Discusion on MK4 power steering.

[rickscobra]

Recently there was a short discussion on the pros and cons of power brakes. I would like to hear members thoughts on power steering. I elected to go with non power steering and brakes on my 2015 MK4. After 8500 Maine miles, I just don't understand the need for power steering. Thoughts!

Rick

[edwardb]

a) Might be different if you used your car on the track. Most auto-x and track users report PS is important. b) My usual comment. People seem to only talk about effort. Side note, saw a post the other day where someone was told to get a gym membership instead of PS. OK... The reduced effort is nice at low speeds, when parking, etc. But for driving speeds, agree the effort for manual steering is very moderate. Desirable even. But PS allows you to increase the castor and greatly enhances how the car tracks and stays centered. I've had both and the difference is significant. I'll bet if you tried it you'd like it. Makes the car more fun to drive and just feels more "settled." Especially at highway speeds.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ab234/edwardb123/200_(1).gif?width=590&height=370&fit=bounds (https://app.photobucket.com/u/edwardb123/a/186cc666-68d0-4881-b53c-af005ffe3552/p/1c38e2d6-782f-45ab-b64b-124a30f1b3f5)

[davekp]

I have PS and even with the increased caster it allows, there is very little centering force. I wish it had more.

[CFranks]

I had manual and thought it was fine, but read all the recommendations to go with PS from the pros on here so I added EPAS over the winter, which is an easy mod. I really like the difference, would never build a car with manual again.

[frd2]

Quoting someone else - wish i remember who!

"many have added power steering, none have removed it....."

[rich grsc]

a) Might be different if you used your car on the track. Most auto-x and track users report PS is important. b) My usual comment. People seem to only talk about effort. Side note, saw a post the other day where someone was told to get a gym membership instead of PS. OK... The reduced effort is nice at low speeds, when parking, etc. But for driving speeds, agree the effort for manual steering is very moderate. Desirable even. But PS allows you to increase the castor and greatly enhances how the car tracks and stays centered. I've had both and the difference is significant. I'll bet if you tried it you'd like it. Makes the car more fun to drive and just feels more "settled." Especially at highway speeds.

This, if nothing else. I had manual steering on a previous car, and it was OK driving at speed, but really sucked at low speed and parking. This build has power steering and brakes, NEVER going back to manual.

[silver_pilate]

One of the upgrades I've been considering on my completed build is an electronic power steering. After install, I'm assuming I would adjust to similar castor that would be used on a typical PS system, correct? I want to make sure that the electric PS would give the same "benefit" that I would see with traditional PS on the highway, and that seems to mostly center around the different alignment values. My car does pretty good at highway speeds, but it can wander a bit more on some of the roads we have around here.

--Nathan

[rickscobra]

The repsonse to my post was excellent. It will fit in nicely with another Maine winter soon to be upon us. Now how about recomentdations for choice of PS unit to use for the upgrade.??

[BradCraig]

The repsonse to my post was excellent. It will fit in nicely with another Maine winter soon to be upon us. Now how about recomentdations for choice of PS unit to use for the upgrade.??

I love the KRC option from FF, has the perfect amount of resistance so you don't have that disconnected feeling. Flow control fitting can be replaced to tune as well.

[frd2]

The repsonse to my post was excellent. It will fit in nicely with another Maine winter soon to be upon us. Now how about recomentdations for choice of PS unit to use for the upgrade.??

You don't mention what engine - but if it is a coyote then the electric hydraulic work well. Avoids the issue of mounting the pump. I did a junk yard toyota MRS that is easy to wire and plumb.

Greg

[mike223]

Now how about recomentdations for choice of PS unit to use for the upgrade.??

Here's one way to do it: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?28241-Mk-4-Pull-A-Part-EPAS

[CFranks]

This is what I used for EPAS, very easy install and I'm happy with the results, just requires a little welding which I brought to a shop. https://epowersteering.com/purchase/product/factory-five-mk3-4-roadster-kit

Alternatively you can go to a pick and pull and get the same unit from an equinox/vue and buy a controller online.

[KDubU]

You don't mention what engine - but if it is a coyote then the electric hydraulic work well. Avoids the issue of mounting the pump. I did a junk yard toyota MRS that is easy to wire and plumb.

Greg

Rick has a 306 from Forte. Hey Rick! Good to hear you on here again. I had the KRC unit on mine and agree with everyone that power steering is the way to go. The only issue I had was my own stupid one and not getting the proper connectors especially on the pressure side. Breeze has them and when I finally used them, it never leaked again.

[CraigS]

Rick first please add some car details in to your signature line. Answering your question is lots easier if we know what engine you have. For a SBF check w/ Breeze. He has a nice pump and mount brackets for either side of the engine as well as the proper hose ends. A Coyote needs something else but I am not familiar w/ what that is.

[GTBradley]

The Coyote will need exactly what FFR provides, but what is never mention is that the flow valve must be changed, as the system is over boosted as delivered. I wrote about this on my thread and you can find kit in lots of other locations. BTW, EdwardB (Paul) convinced me to do it not for the reduced effort, but the geometry. I do think it’s worth it and in my case it’s more valuable than anti-roll bars.

[Bill_VA]

I did some extensive homework on this forum and talked to some tech reps from steering companies and went to work. I had the Flaming River manual rack with the SAI mod and at speed the car was quite manageable, but at parking lot/driveway speeds the car was an arm full.

I gotta tell you, if you're on the fence about going power steering or not, DO IT!! Don't let others tell you otherwise, it makes the car handle soooo much better. After turning in to the same corner to come into my neighborhood, at speed, and knowing instinctively when and where to turn in, the power steering is the most amazing thing. I can now turn in so fast that I have had to watch myself to keep from hitting the inside curb. Amazing steering response.

Here's what I got:
AGR rack P/N 712591, made just for Cobra replicas ($381)
KRC aluminum pump P/N 20005 000 ($192)
KRC 4.2" aluminum pulley P/N 20015 007 ($67)
KRC pump-mounted reservoir P/N 91312 000 ($99)
Russell hose and ends ($100)
CV Products aluminum pump mount P/N CV222-SBF-LTW ($65)
FF5 steering shaft ($185)
Edelbrock water pump P/N 8845 ($250)


I had a standard rotation water pump and the serpentine belt only drove the alternator and water pump. To drive the power steering pump, I had to run the belt under the water pump which necessitated changing to a reverse-rotation water pump. I had a machine shop mill off the grooves on my existing March water pump pulley, and drill new mounting holes (also got a new March pulley cover to fit the new bolt pattern. The CV products mount came with a gray anodizing that I didn't want so I polished it and treated it and the polished water pump with SharkHide.

By the way, the cheesy mounting bolt setup is temporary, couldn't find the right one at the time.

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[rickscobra]

Thanks for providing the additional info on my set up. BTW, when are you going to weaken and send FFR an oder for some new excitment??

[Avalanche325]

a) Might be different if you used your car on the track. Most auto-x and track users report PS is important. [/URL]

The first reply says it. I autocross and track my car along with plenty of street driving. A track day on a technical track, and you are tired enough with P/S. Autocross, fuhgetttaboutit, you simply won't be quick enough.

You are going to do some autocross, right? It should be a safety requirement for all Cobra owners. Not to mention FUN!

[NiceGuyEddie]

I have a Fox Body P/S pump with the legendary "cut spring mod" which reduces assist from the pump. Feels great! MK3 with SAI Mod & 8° caster.