Electric Power Steering

[260DET]

Definately going to fit something like what's available here http://www.ultimatepowersteering.com.au/categories/electric-power-steering/epas-systemsto the Z31 project, what sort of systems have the more adventurous fitted to their Z cars? The advantages for me will be more forward space for the engine's sump against the rack, no PS oil cooling radiator, no PS pump to complicate the engine accessories arrangement, no hoses and so on.

 

I was going to check out electric systems at the wreckers but I like the idea of having the motor on the steering shaft, are there any OE ones like that?

[C.A.R.]

I was going to check out electric systems at the wreckers but I like the idea of having the motor on the steering shaft, are there any OE ones like that?

 

Holden Barina.

 

Justin (600Z) makes a power steering conversion kit for S30 chassis Zeds for $1500.

Edited December 28, 2016 by Lurch ™

[260DET]

Thanks Lurcher, for anyone interested this crowd http://www.rallywiz.com/Shop/index.phphave lots of relevant parts.

[ZED660]

Speak to Stewart Wilkins he has access to a kit from europe for the Z, although I am not sure about a Z31.

Edited July 25, 2016 by ZED660

[600Z]

Hi Richard,

 

There are actually a few options out there but just do your research especially if you want it to be legal and have it passed by your engineer. Any welds need to be NDT tested to have it passed as well.

 

Buying a generic unit could be dangerous as there is very limited room under the dash of these things and placement and size of the unit is VERY important. If you go down that path make sure you brace the unit as there can be quite a lot of torsional force that you don't really want only going through your column.

 

Also be prepared to spend a lot of time sussing it out but it can certainly be done as I have and helps if you have a lathe to turn items up where needed.

 

I have attached a couple of pictures of the unit I do, I do have two nearly finished though ones for my wife's 260 and another is for another member though not sure what's happening there as I haven't heard from him and been waiting to hear from his engineer.

 

Let me know if there is anything I can help you with, they certainly change the way you can drive the car, no longer is it a 70's vehicle the difference is amazing.

 

Justin.

Edited July 25, 2016 by 600Z

[260DET]

That's a neat looking unit Justin, thanks for the advice. It will be for my Z31 race car project so space and bracing will not be a problem, the dash will be skeletonised and a structural crossbar installed. And of course the engineer will be me

[nat0_240_chevZ]

Best one I've seen yet is out of a. 2013 Suzuki Swift my mate wrecked as a stat write off for donor parts.

It's sits off the column and is side mounted under the dash, it's fit is nice and discreet in the suzis, better than the Mazda 2 option I was going to exhaust.

I have this unit handy, as payment for my assistance in stripping the car.

I'll get pics Shortly, as I've got some sill panel sections to make this week!

Nat0

Edited July 24, 2016 by nat0_240_chevZ

[600Z]

No problem Richard, the ones I do are for 260's. One offs for different cars are a bit harder and time consuming.

 

Nato, that's where mine sits, it's really the only place it can go unless you run it horizontally like zedpower do theirs but then it's very easy to see, you have to bend right down to see mine and if you were to paint it black be even harder.

 

The other thing is you have to be able to give the unit a signal for them to work, speed or Ecu, sometimes both so it knows the car is either moving or running.

 

If I could upload a short video I would post it but I tried and doesn't seam to work.

 

Justin

Edited July 25, 2016 by 600Z

[andyk_79]

This thread might assist in your research:

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/14192-electric-power-steering/?hl=%2Bpower+%2Bsteering

 

and this one:

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/12328-power-steering/?hl=%2Bpower+%2Bsteering

Edited July 25, 2016 by andyk_79

[260DET]

The Z31 has a similar steering shaft with what appears to be the same spline size as the S30, 280ZX too and the S chassis models as well, I suspect. Certainly the S15 does so overall steering shaft length could be the only variable.

[600Z]

May not be too much drama then Richard, I know I have a 240Z one that I'm playing with and it's certainly very different and to get enough colasp length so with 240Z's I'll probably modify the front shaft in the engine bay for this.

[skipz]

Justin - interested to hear how your attempts on the 240Z column have gone - any progress?

[Jap Metal]

Me too. Any progress on the 240 column

[600Z]

Hi guys,

 

I haven't done anymore on the 240 columns as yet, they are quite different to the 260 ones and to get any length on the bottom section that will collapse is proving to be very difficult. It would have to be done on the steering shaft that's in the engine bay going to the rack.

 

I will have to make some enquiries to see if this will be acceptable and be able to be made road legal. Obviously if it's for a pure track car you would do what you need to do to get it to work.

 

The video below shows the difference it makes in my car though always hard to see from a video.

 

Justintrim.B8B2BE1D-98B6-4283-ADD4-FE8E8910F90E.MOV

Edited December 28, 2016 by 600Z

[600Z]

I'll try and get back on to the 240 column, just have been quite busy with other things.

 

Justin

Edited December 29, 2016 by 600Z