ok, lost interest 
wow that's a lot of jack, Jack 
Electric Power Steering
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
Makes sense. Why waste horsepower circulating hydraulic fluid when its not need?
That being said, I think adapting a rack with electric assist would be difficult. If you look at most C3 r&p conversions they use center take off racks due to the need to have the inner tie rods much closer together than most modern cars.
Secondly, how do you control your rack? Hydraulic steering has a control valve that will apply hydraulic assist based not on movement of the steering wheel, but the torque applied to the steering wheel. That way you get more assist at low speeds and less assist when traveling faster.
Electric assist using a torque sensor to accomplish the same thing. The sensor sends a signal to the control module, which responds by supplyling the correct amperage to give you the desired assist. I've only seen this sensor as part of the steering column. Also monitored are steering wheel posistion and vehicle speed. The steering wheel posistion sensor is also located in the steering column.
So if you want electric assist, it would be easier to swap in a column like the one I posted above, which has the electric assist motor, torque sensor, steering wheel posistion sensor, and control module all in one.
But you're still up a stream with getting the module to respond to vehicle speed. That information is gotten off the vehicles "computer network" which is not present on a C3. You would also need to install the wheel speed sensors and the anti-lock brake control module from the donor car.
That being said, I think adapting a rack with electric assist would be difficult. If you look at most C3 r&p conversions they use center take off racks due to the need to have the inner tie rods much closer together than most modern cars.
Secondly, how do you control your rack? Hydraulic steering has a control valve that will apply hydraulic assist based not on movement of the steering wheel, but the torque applied to the steering wheel. That way you get more assist at low speeds and less assist when traveling faster.
Electric assist using a torque sensor to accomplish the same thing. The sensor sends a signal to the control module, which responds by supplyling the correct amperage to give you the desired assist. I've only seen this sensor as part of the steering column. Also monitored are steering wheel posistion and vehicle speed. The steering wheel posistion sensor is also located in the steering column.
So if you want electric assist, it would be easier to swap in a column like the one I posted above, which has the electric assist motor, torque sensor, steering wheel posistion sensor, and control module all in one.
But you're still up a stream with getting the module to respond to vehicle speed. That information is gotten off the vehicles "computer network" which is not present on a C3. You would also need to install the wheel speed sensors and the anti-lock brake control module from the donor car.
the rack compensates based on input pressure, as for speed variable, that wouldn't be a deal killed either - I already have an electronic speed sensitive device on the car - aka cruise control.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just some more information about electric steering columns. I am from Europe and here it is very common to install electric steering in classic cars, rally, Van´s, etc. Why do you need a controller kit? You need it because it will send information to the ECU. Without this information, the system doesn´t work. And the controller allows you to adjust the steering assistance you want. With a **** you control the steering assistance.
I sell in Ebay controller Kits for European cars. I had a lot of people asking if I had controllers for American cars.
With this interest, 6 months ago we started developing a controller kit for American cars. One month ago we had the prototype done. We have tested the steering to the limit with very good results. Now the controller is ready and it is for sale in Ebay. You can see it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-Ion-Chevrolet-Equinox-Electric-power-steering-controller-box-EPAS-/171027023129?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_100&hash=item27d2014519&vxp=mtr
For now on, people from USA and Canada can buy a used steering column, a controller and install an electric steering in your car. If you have any question about electric steering, please fell free to ask.
I sell in Ebay controller Kits for European cars. I had a lot of people asking if I had controllers for American cars.
With this interest, 6 months ago we started developing a controller kit for American cars. One month ago we had the prototype done. We have tested the steering to the limit with very good results. Now the controller is ready and it is for sale in Ebay. You can see it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-Ion-Chevrolet-Equinox-Electric-power-steering-controller-box-EPAS-/171027023129?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_100&hash=item27d2014519&vxp=mtr
For now on, people from USA and Canada can buy a used steering column, a controller and install an electric steering in your car. If you have any question about electric steering, please fell free to ask.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 344
Likes: 4
From: Island Lake IL
Just some more information about electric steering columns. I am from Europe and here it is very common to install electric steering in classic cars, rally, Van´s, etc. Why do you need a controller kit? You need it because it will send information to the ECU. Without this information, the system doesn´t work. And the controller allows you to adjust the steering assistance you want. With a **** you control the steering assistance.
I sell in Ebay controller Kits for European cars. I had a lot of people asking if I had controllers for American cars.
With this interest, 6 months ago we started developing a controller kit for American cars. One month ago we had the prototype done. We have tested the steering to the limit with very good results. Now the controller is ready and it is for sale in Ebay. You can see it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-I...014519&vxp=mtr
For now on, people from USA and Canada can buy a used steering column, a controller and install an electric steering in your car. If you have any question about electric steering, please fell free to ask.
I sell in Ebay controller Kits for European cars. I had a lot of people asking if I had controllers for American cars.
With this interest, 6 months ago we started developing a controller kit for American cars. One month ago we had the prototype done. We have tested the steering to the limit with very good results. Now the controller is ready and it is for sale in Ebay. You can see it here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saturn-Vue-I...014519&vxp=mtr
For now on, people from USA and Canada can buy a used steering column, a controller and install an electric steering in your car. If you have any question about electric steering, please fell free to ask.
could you provide some info/links with generic information whats involved in the electric PS conversion (since you mentioned its popular) also how does it work with pitman arm steering in our vettes?
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
electric power steering
try UTube, several conversions there using a Saturn Vew 2002 - 2007 parts around 50 bucks, wiring harness on EBay around 65..couple of hours installation. doesn't look that complicated to do. unit fits under the dash out of sight. I have a '62 and it's not easy to turn at parking speeds. ( plus there is an aftermarket 15" steering wheel to replace the 17" ) Have a Great Weekend.As Always.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,878
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Ummm- because it might work better than 50 year old technology???
I have looked at the Saturn set-up and it looks tough to fit in a C3.
Here's another solution that would not require as much fitting-
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Only used on Euro M-B
The electric pump is rated at 950PSI- and I believe that the stock Corvette pump is limited to 1000PSI. I don't know the GPM of the M-B pump (emailed across the pond waiting for a response) but the stock Vette is 2.9 GPM- where the upgraded pumps are around 3.3GPM (Chevy Astro Van pump)
A Borgenson Power steering box $450
OR
Steeriods Rack and Pinion ~$1200+
M-B electric power steering pump ~$150-200 shipped to US
No mods to the car- just power/ground/ignition and find a place to mount the pump- and run the two hyd lines from box to pump.
All the electronics are in the pump plus the reservoir is the part of the pump as well.
What do you think???
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
doubt it...have you driven a Malibu? (my son has one, the vibration and noise is horrible), we also have an Enclave with the electric. 3 recalls so far and it still is noisy and has a crappy feel. I would take the old fashioned out dated C3 hydraulic system any day...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Ummm- because it might work better than 50 year old technology???
They were not installed to make the driving experience better, theyre only there to save fuel, plain and simple.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Here's another solution that would not require as much fitting-
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Only used on Euro M-B
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Only used on Euro M-B
Would probably work ok if you wire it to be on all the time but then durability could be a problem and other than packaging theres really no advantage.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,878
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
"Much of the credit for the excellent road manners of the C7 Corvette goes to the new electric power steering which offers assist based on driving conditions and the driver selected mode (Sport, Touring or Track). There's a variable ratio system accomplished by the spacing of the teeth on the steering rack. GMs claim of an overall increase in steering system stiffness is believable; it now feels more direct and solid with zip amounts of play and excellent on center feel. The result can make amateur and occasional track participants (in other words, most of us) faster sooner but probably won't affect pro drivers.
The electric power steering pump system has other advantages that include (slightly) better fuel economy, along with better reliability. One less thing for the accessory belt to accommodate, you can add simpler maintenance to the list."
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 904
Likes: 46
From: Crestline CA
Do you work on C7s?
I'm sure the C7 system is pretty great although Id have to wonder how much of that is actually attributed to electric assist and how much is just assist/ratio tuning. I'd be willing to admit that the electric assist makes alot of that tuning easier to do and less complicated in comparison to doing it hydraulically/mechanically.
Kind of a moot point anyway because you're never going retrofit a system like that to a old car as Id imagine the EPS module in that car talks to alot of other modules(speed, steering angle, brake force, yaw etc.) to make decisions that simply don't exist in a old car.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Ummm- because it might work better than 50 year old technology???
I have looked at the Saturn set-up and it looks tough to fit in a C3.
Here's another solution that would not require as much fitting-
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Only used on Euro M-B
The electric pump is rated at 950PSI- and I believe that the stock Corvette pump is limited to 1000PSI. I don't know the GPM of the M-B pump (emailed across the pond waiting for a response) but the stock Vette is 2.9 GPM- where the upgraded pumps are around 3.3GPM (Chevy Astro Van pump)
A Borgenson Power steering box $450
OR
Steeriods Rack and Pinion ~$1200+
M-B electric power steering pump ~$150-200 shipped to US
No mods to the car- just power/ground/ignition and find a place to mount the pump- and run the two hyd lines from box to pump.
All the electronics are in the pump plus the reservoir is the part of the pump as well.
What do you think???
I have looked at the Saturn set-up and it looks tough to fit in a C3.
Here's another solution that would not require as much fitting-
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Only used on Euro M-B
The electric pump is rated at 950PSI- and I believe that the stock Corvette pump is limited to 1000PSI. I don't know the GPM of the M-B pump (emailed across the pond waiting for a response) but the stock Vette is 2.9 GPM- where the upgraded pumps are around 3.3GPM (Chevy Astro Van pump)
A Borgenson Power steering box $450
OR
Steeriods Rack and Pinion ~$1200+
M-B electric power steering pump ~$150-200 shipped to US
No mods to the car- just power/ground/ignition and find a place to mount the pump- and run the two hyd lines from box to pump.
All the electronics are in the pump plus the reservoir is the part of the pump as well.
What do you think???
Any Idea where to purchase? I struck out on my search. Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 1,977
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Electric power steering
I have EPS in my 2000 NSX. Without question, the system is great. It turns itself off after 15-20 miles per hour. The steering and response is precise and crisp. Acura has had this system since 1995. If I could get a similar system at a reasonable price for my 66 or 68 Corvette, I would do it in a minute. Jerry
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,878
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Here's the model number- for sale in the UK eBay- also check Gremany.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-A-CLASS-W168-LUK-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-A1684660401-400-210-003-001-/381571113706?hash=item58d76922ea%3Ag%3AtyQAAOSwr7ZW6U7V&vxp=mtr&nma=true&si=B7uEAx3u8pTJDiGMh%252BAoSZgoJ%252BI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
I have EPS in my 2000 NSX. Without question, the system is great. It turns itself off after 15-20 miles per hour. The steering and response is precise and crisp. Acura has had this system since 1995. If I could get a similar system at a reasonable price for my 66 or 68 Corvette, I would do it in a minute. Jerry
IIRC the main issue is that you have to incorporate a steering angle sensor- not that easy to do. Plus a VSS speed sensor (easy w/ TKO /T56 transmission or even a converter from a mech speedo}. And I think an ABS input- Honda has a pretty simple piece from the early 90's that might work.
Here's some tech papers on it-
https://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Technical/eps.htm
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 384
Likes: 8
From: Alberta
This is probably one of the best write ups I've seen for the MR2 pumps. covers everything from the wiring/VSS, and the differences in the generations of pumps.
http://honda-tech.com/road-racing-au...edone-2528249/
EDIT: Problem is finding those pumps. They're hard to get without paying a lot because they're so popular for this now.
http://honda-tech.com/road-racing-au...edone-2528249/
EDIT: Problem is finding those pumps. They're hard to get without paying a lot because they're so popular for this now.
Last edited by 81corvettevortec; Apr 26, 2016 at 12:37 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You get tired driving them because you are always correcting the steering to stay straight
Last edited by cv67; Apr 26, 2016 at 12:20 PM.