Carpokes

Hi all

Looking to convert to manual steering. Anyone done the same on an S2?

Thanks

You might check out this video by @NC944er .
The kit pretty much uses VW parts that bolt into place.

Here's the website for the kit:
https://mwthemachineshop.com/steering-solutions

Cheers

Not on an S2, but the kit referenced above is also mentioned here: https://www.carpokes.com/viewtopic.php?t=3733

I have this kit installed and provide some photos. Happy to answer questions as well.

spacecad3t wrote: Mon Apr 06, 2026 1:04 pm Not on an S2, but the kit referenced above is also mentioned here: https://www.carpokes.com/viewtopic.php?t=3733

I have this kit installed and provide some photos. Happy to answer questions as well.

Cheers. I've been searching and found a solution for the S2 utilising the original porsche manual rack. Whats your opinion on the driving feel. Do you prefer it over power assisted? I have had my power rack proffessional rebuitl twice in under 12 months and sick of it now! I have a warrantly to get it rebuilt again which I will do just for the sake its free. But, I think I will then store it and go manual.

I have converted my '86 to manual using the original Porsche non-assisted rack from a '82 donor car. Low speeds are a struggle, but in my opinion it's worth it, although I have to admit that the power-assisted 944 rack offers plenty of feel already in it's own right. BTW, I also have a 320mm CS-style steering wheel to further add to the ultimate "Porsche gym experience".

Outlaw944 wrote: Mon Apr 06, 2026 1:29 pm

spacecad3t wrote: Mon Apr 06, 2026 1:04 pm Not on an S2, but the kit referenced above is also mentioned here: https://www.carpokes.com/viewtopic.php?t=3733

I have this kit installed and provide some photos. Happy to answer questions as well.

Cheers. I've been searching and found a solution for the S2 utilising the original porsche manual rack. Whats your opinion on the driving feel. Do you prefer it over power assisted? I have had my power rack proffessional rebuitl twice in under 12 months and sick of it now! I have a warrantly to get it rebuilt again which I will do just for the sake its free. But, I think I will then store it and go manual.

Im not a great person to ask as I own several much older cars that are all manual steering. However, I will say this, no more leaks lol...

As any manual steering car, parallel parking can be tough if you are not use to it. The best strategy is always get the car rolling before you turn the wheel, then its "fine".

I autox and track my car, you may end up noticing that lock-to-lock its more effort/more turns compared to power steering. I end up shuffle steering ALOT, but I dont mind... you just get some people who comment on it- but they drive scum cars anyways

Just like @Wespa said, you may want a larger steering wheel. I put a 380mm Sparco wheel in mine.

You can just take the power steering belt off and drive it around a little bit to see if you like it.

Then if you do like it, de-power the rack properly by taking it apart and removing the shuttle seal on the rod. You also need to weld the input shaft to the output shaft. There are write ups on this floating around on the net, do a search and I'm sure you'll find them.

I have de-powered both my cars after I got sick of the leaks and never looked back. Parking is a bit of a pain, but once you're at speed the feel is great. Note that the steering is more susceptible to transferring vibrations so make sure your front wheels are always perfectly balanced, and all your bushes are good, otherwise you'll get steering wheel vibration at highway speeds.