Another PAS question..

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Whilst we are on the subject of power steering... Based on my intention to use a more modern engine in my coupe/convertible project I was wondering whether it would be safe to use the power steering pump that would more than likely already be attached to the engine to feed a PAS rack in the P6 ?

Anybody got any experience of miss-matched pumps / racks ?
 
Out of interest has anybody considered using one of these new-fangled electric power steering columns, (ebay item 220210088118 for instance), depending on how hard it is to incorporate it would save a heck of a lot of room in the engine bay, plus plumbing etc etc.
 
I believe they're based on a Vauxhall Corsa unit. I've seen some Volvo Amazon's with them fitted on the VOC forum. You can adjust the amount of effort required for different situations too. I think the motor attaches to the steering column behind the dashboard but I'm not sure if there'd be enough room on a P6?

Anyone tried it?
 
Any idea if there is any kind of control unit to go with it, or is it self contained ?
Looks to be the same make as the Corsa one, they go for about £75+ on ebay.
There is quite a bit of room behind/under the dash in a P6.
 
Think I've answered my own question, Link
Looks like there is a control unit which normally takes speed and rpm information to vary the level of assistance. The box in the link allows user adjustment as testrider suggests.
 
Been thinking about this a bit more, and I suspect the main problem will be the odd arangement of column that the P6 has, only just going through the bulkhead as it does, although come to think of it, most vauxhalls I remember have the rack up on the bulkhead. I guess I'd just have to get one and play with it.
I found a site where a guy has fitted one into a VW of some sort look HERE
 
I've often thought it ought to be possible to go the whole hog and replace the link between the steering box and idler box with a modern short rack and pinion power rack of the sort you describe. Many modern cars have them located on the firewall. Then use two idler boxes (one from a LHD car to replace the steering box) to get the steering movement down to the wheels. There are potential conflicts with the anti roll bar and space might be at a premium with the V8. And of course the steering column would need some sort of knuckle joints in it to get its end nearer to the centre of the car.

Chris
 
Personally i find the non assisted steering perfectly acceptable at anything above crawling speeds. In other words the electric motor would only be useful when stationary and/or at parking manoeuvres. So instead of having a black box deciding through sensors what i may need, we could just wire it through an on/off switch. Something like the city button on modern Fiats. If you insist on having things done automatically you could just use a single sensor, to let the system know if the car moves or not.

I must say that i am a little spoiled with the feedback they offer nice old unassisted steering systems like the one in the 1300 and the mini. The P6s, for what it is, it's not too bad either. PAS systems no matter how smart, always feel numb in comparison.
The worst are those latest systems that are artificially heavy to improve "feel". Drive a new Golf or Mondeo around town after the 2000 and wonder why on earth the steering is so heavy, it is supposed to have PAS! Get back into the 2000 and as soon as the car moves the steering is delightfully light. For me, PAS is only good for parking...
 
Absolutely, that is why the electric system is interesting, as you say you can control the level of assistance and even turn it off when you feel like it. Hmm, might have to source one of these electric columns and have a play !
 
Great link thanks, looks like that company takes the standard volvo column, and splices the corsa type power assist into it, the important thing here would be ensuring it's all welded together properly, you don't want to lose steering at speed ! :O
 
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