My introduction, and plans

[hondaworkshop]

Yeah, Its kinda like that. The hydraulic fluid is separate from the rack grease on the Hondas. SOME fluid is left in the unpressurized hydraulic system to keep it 'wet', but not so much that you are fighting it through all the valves. The actual grease for the rack is always left as it originally was.

Here's a good writeup I found: http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=184202

[MetroMPG]

Lubrication issues aside, doesn't the power assisted setup have a different effective gear ratio than the manual rack?

[hondaworkshop]

On my particular civic model, I belive it is about 1/2 turn less from lock to lock than the manual rack. Therefore, it would be a little harder than the manual rack would, but nothing I cant handle. I'm used to a non power rack in the CRX with wide sticky tires and a tiny steering wheel.

I can try it out and still put it back to power assist if I dont like it, or hunt down a bargain on a manual rack to put in its place.

[MetroMPG]

Or add a steering wheel from a bus.

Glad to hear you've considered the implications & have experience with it.