electric power steering
Discussion
Now I know this goes against the grain but I'm considering doing a power steering conversion using one of those saxo / mercedes electric pumps so having the capacity for speed sensitivity as well
What is the rack thats fitted?
I know its a TVR only casting for the rack body but I very much doubt its TVR only guts, so what car is the guts out of?
Or does anyone know of analternative rack that will fit?
Matt
What is the rack thats fitted?
I know its a TVR only casting for the rack body but I very much doubt its TVR only guts, so what car is the guts out of?
Or does anyone know of analternative rack that will fit?
Matt
Well Matt I don't think it's such a bad idea at all... and owning at least 2 cars (one's a TVR) that really could do with some assistance it's a conversion idea that deserves proper investigation. My girlfriend's Clio has a very good electric PS setup which feels good and is speed sensitive. I recently saw an advert in a classic car mag for an electric 'assister' conversion for old Triumph TRs, too. Can't be that hard to find something to fit a Griff can it??
This topics been raised before. Opinion seems divided as to whether or not it would work.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=345797
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=345797
I used to do quite a few PAS conversions on non-serps chims and griffs which I guess is what you're after?), they sometimes turn up in the classifieds.
doing a chim is easy but a griff lacks space in the engine bay to site the pump (i use the saxo/106 pump) so I ended up using lots of heat proof wrapping which seemed to work fine (no problems even after several years).
Use all the PAS/UJs and intermediate shaft from a PAS version of a chim (ie a rear-ended write-off at a breakers is ideal) ..
doing a chim is easy but a griff lacks space in the engine bay to site the pump (i use the saxo/106 pump) so I ended up using lots of heat proof wrapping which seemed to work fine (no problems even after several years).
Use all the PAS/UJs and intermediate shaft from a PAS version of a chim (ie a rear-ended write-off at a breakers is ideal) ..
I thought about using the electric motor equipped steering column from a Vauxhall Corsa on mine. It could well prove to be a direct replacement for the Cavilier column in the Griff. My problem is what I then do with the hydraulic rack - I don't want a standard non-pas Griff rack as it is more turns lock to lock so you lose one of the benefits of PAS instantly.
dnb said:
I thought about using the electric motor equipped steering column from a Vauxhall Corsa on mine. It could well prove to be a direct replacement for the Cavilier column in the Griff. My problem is what I then do with the hydraulic rack - I don't want a standard non-pas Griff rack as it is more turns lock to lock so you lose one of the benefits of PAS instantly.
The TVR PAS rack is 2.2 turns lock-to-lock
the non-PAS rack is 2.5 turns lock-to-lock
I accept that the PAS rack is adjudged to be a tad quicker, but the difference is less than a third of a turn. You're not exactly going to windmilling in extra steering input are you?.
dnb said:
I thought about using the electric motor equipped steering column from a Vauxhall Corsa on mine. It could well prove to be a direct replacement for the Cavilier column in the Griff. My problem is what I then do with the hydraulic rack - I don't want a standard non-pas Griff rack as it is more turns lock to lock so you lose one of the benefits of PAS instantly.
does not compute .. you want to change your already-power assisted rack for a power assisted column? why?
It does compute. But it's a long story...
If I don't have the standard pump then I don't get the parasitic loss from it (the losses that happens all the time, even when the wheels are straight). I also get to simplify all the plumbing and messing about with fluids & stuff. The standard pump is not in terribly good condition, so could do with some service effort anyway, so I came up with the electric solution. As an added bonus, I can fit a "wife switch" to keep Nic happy too.
The gain is a little extra power & economy for a cost of some thinking.
OK, you're not convinced... I can see that.
It's to make room for the supercharger.
If I don't have the standard pump then I don't get the parasitic loss from it (the losses that happens all the time, even when the wheels are straight). I also get to simplify all the plumbing and messing about with fluids & stuff. The standard pump is not in terribly good condition, so could do with some service effort anyway, so I came up with the electric solution. As an added bonus, I can fit a "wife switch" to keep Nic happy too.
The gain is a little extra power & economy for a cost of some thinking.
OK, you're not convinced... I can see that.
It's to make room for the supercharger.
You can easily turn a PAS rack into a non PAS rack just by stripping it and taking all the seals out, the thing to consider is that the torsion bar in the control head of the rack has to now transmit all of the steering torque where it only did a portion of that before.
So I wouldn't recommend it unless you replace the torsion bar with a much bigger item.
so for my conversion I need a TVR PAS rack then for starters...... hmmmmm
Matt
So I wouldn't recommend it unless you replace the torsion bar with a much bigger item.
so for my conversion I need a TVR PAS rack then for starters...... hmmmmm
Matt
350matt said:
You can easily turn a PAS rack into a non PAS rack just by stripping it and taking all the seals out, the thing to consider is that the torsion bar in the control head of the rack has to now transmit all of the steering torque where it only did a portion of that before.
So I wouldn't recommend it unless you replace the torsion bar with a much bigger item.
so for my conversion I need a TVR PAS rack then for starters...... hmmmmm
Matt
So I wouldn't recommend it unless you replace the torsion bar with a much bigger item.
so for my conversion I need a TVR PAS rack then for starters...... hmmmmm
Matt
Hi Matt
am mid conversion as we speak, am fitting an electric PAS colum from a corsa, we are using the stock rack, and also so fitting a control box to give assistance at low speed but none/very little at speed.
Mark
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