WH Autopilot & Installation Anxieties

[Cal39'er]

I'm getting ready to buy a below-decks AP for my Cal 39 & have been following the AP posts/poll/etc w/interest. Based on a reputation for bullet-proof performance and accessibility (yes, I got Mr. Hamm on the phone too) I'm leaning toward a WH P-3C w/the Edson conversion kit. Looking at the array of components posted by "Born Free,"as well as other posts re: hydraulics, my concern is that the hydraulic conversion installation looks like a nightmare. I'm interested in user installation experiences involving a basic Edson cable/quadrant set-up w/constrained space and, second, what's the feel/impact of the ram on steering when the AP's disengaged?
Thanks,
Gene