New Electric Power steering kit for the roadster- Pricing updates

[ehansen007]

UPDATE FOR THIS SPRING

As I continue to work with my EPS unit provider, we've had to make some adjustments here from the home base in California. Taxes, Liability, etc have caused us to increase the pricing on the kit to $699 Shipped Starting May 1st. SO, if you're at home during this crazy time, and are looking to add EPS, the price will remain the same $650 until May 1st. Please go to https://www.epowersteering.com/purchase/product/factoryfivemk4 and enter the coupon code "33Machine" to receive the discount.

As always, you get a full year warranty, free shipping, and continued support for installation.

Hey gang,

I've done some engineering work and decided to offer an electric power steering kit for the small block Roadster MK3 and MK4 with small block motors. Sorry but it will not fit with the big blocks or coyotes.

What sets this unit apart from other power steering is that it's adjustable via potentiometer knob in the cockpit. You can dial up the assist for around town and autocross, or turn it completely off for the freeway and road course.

Install- It will require you to cut the current steering shaft and have the splined couplers welded on. But the welding is not a big job. Just take it to a shop. The custom bracket can be fitted and then welded, and then bolted or welded onto the frame. It will come raw so you can finish how you like after drilling or welding. Location is in front of the headers and not close to the firewall for three reasons- Heat, ease of installation, and space. I've got it installed on the 289 and it's just fantastic. I've tested with power rack from Autozone and the stock Uni-steer rack that comes with the kit. Both work great.

Pricing is $650 shipped anywhere in the US for the entire kit.

If you're thinking, "well I could go to the junkyard and get a used one much cheaper, well yes: there is always that, however like most things, getting used gear gets us on the road cheaper but we end up paying for it sooner or later. Like rear ends, transmissions, engines, .... ;) This includes everything you need to get it right the first time!

***Currently only available for the MK3 and MK4 with small block motors.*** .

Here's what comes with the kit:

73870

Rebuilt EPS Unit- 1 year warranty with customer support
Custom water jetted adjustable mounting bracket
Separate ECU
Two weld on couplers
Input Shaft Modification EPS Controller
Adjustment Knob
2 Electric Plugs
Block-off Plate
50/60 Amp Fuse and Fuse Holder
Dust Boot
Instructions

73871

73872


Please just email me directly at erikchansen@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

[GoDadGo]

I'm about to finally hit the Go-Kart stage. Will keep your kit in mind if I'm not happy with the manual set-up.
I too have a messed up shoulder and it has finally gotten back to about 85-90%.
Also, how do you like your Gilmer Style accessory belt system?

[WIS89]

Eric-

Very nice upgrade Sir! Nice clean installation too. I think it will make it easy for a whole lot of folks to make the switch to power steering. Well done!

Regards,

Steve

[wallace18]

Very nice. I did the exact same thing a while back to my Type 65.

[Olli]

Looks good. Nice job!

Olli

[ehansen007]

I'm about to finally hit the Go-Kart stage. Will keep your kit in mind if I'm not happy with the manual set-up.
I too have a messed up shoulder and it has finally gotten back to about 85-90%.
Also, how do you like your Gilmer Style accessory belt system?

Gilmer works great! No problems thus far. When I researched taking my power steering rack live with the pump, belts, hoses, resevoir, etc, it was just too much. So I went e-steering.

[Big Blocker]

Erik,

Is there any concern about the unit being so close to the exhaust system - and - will it clear 4-into-4's?

Doc

[Yama-Bro]

Nice work! Does this let you adjust your alignment to the power steering castor specs?

[ehansen007]

Big Blocker. Should be no issues on the clearance. Would you consider being a beta for the 4 into 1 for me?

Yama-bro, yes, you can stretch the caster out as much as you want. I've got mine at 6 degress right now and I'm probably going to 8 or 9 degrees just to get more variance. I put about 200 miles on the car today and had a blast with it. I let a friend test drive it and he loved it vs the non power. I parallel parked like three times one armed. It's just a different car. :)

[Big Blocker]

Erik,

Although I would be honored to be your test bed for the EPAS system, I have a "custom" set of 4-into-4's (mid pipe back-to-back collectors) and V-band clamps - and - I'm a MKII with the early steering shaft coming out of the DS footbox on the engine side.
But, that being said, I am really thinking about doing some of my own R & D to see if it will fit under the dash after the pillow block but before the firewall. I'm gunna have to move a bunch of stuff to accomplish that but the effort just might be absolutely rewarding. I'm on a 18:1 Flaming River rack now so effort isn't too much of an issue with +2-1/2° caster and 275x40x17 Nitto's.

I will be following your progress though . . .

Doc

[Bill44224]

Your power steering setup looks great.
How can a buy a kit?

[ehansen007]

Updates to the kit: I've decided to go with two u-joints instead of the couplers so the bracket will have more play to be mounted. What I've found is that out of four cars, each car was different in relation to the the rack input and the firewall bearing that holds the steering shaft. Being able to move the bracket with u-joints is a huge advantage. This one we put into John Tongish's track car which still had the AC bracket. It fits great.

[TexasAviator]

Nice

[R. Button]

do you think it might fit in a Mark I? I'm on my 3 or 4 power steering pump - they gradually end up buzzing over time and I suppose after some "limited" use ;)

[ehansen007]

The unit would probably fit but I have yet to have a test mule to make the bracket for it. I need to take a look at one of my friends cars out here to see what I need to do. I'll post it up here as soon as I do.

[juanfmc]

Wow... That's bad ***. I'm getting ready to order and haven't yet, in part because I am still trying to decide on specific set up. This looks like exactly what I'm looking for, the best of both worlds. Having power when you want it and none when you don't. Did you "hide" the potentiometer knob? Do you have any pictures of where you installed it in the cockpit?

Thanks!!
Juan

[ehansen007]

Hey Juan, I installed the knob facing down via the horizontal Break in the dash aluminum straight down from the steering column. It's barely visible behind the steering wheel. Does that make sense?

[hatley]

Love that,nice compact install,super winter project for me ,on my MK4.Will get back to you.
Hatley

[Big Blocker]

In response to Ralph's post#14, the original YouTube video was an install on a MK I, so the answer of it fitting is; yes, it will.

I am seriously working on getting this into my MK II with custom 4-into-4 headers. I'm looking into using another unit, [maybe] from a Toyota Prius (that doesn't need the controller from the EBay guy), and see if it will fit under the MK II dash (with some obvious mods to the pillow block location). If that turns out to be next-to-impossible, the Saturn unit is my next best choice.

As a side note - under the dash sounds really slick but, should it ever need servicing, I'm going to be cussing at myself for ever thinking that was a good location . . .

Doc

[first time builder]

Nice and neat , I see it does clear the 4x4 headers.
Kenny

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Has the system been installed on a COYOTE based car yet?

[ehansen007]

It has not. I'll get to work on that and see what I find out.

[Mark C]

Hey guys:

I was one of the beta testers for the Elec power steering and i have to say this is a really good p/s system. Once Eric got the bugs worked out by the use of two u-joints its great. Installing this was not difficult at all. What i found right off the bat was that it took away 80% of that annoying bump steer you get on the hwy. It made the cruise down the fwy must less effort and twitchy. It also made it so you can really slam it around tight corners and not wear our your forearms. And parking-well thats a no brainer!! i love it and look forward to doing the autocross coming up at qualcomm stadium.

[charlesshoults]

Very interesting. So this eliminates the need for a power steering pump, belts and pulleys. Allows use of a standard 15:1 manual steering rack? Instead of an "infinitely adjustable" potentiometer, would it work with a potentiometer with detents? I like fixed positions a lot more than a more fluid knob that I'm likely to bump and lose position.

[ehansen007]

Sure does. I can look into the potentiometer for ya. in other news, based on the feedback, I'm going to change the bracket a bit so we can stick to the couplers and not use U-Joints.

[HGs_notes]

Any news on using this on a 5.0 coyote car?

[ehansen007]

No, sorry. I just don't have access to that setup to get it mocked up and make the bracket.

[HCP 65 COUPE]

Can this kit be used on a gen2 coupe?

[ehansen007]

Not sure. Haven't tried it. From what I remember this chassis is totally different right?

[42Bfast]

No, sorry. I just don't have access to that setup to get it mocked up and make the bracket.

Echo the desire to see this for the Coyote install!

[frd2]

Coyote here also

[HGs_notes]

PM sent

[turbodon]

Only issue with the electric assist system is that the controller is subject to Heat.

When the controller gets hot from either location of from heavy use (track/autocross) the electric assist does not assist.

We have used the electric assist in endurance racing for over 3 yrs. Great system as long as you keep the controller cool.

Good luck next to headers....

[ehansen007]

Only issue with the electric assist system is that the controller is subject to Heat.

When the controller gets hot from either location of from heavy use (track/autocross) the electric assist does not assist.

We have used the electric assist in endurance racing for over 3 yrs. Great system as long as you keep the controller cool.

Good luck next to headers....

Yeah that's a good point. I plan on putting a heat sink on there. Or relocating.

[RR20AC]

On my build, I used the unisteer steering and modified the wiring to place the controller in the foot box along with the variable assist module. The motor is protected by a shield with lizard skin heat treatment toward the electric motor. I made sure I can remove the controls later. It is really tight though.

[HCP 65 COUPE]

The gen2 is similar to the roadster just not sure how similar.

[ehansen007]

Ok, finally got some time to work on the bracket. More details to come. Hoping to get the design modified and water jetted this week.

[R. Button]

I sent you a IM to see about getting a kit to install on my Ol' Mark I

[ehansen007]

Well, we can still get you the unit and you'd just have to fab a bracket for it. Although I think I'd like someone with a few more miles on their car to be the beta. ;)

[Eespensen]

How do we order?

[DavidW]

Do you have any other pictures of the install to include the brackets? I have a 351W and its size is close to the 289 but a little taller, will this make a difference? Do you have the heat issues solved?

[ehansen007]

Sorry, to include which brackets? There's only one that is included with the kit and you can see it pretty clearly in the pics posted. As far as height goes, I don't see why that would be a problem at all. Plenty of room along that rail. As far as heat, we haven't had any issues thus far. One customer continues to track his car without an issue and it's the second install pic. I've also had my car sitting in traffic overheating but the steering still worked fine. These are OEM controllers from GM and are built to withstand a lot. If we do see an issue arise, we'll offer a heat sink or the customers can simply move the controller wherever they want by extending the wiring harness. Easy.

UPDATE, we are currently working on the new adjustable bracket and will notify here when it's completed. Thanks for your patience.

[ehansen007]

Okay guys, we have the new bracket! I think this new adjustable bracket will cover most everyone but the main measurement is 9 3/8" and 3" That is, 9 3/8" from the yolk center from the u-joint at the firewall, down the steering shaft. And, 3" from the edge of the 3/4" frame rail to the center of the steering shaft. If you're within 1/2" inward (towards the fender) or 1 1/2" outward(toward the motor) you should be good. PM me if interested. Thanks.

[hom-ade]

Has this been test fitted for an mk4 with a 385 series big block?

[ehansen007]

Has this been test fitted for an mk4 with a 385 series big block?

No, sorry it has not. It's only been installed with a small block to this point. I've got a coyote customer that's going to test fit one for me. For reference. Here's the measurements that will help assess whether you can fit it or not

[hom-ade]

I'll double check the measurements tonight for you but I think that'll be a "does not fit" for my roadster

[hom-ade]

From the picture with the measurements on it, after looking and measuring on my car ..it looks as though it WILL fit a 385 series car

[jeffgrice]

I am helping a friend with PS for his FF Cobra. Can you drop me a note @ jjgrice55@gmail.com with information on your PS unit and installation instructions. Thanks Jeff

[ehansen007]

Done!

[jeffgrice]

Done!

Thanks. I Just checked my email and it has not come through yet.

[hatley]

Can't find pics ?

[mcwho]

What type of steering rack do you recommend using with ths kit? A standard manual rack?

[alv69]

I bought one for mine, have not gotten the chance to install yet, but was wondering if anyone who has put it on has any feedback on how it works?

[CDXXVII]

Can someone post some pictures? This photobucket dabockle has really screwed a lot of people but it's not that hard to use the forum upload feature.

[alv69]

got my electric power steering kit installed today, works good sitting in the garage, can turn the wheel lock to lock with one finger. did not want to drive it yet as I am waiting for the diodes to put on the ignition wire to the control box as I have a one wire alternator and that is what they recommend. will post pictures later.

[ehansen007]

Great to hear. Sorry about the pix guys. I'll try to get something up asap. Ironically I had just deleted the pics off my iphone right before the a-holes at photobucket did their little thing. I hope they choke. :)

[alv69]

took awhile but finially got the pictures to post of the p.s. in my mk3. probably going to move the control boxes under the dash over the winter.

[Connedale]

I just want to say to all those considering this, all welds are not created equal. A weld on a shaft like this can see significant stress and hundreds of thousands of cycles under load. One that looks good can fail. One that is ugly can perform better than the parts being joined. I have done automotive level testing. You would not believe what cyclic load does to wear and fatigue parts. Fatigue cracks love welds. I would highly advise knowing the materials being welded and to only talk to highly qualified welders to do this mod. You and your beloved passenger depend your lives on it.

[alv69]

took a 40 mile ride today and the power steering worked great, takes a little getting used to as the steering is much easier and I am used to having to put some muscle in the turning, but not anymore.

[ehansen007]

took a 40 mile ride today and the power steering worked great, takes a little getting used to as the steering is much easier and I am used to having to put some muscle in the turning, but not anymore.

Good news is that you can always turn it off! Don't forget to put some caster in it to get a little resistance back as well. Glad you're enjoying it.

[ehansen007]

I just want to say to all those considering this, all welds are not created equal. A weld on a shaft like this can see significant stress and hundreds of thousands of cycles under load. One that looks good can fail. One that is ugly can perform better than the parts being joined. I have done automotive level testing. You would not believe what cyclic load does to wear and fatigue parts. Fatigue cracks love welds. I would highly advise knowing the materials being welded and to only talk to highly qualified welders to do this mod. You and your beloved passenger depend your lives on it.

Thanks, this is always good advice and applies to all areas of this kit. From a car with a chassis that's hand welded together (where no two are the same) here in the states and outfitted with Koni shocks which have had their welding issues it would seem that there is an inherent risk in building and driving these cars in general. Of course, welds should be done correctly. Also, assemble them carefully, maintain them carefully, and drive them like you're glad you're not on a motorcycle. ;) Whatever that means. Be safe, always! :)

e

[ehansen007]

Last, the description has been updates and pictures reposted on the first page. For questions, just email me directly at erikchansen@yahoo.com

[Logan]

Any update on this EPAS kit?

Does it work with a Coyote engine? What about the Coupe chassis?

[ehansen007]

Unfortunately I haven’t had the time or the resources to do this. I’ll keep trying though.

[ehansen007]

UPDATE FOR THIS SPRING

As I continue to work with my EPS unit provider, we've had to make some adjustments here from the home base in California. Taxes, Liability, etc have caused us to increase the pricing on the kit to $699 Shipped Starting May 1st. SO, if you're at home during this crazy time, and are looking to add EPS, the price will remain the same $650 until May 1st. Please go to and enter the coupon code "33Machine" to receive the discount.

As always, you get a full year warranty, free shipping, and continued support for installation.

[Bob Cowan]

That link doesn't work for me. I go to a Blue Host site.

[Old Timer]

My antivirus blocks it due to an infection with HTML: Script-inf

[Old Timer]

I have EPS power steering on my gen 2 coupe, and love it.
I still need to add some caster in it and see how it does.

[ehansen007]

Sorry guys, looks like the www is redirecting to the 2nd level domain (hostname) which is not covered by SSL. I'll have him fix it.

[ehansen007]

Appears to be working now. I guess they renewed his certificate today. Of all days. :)

https://www.epowersteering.com/purchase/product/factoryfivemk4

[Shady302]

Fyi,
I went on to the site, but when I put in the coupon code in it only takes it down to $670 not $650.
Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Thanks.


UPDATE FOR THIS SPRING

As I continue to work with my EPS unit provider, we've had to make some adjustments here from the home base in California. Taxes, Liability, etc have caused us to increase the pricing on the kit to $699 Shipped Starting May 1st. SO, if you're at home during this crazy time, and are looking to add EPS, the price will remain the same $650 until May 1st. Please go to and enter the coupon code "33Machine" to receive the discount.

As always, you get a full year warranty, free shipping, and continued support for installation.

[ehansen007]

Thank you for letting me know! I'll get that fixed! Hold please.

[ehansen007]

Okay it's all ready to go! Thanks for your patience while we figure this out. Trust me it will be worth it!

[ehansen007]

As I continue to work with my EPS unit provider, we've had to make some adjustments here from the home base in California. Taxes, Liability, etc have caused us to increase the pricing on the kit to $699 Shipped Starting May 1st. SO, if you're at home during this crazy time, and are looking to add EPS, the price will remain the same $650 until May 1st. Please go to https://www.epowersteering.com/purch...factoryfivemk4 and enter the coupon code "33Machine" to receive the discount.

As always, you get a full year warranty, free shipping, and continued support for installation.

Electric power steering kit is for the small block Roadster MK3 and MK4 with small block motors. Sorry but it will not fit with the big blocks or coyotes.

What sets this unit apart from other power steering is that it's adjustable via potentiometer knob in the cockpit. You can dial up the assist for around town and autocross, or turn it completely off for the freeway and road course.

Install- It will require you to cut the current steering shaft and have the splined couplers welded on. But the welding is not a big job. Just take it to a shop. The custom bracket can be fitted and then welded, and then bolted or welded onto the frame. It will come raw so you can finish how you like after drilling or welding. Location is in front of the headers and not close to the firewall for three reasons- Heat, ease of installation, and space. I've got it installed on the 289 and it's just fantastic. I've tested with power rack from Autozone and the stock Uni-steer rack that comes with the kit. Both work great.

[ehansen007]

Hey everyone. FYI Epoweringsteering.com still is the provider for this kit. I haven't been actively selling these or making money on it but be sure to mention my name to Ken when you order for a possible discount.

[juddster]

Any update on a unit that will work with the coyote and the MK4?

Thx!!

[ehansen007]

Hey Juddster. It simply won't fit with the coyote unfortunately. After looking at it several times it would take some serious engineering to get around it. Sorry!

[Chris @ Forma]

We are building a Coyote powered Coupe for a client that wherein the engine is supercharged which precludes putting a pump on the front of the engine. We have adapted a Mini cooper electric power steerng pump and are using a standard hydraulic rack. We haven't yet tested it on the road but this solution should work on a roadster as well.

[R. Button]

I have ordered one of the epowersteering kits for a Mark 3/4 that I plan on adapting to a early Mark 1. I have a spare steering shaft - in case it all goes "south" and I end up with a cut up steering shaft. I also sourced a self aligning pillow block that I'll install on the outside of the firewall to help the steering column. Mostly will work on the bracket to mount the electric motor. I have the newer headers so will also be making sure the assembly clears the headers. Pics etc as I start the actual install. Figured while the body was off this would be a good time to (or try to) get EPS installed.
If I get something that works I'll have a template to send to epowersteering of the mount plate, and parts list, in case others may want to install the kit.