PAS Retrofit on 4.0 Serpentine
PAS Retrofit on 4.0 Serpentine
Author
Discussion

ukkid35

Original Poster:

6,412 posts

203 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
Roughly what is involved and how much does it cost, DIY and subcontract?

TIA

caduceus

6,126 posts

296 months

Hedgehopper

1,542 posts

274 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
I have just done this to my Griff 500 but wouldn't be any difference to yours. As you mention retrofit I assume you mean fitting a TVR hydraulic rack rather than an electric column.

You will need the following...

TVR hydraulic rack.
Hydraulic pump and mounting plate (use existing pulley).
Hydraulic hose kit (Johnny Zubak on P/H spares list).
Fluid reservoir + mounting bracket (make your own).
New lower column of correct length
New lower u/j to mate rack to new column.
1 litre ATF 220 fluid.

These parts, depending on where you source them will cost you £300.00 or so plus the cost of a rack.
I have recently read that Central TVR have new/old stock racks?

Hope this helps.

ukkid35

Original Poster:

6,412 posts

203 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
Much appreciated thanks.

The vendor is suggesting that a non-PAS car is much more direct, and generally preferable. My only experience of driving a non-PAS car is my old 3L Capri when the belt failed - I had to plan corners some time in advance and there was no guarantee I'd actually get round. Is the Chim so much lighter that PAS is unnecessary?

AceOfHearts

5,957 posts

221 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
I have a non-PAS Chim and don't find it too heavy at all, lighter than my old MGB infact. Personally I prefer the simplicity of the manual rack as you hear so often of the PAS racks leaking / getting repaired poorly and leaking again.

I would take it out and give it a go, you might find you like it (or not). I wouldn't let it put you off a good car though if the manual steering is your only concern.

There is also a slight difference in the turns lock - lock between the two racks. I beleve the manual is slightly slower steering but i doubt it makes much difference.

jesfirth

1,743 posts

272 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
My griff had a manual rack when I bought it and I thought it would be fine. I was wrong. It was very heavy at slow speeds and when you need to catch a slide it just reacts too slowly to balance it easily on the throttle- or it could just be that I am a wimp! I used a TVR ps rack and Saxo electric pump off eBay for £50. It works beautifully and transformed the drivability.

caduceus

6,126 posts

296 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
jesfirth said:
I used a TVR ps rack and Saxo electric pump off eBay for £50. It works beautifully and transformed the drivability.
I'd be interested in hearing about that installation for a Chim...

phazed

22,503 posts

234 months

Saturday 29th March 2014
quotequote all
Manual rack are awful, especially if you have decent grippy tyres.

I've had both and it's PS all the time.


locodude

510 posts

225 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
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Nothing wrong with a manual rack and I find no problems controlling a slide but then I'm a big powerful Yorkshireman so that may explain it biggrin