1992 Griffith power steering question

[voso1]

I have been toying with the possibility of fitting Power Steering to my 1992 4.3 for quite some time and I would prefer electric to hydraulic as it is easier to fit. What I do not like about the Electric mod is that the torque from the P/S unit is transferred from the powered unit to the cars bulkhead. With manual steering the torque is absorbed by the driver so nothing on the car is subjected to extra load. I would prefer not to strengthen the bulkhead as that is very involved and time consuming. So I was wondering if anyone has come across an electric power steering rack with an integral motor that could fit. The torque from the motor would then be absorbed directly into the chassis. Nice and easy to fit!!!

[SFTWend]

I've just driven a 4.3 and part of the appeal is that it doesn't have PAS. From what I've read it is difficult to do a satisfactory conversion.

Would it not be easier to sell the 4.3 and buy a 500 with factory fitted PAS?

[Zener]

Just do the Scooby rack mod and fit a GM Astra PAS electic pump all the documentation is on here , no additional stress on the bulkhead/pedal box area (in fact now far less) and no trying to get a drive from the engine for a mechanical hyd pump

[mk1fan]

The Honda S2000 has electric assistance within the rack itself. Needs power supply running to it and possibly some piggyback ecu to set/vary level of assitance. Physically fitting the rack maybe an issue, as would sorting out the trackrod ends. However, unless it is just too long then I can't see these being any harder to overcome than the 'challenges' of the other options.

You could go the tried and tested 'scooby' rack route with an electric driven hydraulic pump. Well documented mod - the thread on here is very comprehensive. Someone has even posted a link to a complete list of parts and part numbers required. Possibly the simpest route. You can also retain the 'factory' stuff for those who like 'lead waterpipes'.

You might want to speak to Mat Smith - Mat Smith Sportscars - who has retro fitted electric powersteering kits to a couple of S's. The various installs I have seen involve plates bolted to the existing tub rather than extensive bodymods.

[Belle427]

I’d advise giving someone else the headache of converting it if you do go for it.
The Scooby conversion is documented as an easy mod on the Chim but I ran into all sorts of small problems that were quite frustrating.

[stevesprint]

voso1 said:

What I do not like about the Electric mod is that the torque from the P/S unit is transferred from the powered unit to the cars bulkhead...... I would prefer not to strengthen the bulkhead as that is very involved and time consuming.

I mounted my electric steering motor 8 years ago on the pedal box & never strengthened the bulk head which you can see in this thread, its been perfect for 8 years with no ill side effects, its so brilliant that if I sold my Griff I would remove it to keep and reuse.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

The hardest and most important part of an electric steering installation is choosing the right ECU, mine is speed sensitive and fully programmable, therefore I’ve programmed my level of assistance to gradually decay so its back to manual above 40mph. I purchased my EPAS components from http://www.dcemotorsport.com/Home/EPAS

voso1 said:

electric power steering rack with an integral motor

Nice idea and in this day & age most cars have electric steering so there must be a suitable donor electric rack that can be modified to fit.

voso1 said:

I would prefer electric to hydraulic as it is easier to fit.

Electric steering would only be easier to install if you buy a complete ready to fit kit, maybe something like this one.
http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/car/26/49/TVR.html

[phazed]

Belle427 said:

I’d advise giving someone else the headache of converting it if you do go for it.
The Scooby conversion is documented as an easy mod on the Chim but I ran into all sorts of small problems that were quite frustrating.

I suppose I have the facilities but the conversion was relatively easy.

[voso1]

thanks for all the replies. Great suggestions to me to contemplate. I would not do this in the winter so come the warmer weather I will investigate all the possibilities.