Power Steering.

[peter t]

What are your thoughts on electric power steering from the USA for $1695.00 USD delivered to Aust.

[Triptych]

I would be down but have a few parts ahead of it first

[260DET]

Is it a special Zed kit? There are a few after market electric systems around, I've also heard of OE systems being adapted to work on other cars but have no details. Would be tempted to see what's available locally rather than get something from overseas first up.

[dat2kman]

Someone in Qld fitted a setup from a Subaru, very compact, it was supposed to have worked quite well!

[andyk_79]

Heard good things about the electric power steering from these guys here and on Hybridz:

 

http://zpowersteering.com/store/

 

There is someone who does electric conversions in Sydney that can be hidden behind the dash/in the steering column rather than having to screw anything into the firewall but I can't remember the name and from memory it's close to 2 grand just for the parts anyway.  Trying to remember who mentioned it to me and the bloody name of the guy that does them now!!

 

I know of at least one person who has put electric power steering in a reasonably serious track car and swears by it

[skipz]

I've got one from EZ power steering for a few years now.  I've still yet to get the car on the road so can't comment on how it feels but seems well built. The thing I like is the ability to tune the degree of assist (via a rotating knob). I believe they're speed sensitive - mine doesn't link to the speedo/rpm in any way so I presume its torque/effort related. EZ were quite helpful to deal with - just make sure it works for rhd (I.e. rotatable) as it may be made for lhd and the fitment of the motor may need to be spun around and the spline connection rod (can't think what its called) length in the engine bay may be different.

 

http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/car/434/15/Datsun.html

[zed240au]

I fitted a Barina powered steering column to my rx4 feels good (rx4 was very heavy steering system) and has made huge difference to the old rx4 Don't think the Barina system would fit in a zed car as I had to modify dash on rx4 a fair bit

Know of 3 Tas cars running similar in rally cars a sprinter skyline and 200b all seem very happy with them

I fitted adjustment pot but cant really find and difference with it adjusted either way

But I prefer the feel zed steering the way it is cant see myself changing it

 

mick

 

[DreamZproject]

Yeah I love the idea of these units (the ones mad specifically for the Z). It's uber handy to be able to adjust the assist rate, so if you're at the track or on a spirited drive... Hell even just on the freeway you can turn it off. As soon as you do city driving and especially parking, just crank it up!!!

[peter t]

Heard good things about the electric power steering from these guys here and on Hybridz:

 

http://zpowersteering.com/store/

 

There is someone who does electric conversions in Sydney that can be hidden behind the dash/in the steering column rather than having to screw anything into the firewall but I can't remember the name and from memory it's close to 2 grand just for the parts anyway.  Trying to remember who mentioned it to me and the bloody name of the guy that does them now!!

 

I know of at least one person who has put electric power steering in a reasonably serious track car and swears by it

This is the one I am looking at. Ready to bolt in and suitable for RHD.

[peter t]

Ordered and paid for. Will post results when I get it up and running. Google NICO Club and this will give you an idea what Greg does. Looks like he is MR DATSUN in the USA.. Also backed by MSA. So the power steering assist unit should be top stuff. Check it out info@zpowersteering.com   

[Graedat]

This is the way I want to go also. Will be good to hear your thoughts once installed.

[Graedat]

Peter how did you go with the install. Im ready to order. The other question I have is can he send the setup in 2 seperate boxes so you dont pay import duty?

[peter t]

Sorry mate, been really slack with this. Had a few problems at first as they sent the wrong column but was all sorted as another member bought my excess parts and got the other bits from supplier. Very helpful guys to work with and sorted problems very quick. Might get the urge to install it this week end. Main thing to check is your column 2 or 4 bolt up under the dash just behind the steering lock.

[600Z]

The only issue I have with them is there not legal to be used on the road as any modification to the steering has to be passed by vehicle modifications and any welds NDT tested then the whole unit inspected.

 

Otherwise in the event of an accident your insurance company will say sorry but we're not paying as your car is not roadworthy and your modifications are not approved.

 

I am at the application for modification stage with my electronic power assisted steering that I have made up and have had to get the welds NDT tested with certificates. Then I fit the new column in and have it inspected so then I can get that modification added to the rest on my modification plate.

 

This is of course you want to keep it all legal so there is no worries further down the track.

 

Just something to think about and consider.

 

Once I have finished mine and it's all been approved I might start making them to sell for around the $1000 to $1300 mark depending on if I have to supply the column.

 

Mine is more rigid than the ones that are available from Japan or the states as I don't use the two uni joints in the bottom section.

[Triptych]

with the way the Aus dollar has gone I would be more interested in sourcing something local. Keep me updated 600z on how things pan out.

[600Z]

No problem Triptych I will do. Over the next few days I will be doing the application for modification paperwork as I want it all to be legal. Then I will be fitting it and working out the wiring so it's also speed sensitive, though would have to look into that side of things for cars running original engines and gearboxes and then have it inspected.

 

Will still be a few of months away as I work away from home and have a fair bit of work on so have limited time at the moment

[peter t]

Buggar will have to ring mod plate guy and see how I stand with this before fitting.

[600Z]

I have just sent my application off this afternoon for it so i will let you know how i go with it. I sent in everything that i have done to the column along with pictures and NDT test certificate of the welds so it should be ok.

[600Z]

Yes it would be a good idea Peter. It may come to pass that you just get the welds tested and submit a modification application and see what they say.

[Triptych]

I will be running an after market ecu with a L28ET so hopefully this speed sensor will work out. That was my only problem with that other kit I don't think it did speed sensor.

 

Take your time buddy my car is prolly 5 years off being finished. 

[600Z]

Lol but mine is on the road so there is a hurry as i want to try it out though then i think my wife will want to drive it with though she's not too fond of the power.

 

Hopefully i will get a reply from vehicle modifications later this week depending how busy they are.

[260DET]

This is just a thought but given the discretion involved in approving mods it might be worth while just to list 'power steering' along with all the other mods, then leave it up to the approving engineer as to what he may or may not require. Leave sleeping dogs lie is applicable here, my experience is that if the mod work and the car look to be well done then it can be just a matter of ticking the boxes.

[600Z]

Yes I do agree Richard it is up to the discretion of the approving engineer though he is just a third party who is not part of the department of transport. But when the vehicle investigations crew inspect your car after an accident involving a fatality and they find that your car has unapproved (even though it might be listed) modifications and or no testing and certificates for the modifications carried out your compulsory third party insurance is voided as your car is un-roadworthy. Then since your car is un-roadworthy Shannons or whom ever your through also go sorry but were not paying for your car or the other guys car to be fixed.

 

So now your up for medical bills for the other person and or suing costs etc, having to pay for their cars repair and be left with a nice bent and twisted car yourself.

 

That's obviously worse case scenario and it probably would never happen to you or me but I'm not willing to take the risk as all it would take is for me to clean up a child running out between cars or a driveway and for them to say..... we feel that if he had the proper steering in his vehicle he would have been able to avoid this.....

 

So I do agree with you that, Yes it probably would go through but for the cost of getting the welds tested with a certificate $140 and whatever the cost will be for the inspection along with doing a bit of paperwork I think I will feel much better knowing that no one can dispute any modification with my car and there is quiet a few.

 

It just gives me piece of mind should anything happen which I really hope doesn't lol.

 

 

[peter t]

This is all too much. Who wants a electric power steering unit for there car who is willing to take the risk. You can have it for what it cost which is cheaper than now with the state of the Dollar. :'(

[600Z]

This is true Peter though its not hard to have it approved. I just like the fact of the electronic power steering if it fails for any reason its back to how it is standard and can always change it back very easily if wanted.