Retro-fitting power steering - 924 S

[SianB]

Hi,
I'm looking at buying a 924 S which doesn't have power steering. Does anyone have any experience of whether this can be retro-fitted and what sort of cost is involved?
I know I need a pump, reservoir and hose - anything else?

Any advice much appreciated.
Sian

[domster]

...and probably a new steering rack as well - manual racks are always different

errr, I wouldn't really advise it; the cost and complication may not be worth it - it could cost more than your 924 to do

You could always build up your biceps down at the gym, or buy a 944 with power steering etc. for a grand more (944s are very cheap these days)

[SianB]

Thanks for your response.

The car I have found has an impeccable history, reasonable mileage, is mechanically sound and is very cheap for what it is.
I'm prepared to put a fair bit of cash into getting it sorted. I've costed the parts up at £650 for pump, reservoir, hose and rack (as you mentioned).
How much do you think the labour would be?
Would you still recommend walking away?

[M@H]

A frind of mine and I were discussing doing this to his 944 with parts from a more "standard" car.. the main problem for you could be workshop facilities.

Fortunately he's got access to a HUGE workshop and he can do things with metal that amaze me so its not really an issue to modify the trackrods and the UJ rod for the bottom of the steering column and make new mounts. We were more in the region of £150 for a rack, pump and ancilliaries from a salvage yard.

Cheers
Matt

[domster]

matt is right - getting the parts from a breakers would be nice and cheap (list at end). Cost of labour will be more important. I imagine you could get everything done between 500-1000 pounds, but that is a lot of money to spend on a 924. As I hinted, you can get a 924 for that kind of money.

I really wouldn't advise getting a 924 as they normally cost a lot to run because of their age; a friend spent 2k on one after a head gasket went. If you love the car, then fine, but it will probably end up a labour of love.

If you can afford a 944, I really would advise you get one. Even an S2 can be as little as 3k these days. Sadly, no Porsche is that cheap to run and if you are struggling to find the extra for a 944, a 924 may be a costly exercise.

Good luck with whatever you do - let us know

Breakers:

Douglas Valley breakers [phone]

Prestige Salvage, 0113 243 1392, www.prestigesalvage.co.uk

Europorsche, 0208 900 0900

Lodge sports, 0161 371 5598

Roger Bray, 01404 822005, www.rogerbrayrestoration.com

Club Auto Sport, 01384 410879, www.porschepart.co.uk

Discount 9 Autotech, 01656 740991, www.discount9autotechporsche.co.uk

Parts Source, 0208 550 6911, www.partssource.autopage.co.uk

Porsch-Apart, 01706 824053, www.porsch-apart.co.uk

Pro-9, 01564 785161, www.pro-9.co.uk

Brain Woodward, 01454 261067

[studog]

M@H said:

Fortunately he's got access to a HUGE workshop and he can do things with metal that amaze me

Matt your words are too kind.

On a serious note I would talk to Neil at discount 9 as they do a lot of conversion work. Adding the pump and rack actually does not look that complicated. I don't think the time will be too bad. Finding a good rack at areasonable price may be more of an issue.

As for the comments about going for a 944 unless you are looking at an S2 or a turbo there is really not as much difference as you would tbe led to belive. If you like the 924 stick to your guns. The running costs increase in proportion to the extra performance. And for the budget buyer a cheap 944 has a number of potentially very expensive failings. I have the scars to proove it!

Regards

Stu

[williamp]

I would also think:

a) Is there a bracket on the body to fit the fluid reserviour to?
b) Is there a pulley from the engine whcih you can attach the PS pump belt to?
c) Is there the attachments on the engine to attach the pump to?
d)Not sure about the 924, but on some 944'sthere is a microswitch to increase the pressure at idle speed, lowering the amount of effort needed at parking speeds. Does yours have this? if not, will you need a pump without this?

In short, in my opinion I would not bother. But then, perhaps you like a challenge...

[Thom]

williamp said:

on some 944's there is a microswitch to increase the pressure at idle speed

Whereabouts on the dash is it supposed to be ?

>> Edited by Thom on Thursday 26th August 18:15

[williamp]

Thom said:

williamp said: on some 944's there is a microswitch to increase the pressure at idle speed Whereabouts on the dash is it supposed to be ? >> Edited by Thom on Thursday 26th August 18:15

Its not on the dash. Sorry, perhaps I didnt mean microswitch... But on my "S" ( not my Turbo) there was a sensor which "reads" the engine speed and ups the steering pump pressure if its too low, to help with parking.