its plaudits, I refer to the comments made by the right honorable gentleman from Austin some moments ago.

What about Power?

Has anyone had experience with truly bolt-in power racks?

RGS0907 said:

Has anyone had experience with truly bolt-in power racks?

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Not me, but the only difference would be routing the lines and mounting the pump...right?

The installation of the TCP power rack is identical to the manual with the following exceptions.

Steering shaft between u-joints is cut to a shorter length.
Pump is mounted to the driver side cylinder head.
Hydraulic hoses and ends must be custom fit and assembled. (masking tape, cut off wheel, vise)
Drill holes to mount external reservoir.

I am thinking the TCP rack looks like a nice future option, for me as well.

Not to hijack the thread, but how does the TCP rack compare to stock steering in ease of turing, and turning radius?

I have manual steering in our car now, but with the big block (FE) I am wondering if even the manual rack will be to tough to turn.

Another Option

If you already have power steering but want to upgrade this seems like a good way to go.... http://www.speeddirect.com/index.aspx?nodeID=75
A friend of mine did this setup in his '66 vette and he loves it. Seems to be a little less money too.

Trevor

TCP rack:
Great product
simple installation
good instructions, great tech support
excellent quality

67Thunder said:

...how does the TCP rack compare to stock steering in ease of turing, and turning radius?

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Rack and pinion offers a more direct transfer of motion/energy in that the steering shaft directly drives the rack gear/shaft and centerlink. If the rack system used the same overall steering ratio as the factory steering box, drag link setup the rack would require less effort to turn. The TCP rack uses a quicker overall ratio which reduces the mechanical advantage at the steering wheel. So effort will be higher but with the benefit of a tighter, quicker responding, steering system that has the ability to transfer road feel to the steering wheel normally lost through multiple pivot points and a slushy worm and sector gear box.

I've heard comments regarding turning radius go both ways. Most customers do not notice any increase in turning radius but some customers do. This could possibly be due to misadjusted tie-rods causing travel to be stopped by the steering stop in one direction and the racks internal stop in the other. Others may realize a difference from worn/bent factory steering stops that allow the OEM steering box to travel further than originally intended by Ford. The racks travel is internally limited to 6-3/8" at the centerlink. Measuring various vehicles showed factory travel anywhere from 6-3/8" to nearly 6-3/4". A properly installed rack should not cause a noticeable difference in turning radius.

67Thunder said:

I have manual steering in our car now, but with the big block (FE) I am wondering if even the manual rack will be to tough to turn.

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Power racks outsell the manual versions almost 3:1 overall and about 6:1 in big block applications specifically. We suggest manual racks be used with 'skinny' front tires in big block apps; drag racing or pro street style cars. It can be done but you would be much happier with a power steering system.

What about the spindles can the original or granada be used?

LONN17 said:

If you already have power steering but want to upgrade this seems like a good way to go.... http://www.speeddirect.com/index.aspx?nodeID=75
A friend of mine did this setup in his '66 vette and he loves it. Seems to be a little less money too.

Trevor

Click to expand...

If I can find a true bolt-in replacement so that I can return the car to stock if I have to, then I'm ready to get one of these!

I have the TCP power rack on my '66.
I am using the stock 87-93 style PS pump.
It causes the rack to make noise, similar to water running through pipes in a house. Note that the noise IS NOT the pump, but it is a result of the pump.
TCP recommends the KRC pump, but there is not one available that fits the stock EFI brackets.
I have modified the pump internals twice, and I am getting close to getting this noise issue controlled.
I am disappointed in the fact that an aftermarket pump is suggested/needed and that is the only knock I have with this product.

Jim