Another Power Steering Post

[BaBaBooey]

Hello all. First off, over last two weeks I’ve gone back page by page reading the last 183 pages of posts to comb thru information and research. I’ve used the search function extensively too. I want to add power steering to my MkIII. I know there have been more EPS improvements the last two years from guys perfecting it some.

What would most do now in 2021? I dont know if a simple fox body pump, mounting bracket, hoses, and PS rack is still a good route.
Or is adding a GM type pump a good route? It sounds a little more complicated and custom than a fox pump. It would require bracket, hoses, different rack.
Or is a complete kit from an EPS website a simpler, better, more modern set up? Looks like it may require minor welding to the frame, but I can’t find their instructions. It wouldn't require a different rack and hoses.

I don’t mind if it costs $200 or $800 getting me there. I’m not surfing salvage yards for this stuff either.

Currently I have 4k mile crate 302 with only an alternator mounted out front. I have manual steering presently. I want something that steers with less effort for low speed and reacts quicker than cranking on the wheel as is. It’s not being raced, its occasional few hours a month cruiser. I would prefer a cleaner simpler looking engine compartment.

Have any of the folks who are frequent builders changed the set ups they're recommending today vs few years ago?

Thanks

[cob427sc]

Just throwing my 2 cents in ---- I have only built one roadster (out of 5) with power steering and used a GM pump with a stock Mustang rack (added the pressure reducer in the pump). This was installed during the original build phase so much easier than going back after the build is complete. I currently have a 33 roadster, without PS but I will be adding the electro assist PS this winter. My old bones will like it! Looking at the kit from FFR or buying direct from some of the other supplier it doesn't appear that it would be that difficult to install in a cobra. Some of the kits come with various mounting plates and universal joints as they are made for a common use in many vehicles. Biggest issue may be to weld the main pump bracket to the frame. Seems pretty straight forward to me.

[WBILB]

Hello all. First off, over last two weeks I’ve gone back page by page reading the last 183 pages of posts to comb thru information and research. I’ve used the search function extensively too. I want to add power steering to my MkIII. I know there have been more EPS improvements the last two years from guys perfecting it some.

What would most do now in 2021? I dont know if a simple fox body pump, mounting bracket, hoses, and PS rack is still a good route.
Or is adding a GM type pump a good route? It sounds a little more complicated and custom than a fox pump. It would require bracket, hoses, different rack.
Or is a complete kit from an EPS website a simpler, better, more modern set up? Looks like it may require minor welding to the frame, but I can’t find their instructions. It wouldn't require a different rack and hoses.

I don’t mind if it costs $200 or $800 getting me there. I’m not surfing salvage yards for this stuff either.

Currently I have 4k mile crate 302 with only an alternator mounted out front. I have manual steering presently. I want something that steers with less effort for low speed and reacts quicker than cranking on the wheel as is. It’s not being raced, its occasional few hours a month cruiser. I would prefer a cleaner simpler looking engine compartment.

Have any of the folks who are frequent builders changed the set ups they're recommending today vs few years ago?

Thanks

I converted my MK II from manual to Hydraulic, a weekend job for me. New rack and mostly sprint car pieces, with braided stainless lines, looked perfectly at home on a 289 SBF. Worked great never had a problem. My MK IV has an electric set up which works just as well as the hydraulic was a lot easier to install (no plumbing, pulley or belt issues) AND assist is fully adjustable from the drivers seat by simply twisting a rehostat one way or the other. IMO if looks are important then the hydraulic wins; if on the other hand, adjustability, easier installation, lack of maintenance then electric would seem to work best.

[Planecrazy1976]

Hey BabyBooey, We sell an electric power steering kit that is very simple to install. I has full adjustability from no power steering to backing the car in with your pinky. you can check it out here at this link. https://520speedworks.com/shop/ols/products/electric-power-steering

Also Check out our YouTube channel 520 Speedworks, we do a full install of this unit.

Greg

[CraigS]

Call Breeze and look at their parts.
https://www.breezeautomotive.com/product-category/steering/page/2/
He will put together a kit that will work vs trying to choose individual parts from other sources.

[frankb]

BaBaBooey:

I added the EPAS, similar to the one offered by 520 Speedworks, but I built the bracket and sourced the unit at the local Pick-A-Part. It was an easy conversion and I am glad I did it. The car steers easily with the assist set to minimum.

Frank B153013

[JIMOCO]

Check out epowersteering.com. I installed it in my Mk4 and am very happy.

[BaBaBooey]

Hey BabyBooey, We sell an electric power steering kit that is very simple to install. I has full adjustability from no power steering to backing the car in with your pinky. you can check it out here at this link. https://520speedworks.com/shop/ols/products/electric-power-steering

Also Check out our YouTube channel 520 Speedworks, we do a full install of this unit.
Greg


That’s the same unit I was considering. I may get one from you, thanks for input.
I saw the video of the install thats why I was looking for installation instructions. It shows you guys working a car but I was hoping for more detail on what needs to be done.

[GeneralGarage]

Bought the kit from 520 Speedworks a while back. Install was fairly easy and so far it works great (go kart stage). Having it adjustable to your liking is a great feature.

[BaBaBooey]

Check out epowersteering.com. I installed it in my Mk4 and am very happy.

Did you do it after car was completed and with body on?

[BaBaBooey]

Check out epowersteering.com. I installed it in my Mk4 and am very happy.

Did you do it after car was completed and with body on?

[CDXXVII]

I just converted a few months ago to power steering. I can’t believe I drove nearly 10,000 miles without it. Best upgrade I have done yet. I have no experience with the electric setup. My setup works great and came out super clean.

153022

153021

153023

[RedRaider58]

If you've got a manual rack and the space the electric power steering assist (based on a Saturn Vue or similar) seems to be a popular retrofit for those wanting power steering after completion.

I'm considering an electro-hydraulic system from a Volvo S60, but there are other options out there too. It's essentially a hydraulic pump powered by an electric motor. This allows you to mount it essentially wherever you want and run the hoses where you need to. I think there are a few examples of similar applications floating around the forum, some using an MR2 pump.

[JIMOCO]

I installed the unit after the car was completed and driven 15k. I cut the column as specified while it was still in the car. Used blankets to cover areas getting the sparks. I was able to remove both ends of the column. Rack end easy. Firewall end required unbolting the bearing where the shaft passes through the foot box. Had the couplings welded on and reassembled everything and then positioned the bracket. Wiring was easy at the unit but routing them had its challenges.