Having owned two S3's ( as well as other series) I'd say yes to the steering question, though an overhaul would probably at least reduce the play.
 
It all depends what you are comparing the steering too.
Compared to a modern car with rack and pinion then yes the steering is frightening. However the steering box on the Series 3 is meant to be adjusted by a mechanism under the drivers side wing and almost never is so frightening can often graduate into 'terrifying' and then on to 'just about death cheating'! There are also various ball joints and a relay that can wear out resulting in almost impossible to drive! The other unknown is how brave you really are!
 
Standard good condition and correctly adjusted Series steering should be perfectly fine and not scary at all.

However years of neglect may mean it’ll take some work and a fair few pennies to sort out. But it all depends on what is worn or misadjusted.

Fitting PAS might be an option and is generally easier if combined with an engine swap.

As for engines. Again it depends. Both the standard petrol and Diesel engines are perfectly capable. However a more powerful engine may improve drivability and fuel economy.
 
My series steering is fine. Bit heavy but that’s normal and made slightly worse by a small steering wheel.
Check the whole steering mechanism from wheels to wheel. There’s probably more than one thing that needs a belt with a big hammer.
 
I'd say start with the simplest components & if needs be work your way up.
My last RRC developed, over a few weeks, a tendency to zig-zag in the tram lines left by HGV's on main roads. When I had it checked out one of the track rod joints was BADLY worn, quite a shock for me as it had been fine on the car's last MOT only a few months before & I don't do a high mileage :eek:
 
There is a fine line between steering wheel play and stiff steering when adjusting the steering box so only do small adjustments until it feels ok. Mismatched and poorly inflated tyres can also cause issues. My steering was really bad when I bought it, eventually, I replaced all the ball joints and wheels and tyres and had it professionally tracked. It all added up to a good improvement but not perfect, you do get used to some play and waywardness.

Col
 
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