Electric power steering

[NZeder]

The electric power steering kits sold in Japan still require some fabrication to install. They also source the unit from a small Suzuki VAN...I forget the model...I will see if I can recall it...I will post when I remember

[.]

do you know if they are electric from end to end or just an electric pump driving a hydraulic rack?

[NZeder]

No it is an electric column and it is from a Suzuki Wagon R - there I remembered. So no rack changes or pumps etc.

[Shan]

Keen as to find suitable alternative.  Suzuki Wagon R?  The bits might be tricky to source here in Oz.

Ok.  So steer clear of GM altogether?  Damn.  I was thinking this would be the way to go seeing as Barina from 94+ apparently had a re-workable electric steering setup.

There has to be someone local who has given this a crack....hope so.

[Mr Camouflage]

Hybrid Z discussion of electric assisted steering
http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?/topic/72180-electric-power-steering/page__hl__electric%20power%20steering

[Shan]

Nice.

Also found this site....they already have one made up for the 240z.  Will suss out how much they charge for it.

[Shan]

Oops.

Forgot the link - http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/index.php?lang=uk


And another.....$900+ US tho!

http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UNISTEER&Product_Code=8051500&Category_Code=PERFELECTRASTEER

[Shan]

Also got this response from another mob.  They provide the ECU kit (which provides information to column for correct steering feedback) along with the electric steering column (they do Suzuki AND Corsa).   $250euro.

"Hi,
I'm afraid I do not do any fitting kits for cars. I can provide you with a
column & controller kit which consists of an opel corsa or suzuki wagon R
column, all pre-wired to my EPS controller and all wiring you need to do is
connect 2 wires to the battery and 1 wire to the ignition switch. I sell
these kits for 250 euro plus postage.
However, you would need to do the mechanical fitting yourself.
The only people I know who do the full fitting kits only do them for VW
campervans and Ford escort Mk2 cars.
For basic photos of the columns see the link below:
http://www.rallywiz.com/Column_ECU_photos.htm
Regards,
Don Giles.
www.rallywiz.com"

[620Z]

My understanding is that this sort of set up is only for very light vehicles. Zeds have heavy steering as we all know so I don't reckon you will find anything that will do the job properly. Subi rack all the way.

[Shan]

I understand where you are coming from, however it appears that a few Zeds have this electronic kit.  That subi conversion look like a right pain in the "you know what" of a job.  Lot's of machining and work to get it all happening.  Not to mention crossmember modification I am not real keen ok.

http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UNISTEER&Product_Code=8051500&Category_Code=PERFELECTRASTEER

I checked the manual for this particular product and it is rated for cars up to 1200kg.  The Zed 2+2 is a little under that weight I believe.  Considering it is a USA product made for hotrods - which I am assuming have larger block heavy style engines hanging out front, you would think it would be designed to handle heavy steering load yeah?

More research I reckon.....that guys on hybrid Z seems to have his fitted and works well....

[Huw]

On a slightly cynical note....Why do the Zeds need the power steering?

Mine has always been significantly lighter than previous cars that I have driven (pre 1980's) and even when compared with the modern cars I drive (Renault Cleo Sport, Alfa 147, Alfa 156) has never been a problem.

Need the exercise anyway :-)

[.]

On a slightly cynical note....Why do the Zeds need the power steering?

Mine has always been significantly lighter than previous cars that I have driven (pre 1980's) and even when compared with the modern cars I drive (Renault Cleo Sport, Alfa 147, Alfa 156) has never been a problem.

Need the exercise anyway :-)

I tend to agree. The only exception is that I compete in motorkhanas and good power steering is an advantage there. Otherwise I have no power steering on my S30 and it is fine for track work and driving on the street.....But then again I have reasonable upper body strength. I guess there are people out there built like one of those inflatable men you see promoting car yards etc

[620Z]

Lower the car, adjust the camber/castor and put some wide tyres on and it get's heavy. Oh and a V8 up front doesn't help either. 

[Shan]

Well I do want to lower my car - add larger wheels and...eventually...install a V8.  Oh yes. 

Regardless of what I do later - I would still like to try this electrical steering now tho. 

BTW - Of topic, but I thought the SB Chevs (common Z V8 conversion) were pretty similar weight to the L series 6 anyway??  Installing one should not increase weight and steering too much should it?  Would be interested getting info on that...

Anyway - for those who do not understand the need for assisted steering....they have never had to listen to my girl friend complaining.   Ease up!   

[sco_aus]

The MX5 rack so far has still proven to be the easiest and cheapest (I managed to find a rack for $150 somewhere).  But this electric jobby sounds like the ticket to zeds, especially if you have removed almost everything from under the dash (its like having a second boot...).  Now to find a decent setup.