Electric Power Steering

[slow-poke]

Re: Electric power rack steering
new
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: November 03, 2014 11:59AM

Is there room for that in an MGB?

Jim

I don't know, the actual EPS unit is quite compact, many small cars are retrofitting the Corsa EPS unit

[DiDueColpi]

Jeff,

Thanks for the info on the OEM electric power steering. I've been wanting to put one into my TGB for a while now. But couldn't reconcile the cost of an aftermarket unit. It never occurred to me to look for a production unit.
I picked one up from a 06 Equinox this afternoon. $200.00 complete with the full column. Steering wheel, covers, controls, tilt mechanism and the ignition switch with a key! Ordered the basic controller off of Ebay just to get started. And we'll see where it goes from there. Maybe one of the megasquirt outputs can be utilized.
I haven't been this excited in a while, the lovely Lynne is going to be disappointed.

Jim,

I just held it up to a 78 "B" and it looks like it should fit without too much trouble. Certainly far easier than converting to hydraulics.
I'll send some pictures as soon as I'm calm enough to handle the camera.

Cheers
Fred

Live like you mean it.

[slow-poke]

Jim,

The moment you drive it with the EPS, it will put a smile on your face.

Don't hesitate to ask questions.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Very interesting indeed. Mine won't get changed over right away, the steering is pretty light now and there are more pressing issues like the transmission controller, but this is something I know a lot of guys will be drooling over.

Jim

[DiDueColpi]

Ok, so here's the unit stripped of most of it's extraneous stuff.

The sheet it's laying on has a 2" grid for sizing purposes.

Here it is stripped to it's bare essentials.

Make sure that you get the connector pigtails, as they are unique. I forgot so I'll have to go back and cut them off.

So there you go!
A really simple setup.

Cheers
Fred

Live like you mean it.

[mgb260]

Another alternative is to mount it in the engine compartment down by the rack. Steering column would remain stock, just shaft shortened. That would only work with the 4 cyl cars, V6's and  V8's have no room there. Check out this Cobra setup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKzCaEjvJeM

[Capt'n Moorgone]

Picked one from an '05 Equinox for a winter project. I've been thinking about a conversion for a couple years. At these prices, it's a no brainer! Can't wait to get it worked out.  Mike

[ghornbostel]

Jim, how long is the Intrepid unit and what years were they produced.  Right now it looks like a adaptor to the center link of my TR3 and a set of brackets to mount it to the frame and I have rack and pinion without all the bump steer development time as the outer tie rods are attached to the stock link in the stock location.  My concern now is length and if it will fit without getting into the swing arms.
I have found dimensions for the unit and the years of manufacture.  Looks like the first generation without the speed sensor is shorter.  Does the mounting for the tie rods rotate around the rack (bolt holes 180* from what is pictured)
Thanks
Greg

[mgb260]

Greg, I've seen a piece of angle used to mount tie rods above or below. The tie rods  should be parallel with lower control arm at ride height to prevent bump steer.

[ghornbostel]

Jim, after spending a day looking at pictures of the intrepid unit and checking length figures with the TR3 I have decided to get a unit and try to install it.  My main concern is the length.  The TR3 is only about 21 inches between the main frame tubes and the intrepid unit is 34 5/8 inches overall.  At that length the tires get into the ends of the unit on a full lock turn.  What interests me now is if the hyraulic features of the unit can be removed making the unit shorter.  The unit without the speed feature looks to be shorter by a few inches on the left hand end and depending on what is inside the tube on the right hand end of the unit may be just enough.  For $65 I'll cut one up.
Greg

[mgb260]

Greg, Cavalier rack is the same but rear steer.  You would have to point the steering arms the other way. Are you going to use the MR2 electric pump also? If you  use the GM belt driven pump you will need a restrictor(Speedway Motors) like when using the Mustang II rack. You can mount the rack lower or higher to clear and use a taller piece of angle for the tie rod connection. Looking down from above you should be as parallel  as possible with spindles for correct Ackerman also. Have you thought about a Vega steering box like street rod steering.

[mgb260]

Greg, Here is another thread on the Intrepid rack:

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?40,1793689

[roverman]

Ok, So are any of these electro-magnetic ? Would they steer "backwards", south of the equator ?  My brother built a T-bucket, with reverse steering. He claimed it was a theft deterent, and I must admit, I never stole it from him. Onward, in the right direction. roverman.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Funny!
Where ya' been Art? We missed ya'.

Jim

[mgb260]

Art, It has been pretty quiet around here! LOL

[MGBV8]

I know someone that just finished up an under the dash installation. He's not ready to spill the beans, yet. I guess there will be a line at the next V8 Meet to try it out. I predict there will be many more going down this road.

[Scott Costanzo]

I know someone that just finished up an under the dash installation. He's not ready to spill the beans, yet. I guess there will be a line at the next V8 Meet to try it out. I predict there will be many more going down this road.

Out of respect I'm not going to share any details, but I've seen some pictures and asked some questions. It is REALLY slick. I never thought I would but I'm actually thinking about doing this at some point down the road.

[MGBV8]

After driving mine for 26 years with out power assisted steering, I still don't think I need/want it. That may change after a test drive.  

[Capt'n Moorgone]

OK Carl, you called me out. I did get the Equinox unit in and functioning like in the Cobra video Jim posted. I was trying to wait until I could get some road miles on it to say anything. Sitting still, it seems to be amazing. You can adjust the boost from "off" to feather light with a turn of a knob! I can't wait to get it out in the spring.  Mike

[BlownMGB-V8]

Pictures Mike, we gotta have pictures.

Jim

[mgb260]

I figured it was you Mike! Did you mount it under the dash or make room in the engine compartment? Pictures would be cool!

[MGBV8]

DID NOT!

I do have a pic now that Mikey has owned up to it.    

[MGBV8]

Have no clue what the boy is going to do the rest of the winter.    

[mgb260]

I wonder if Mike is following Chris's 300 Stroker thread on the Mgexperience board?

[Capt'n Moorgone]

Jim,  Yes I've watching Chris's project closely!  Don't know if I'm ready to go down that rabbit hole quite yet! Couple years ,maybe.          But this EPS deal is easy to do. The under dash bracket needs cut for clearance. The hardest job was getting the bracket out so I could relief cut it. There is a stud and nut coming from the hood hinge that has to be removed to get the bracket out. The motor wires right up with the Bruno controller. I did take the control box off the motor ,and hid it under the dash.  Mike