Darin,
I
heard that you've disabled the electric power steering. I'm not really a fan of power steering in general, with the "squishy" and unpredictable feel in the steering wheel. But thinking it would save only a little fuel, and not being able to convince myself it wouldn't affect safety, I've left my power steering in place. After you've driven it around town without power steering, please let us know what you think.
Robert