Power Steering- A lead?
Discussion
As some of you other Sydney owners may know, I've been quite keen to put PAS into my 89SE.
I recently missed out on a PAS rack at Douglas Valley Breakers (U.K)- they're selling it (and all associated bits) to a Singapore owner doing the same as me.
I've been told that the RHD (as in UK/Australia)PAS steering rack is actually a LHD SAAB sourced rack (plausible- also a GM subsidiary) which is mounted upside down or backwards in the RHD esprit..
Anyone have any comments? I'm going to chase down some SAAB breakers locally and measure up (and compare it to the picture in the S4 parts manual).
Apparantly its a SAAB 9000 model...
Perhaps Kylie (NZ) may have found out the source of the PAS rack in her 88?
I recently missed out on a PAS rack at Douglas Valley Breakers (U.K)- they're selling it (and all associated bits) to a Singapore owner doing the same as me.
I've been told that the RHD (as in UK/Australia)PAS steering rack is actually a LHD SAAB sourced rack (plausible- also a GM subsidiary) which is mounted upside down or backwards in the RHD esprit..
Anyone have any comments? I'm going to chase down some SAAB breakers locally and measure up (and compare it to the picture in the S4 parts manual).
Apparantly its a SAAB 9000 model...
Perhaps Kylie (NZ) may have found out the source of the PAS rack in her 88?
Hi hope Ken can tell you all the details you need to know, hes a nice guy and am sure hes only too happy help. This was done a while back, so am unsure of the procedures. I have heard its a must to be done and that its not till you drive one without it you realise what difference it makes to park and do u turns.
Regards
Kylie 89 Esp Turbo
Regards
Kylie 89 Esp Turbo
It is not the parking aspect I am interested in. The main reason is to revise the front suspenion and steering geometry. For optimal handling it needs PAS to be able to make use of the upgraded handling package. The manual steering would be to heavy and slugish to accomodate the upgrade.
calvin 90 SE
calvin 90 SE
Louis,
I'm not sure on G cars. Your car is lot lighter than our cars and if you were to try to adapt our components your ride would be really rough and not handle right. There are other things you can do to your car that G car owners talk about. The handling package we are talking about is found on the 94-95 S4/S4s S body cars. They upgraded the suspension and the power steering is a key part of this package. While the package makes the car handle better, the steering force required is a lot greater. The PAS was needed to over come the added resistance. Lotus knew of this added benfit but with the old SE rack there was little they could do for drivabilities sake. The benefits of easier parking and U-turns were just a bonus.
Calvin
I'm not sure on G cars. Your car is lot lighter than our cars and if you were to try to adapt our components your ride would be really rough and not handle right. There are other things you can do to your car that G car owners talk about. The handling package we are talking about is found on the 94-95 S4/S4s S body cars. They upgraded the suspension and the power steering is a key part of this package. While the package makes the car handle better, the steering force required is a lot greater. The PAS was needed to over come the added resistance. Lotus knew of this added benfit but with the old SE rack there was little they could do for drivabilities sake. The benefits of easier parking and U-turns were just a bonus.
Calvin
lwasson said: OK Thanks Calvin.
I think I will leave it alone for right now considering I ordered new bushings all around just a month ago.
louis
Louis,
I know this involves the other end from the one you're inquiring about, but one upgrade to the 'G' Turbos which several guys in our local club have designed and had custom fabricated is an adjustable upper transverse link for the rear suspension allowing Camber adjustments to be made. Currently, you cannot make any Camber adjustments, just toe-in.
I'm not certain, but I don't believe Lotus offered such an adjustable link until the S4. Interestingly, the link we've come up with has twice the adjustability (1/2° of Camber change vs. 1° for the stock Lotus Part). We had the part fabricated by a leading manufacturer of custom suspension components for custom cars and Hot Rods. It is then commercially powder coated and has new bushings installed. It will fit all S3 & Turbo cars up to, and including the SE. I was not directly involved in either the design or sourcing of these components, although I was privy to the design discussions, and was always on-board to get a set.
I will be picking up my set this weekend. I am not certain how widely we plan to distribute these, or at what final cost, but if you are interested, I will make the necessary inquiries. Of course, as with any suspension work, you will require a professional alignment once the installation is complete. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
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