Manual box is slower ratio=easier to steer with no power. Power box is faster ratio = harder to steer with no power. I used to use a power box with no power steering in my dirt track cougar years ago. I was younger then and wouldnt do it again today. If your built like Hulk Hogan go ahead and convert to manual but I bet you wont like it. What gave up on your power setup? If you dont need all the pieces it shouldn be that expensive. I just rebuilt my p.s. control valve for like $40, and its not that hard to do.