Electric power steering

[nat0_240_chevZ]

try mazda 2, 3, 6's etc, i have an 2007 2, and it has what looks like a starter motor bolted to the side of the rach where the stering columd shaft enter the rack.
These are rear steer mounted though, ie behind the wheels. worth a look however.
nat0

[620Z]

Yes Shan you are correct about the weight of the V8. Not a huge difference. Same as the steering. But like I say, lower it, wide wheels and adjust your castor for better handling and it gets heavy for parking. Cruising the highway is not a problem. But I too want the wife to be able to drive it and my kids some day. So power steering will go in one day.

[Shan]

Just letting you guys know - I appear to be making some progress on this. 

I think someone here (nzeder maybe) has mentioned this before, but apparently there is someone in japan modifying a suzuki electric steering column to suit the Zeds.  Comes as a kit with all the mods/fabrication done.

I have contacted an agent who believes he can get these, so I am waiting for price/ship costs etc.

Will let you know more when I find out.

620z - cheers about the V8 info.  Long term I am considering installing a V8 - although recent advice suggests that it can create a few problems and ongoing vehicle maintenance can be an issue (eg snapped drive shafts etc).  I will be PM'ing at some point for advice about such things if that's ok? Will leave V8 stuff for another post though! 

Cheers.

[Shan]

Ouch.

Apparently these kits used to be around $1000.00.  According to the supplier I have spoken to, price keeps going up everytime the manufactuer gets new stock in.   Hmmmmm....

He indicated the kits become a more complete/tidier package with each price increase though - so at least that is a positive thing.

No stock at the moment as they are waiting for 2nd hand steering columns to come in.  Suspected price will be $1800.00!!!!

Might be a little steep for my tastes unfortunately.   

Contact details for the supplier/broker that is helping me:

Brian
Z Car Custom's-JDM
Specializing in JDM Performance Products!
www.zccjdm.com
P.O. Box #213
Terrebonne, OR. 97760
541-913-6530
www.azcarbum@msn.com

[620Z]

Hmmmm interesting. $1,000- wouldn't be too bad. If you went a proper rack and cut up the cross member, installed pump etc you would be close to that. Electric would be easier to instal I imagine. But I am still to be convinced it would work on my car.   

[68GTCS]

Please be more patient with me than I am with others...

I can understand power steering for a girl driving a V8 zed to the shops but doesn't the loss of feel and feedback negate the benefits? 

Even in a v8, lowered, wider tyres I can't imagine trading all information from the front end for lighter inputs. 

I have an old mustang with power steering that's way too light and gives no indication of what is happening at the road and the feedback through the steering in the zed is my favourite thing about it.

OK, finally getting to the point...

Am I wrong to think that these power steering kits will remove all feel?

[sco_aus]

An electric one? Maybe, a hydraulic one?  I have always had some form of feedback and depending on the system i reckon it still could be really good.

[tbscobraZ]

If anyone knows and could speak japanese maybe get in touch with the yahoo seller and get some details maybe even group buy.

[fufu]

If anyone knows and could speak japanese maybe get in touch with the yahoo seller and get some details maybe even group buy.

www.importmonster.com.au

They are a 3rd party Australian company that deals with yahoo auction japan. In the past, they have on my behalf contacted sellers to find out additional information. They have a team of staff who do the correspondence.

Give it a shot and see how it goes.

[Shan]

Would help, but I do not think they are currently on yahoo.jp

The broker I mentioned must be going through someone else.

Had a look on monsterimport (good link that - thnx), no luck though.

Will keep looking and keep everyone in the loop though.....

[Mr Ex]

zclub.net/forum/hybrid-z-cars/7967-rb-240z-conversion.html

They use  Corsa ones in the UK & if you have time to look through this thread you'll see it fitted.

[NZeder]

zclub.net/forum/hybrid-z-cars/7967-rb-240z-conversion.html

They use  Corsa ones in the UK & if you have time to look through this thread you'll see it fitted.

Well having at one time purchased a Corsa unit (sold to a Escort guy in the end) they are much much heavier than the Japanese conversion with the Suzuki Wagon R unit.

[Shan]

Right....

Pretty sure they guy I am going through is being a little liberal with the margin he is adding.

Kit is a TRUE bolt-in kit now.  No mods (or little) required to fit.

Message from supplier as per below:

"Ok... I'm told they are working on a few kits right now. Completion is roughly next month. No they are pretty much completing the shaft system so its more of a "BOLT-IN" app. I have attached photo's of the setup.
 

If your interested, I can try to get one purchased for you.
 
Price w/ shipping+insurance: $2300"



Best RegardZ,
 
Brian
Z Car Custom's-JDM
Specializing in JDM Performance Products!
www.zccjdm.com
P.O. Box #213
Terrebonne, OR. 97760
541-913-6530
www.azcarbum@msn.com


So yeah...dunno about $2300.00.  Price is getting somewhat steeper than I anticipated.
That being said - has to be a way to find out who is building these things.  Does anyone on the forum speak/read the lingo over in Japan?  Would that person be keen on doing some research? 

I am pretty sure that someone will be able to locate the manufacturer - just need to be able to look in more detail than english-web translation will allow.

Anyone??

[RBZ 260]

for $2.3k i can have subi rack and all mods plus rb20det to go with it LOL...

subframe mods are almost insignificant and fairly easy.

proven on my Z. had subi rack head rotated 180deg new pipes made two dents made on the subframe for pipe nut to clear (not cuts just dents) and a slot on the right hand engine bracket.  check my build thread.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,2720.0.html

it felt good still feel the road wasnt too light. mine was from leanoe so it was bit more than 2.7 from lock to lock was like 29. so prob hunt down a rex or liberty one. use non hicas power pump ie RB30ET or any other nissan power steering pump. pressures are same and works a treat.

i know what u mean 68GTCS but thats just Ford same as on my old 77 fairlane i used to have. its crap ( i can say that as i still own one and family is bit Ford freaks)

also proven in frontal accident recently that the frame did not suffer any weakneses nor did the mod to the right engine mounting bracket.

still sits perfect no damage to the subframe or the mounts.

[nat0_240_chevZ]

like i said above, get a newer mazda 2, 3 or 6 rack, has the motor mounted to the rack, 3 wires from memory, speed signal, +ve and -ve......
normal steering input shaft, but is rear rack mount, ie have to flip stad cross member around and so something with tc rods (will get in way)

HAS Excellent steering feel as it is manual steer once at speed, only assists in lower speed ranges, still only nearly 2 turns a side to lock.....