I have a 90 db1 I just pulled out all of my power steering system including the rack and pinion, I am going with either a looped or manual system but the rack I have now is shot all seals were bad both boots ripped and the tie rods inner and out were bad. Should I do the manual swap or get the power steering one and loop it, regardless I will be buying them remaned. I read several different post on doing the conversion some say you need a bushing kit some say not even saw one where a guy used a 92-95 civic manual rack so in that I am pretty torn on what way to go any suggestions. Also my car will be turbo in the 250+ hp range and stripped interior.
if you plan on buying a remaned one anyone, i think it comes down to whether or not you intend to put power steering back in the car at any point. if not, then by all means get the manual rack. keep in mind, you can also de-power your power steering rack and have it operate the same as a manual rack. if you say the one you have now is trash then i wouldnt worry about it.
go with the manual if you dont ever plan on putting power steering or selling the car and the new owner would want power steering
go with the looped rack if you plan to put power steering back in or would like for the new owner to have the option
keep this in mind: if you are going turbo, depending on what manifold you use, power steering may or may not be attainable due to clearance issues with the manifold hitting the bracket. In some cases, you may be lucky by modifying the power steering bracket, otherwise you’ll have to power steering all together.