Conversion to power steering ?

[M@H]

Hi all..

Having been thinking this over for a bit, I'm wondering if it would be possible to fit a "standard" power steering rack to a non PAS car.

Whilst there must be considerations for the overall dimensions of the rack, and indeed the ratio's and power it provides, is there any reason why (assuming the space to fit one, and the fabrication of proper mounts) you couldn't fit a modern electric pump driven power steering rack into the Chimaera..?

Thoughts..?
Cheers.
Matt.

[shpub]

It can be done. Need to get the bits of a PAS car (rack steering column rods, U/Js, pump and pipes) and fit them. £1500 to £2000 for a dealer fit. Less if you can source second hand parts. An electric pump would cost more than a mechnaically driven one I suspect.

[jigs]

Matt - eat an extra egg in the morning.

[joospeed]

I've done an electric conversion on several cerberas and an early griff (no factory kit for pre serp cars you see). Total cost was around 1k fitted using parts from douglas valley breakers. Good mod on early cars, easier on chims than griffs due to more engine bay space.

[S4CJO]

Easy job if you've sourced the bits. Got all mine from rear damaged Chim, same year etc. All parts checked by local TVR dealer. Fitted in one Saturday afternoon.

The biggest drawback is....... the wife can now park it

[M@H]

Thanks for the thoughts guys... I'm just wondering if I can use a rack from a mainstream manufacturer (assuming the ratio's are ok) and modify the tie rods to suit the track width and track rod ends.

If this is the case then I can probably pick up a complete rack and electrical pump assembly off something like a Citroen/Ford for about £250-£300..

Cheers,
Matt.

>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 11th November 09:28

[shpub]

That is the least of your worries as you would also need to modify the steering column as well. All that pails into significance when the rack ratios and length of the arms is taken into account as this has a real big effect on bump steer and other handling. In other words... It ain't that simple.

[M@H]

Hi Steve...

as far as the column was concerned I'd assumed I'd probably only have to modify the Lower UJ and the conneting rod that links it to the upper UJ (sorry cant remember its name at the minute).. surely if the pinion rod is in a slightly different location on the rack, then I'd just have to lengthen (or shorten) this conneting rod and fit a suitable lower UJ to it.. why would I have to touch the steering column ?

Cheers,
Matt.

Edited to add.. I take your point on track rod lengths, however there may well be a "standard" rack in the marketplace that has the right length rods anyway..? (guessing) ..it just might be that no-ones looked for one yet..??


>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 11th November 10:04

[shpub]

I meant to rods that go down. The problem is that lengthening them or shortening them on a fairly critical component needs to be difficult and the bottom UJ will probably need changing as there is no standard fit at all.

The chances of getting another manufacturers rack to fit is pretty slim - I would say impossible. The rack mounting shave to be taken into account and so on. I really think this is a non-starter.

[M@H]

Hi steve..thanks for the thoughts again.. :-)

So basically the it seems "best" option would be to get a PAS rack from an Early Griff/Chim, and add an electric pump to it to complete the operation..

Cheers
Matt.


>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 11th November 11:57

[shpub]

Why not get a mechanical pump? Old Rover Sd1 pumps are around 10 to 20 pound!

[M@H]

I was just invisaging problems with a mechanical pump.. aren't they belt driven..? In which case where do they mount on the engine.. and I'd ahve to modify the existing belt route..??

..reckon I've got some research to do

Matt

[the jiffle king]

M@H said:

Hi steve..thanks for the thoughts again.. :-) So basically the it seems "best" option would be to get a PAS rack from an Early Griff/Chim, and add an electric pump to it to complete the operation..

Easier said than done as there are not many racks about (try phoning Douglas Valley!) Andy at APM can recondition a rack, and I read of someone who already had two racks and was looking for a third tro recondition and sell on. A search might help.

T-J-K

[shpub]

Not a problem. All we need is a few frosty/damp morning and I'm sure there will unfortunately be a few donor cars available... especially judging from the number of cars I've seen recently getting very close to Nature...

Anyway everytime I say that PAS is a good/essential thing, I usually get overwhelmed by the "real men drive unasssisted" brigade. You do realise what you will be tared with!

[M@H]

shpub said:

Anyway everytime I say that PAS is a good/essential thing, I usually get overwhelmed by the "real men drive unasssisted" brigade. You do realise what you will be tared with!

Yep I was one of those people doing some tarring I believe

It was only really an idle thought for a winter project having been staring into the bonnet of the Saxo for a while and realising how simple the actual mechanics of the power steering setup were. I still think its possible to go "too light" with PAS steering, however with 205/55's on the front it seems unlikely

Anyway.. I'll see what some research brings.. now who knows who manufactures the steering racks for TVR..

Cheers
Matt.

>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 11th November 15:05