Which Electric Power Steering System??

[@mchristr]

I've considered the EPAS Performance kit as I have a Flaming River manual rack on the shelf. And that would just leave the alternator driven by the engine. But so far the $1,600 price tag has kept me away.

[@RinerAutomotive]

I completely agree that is too expensive for a kit that isn't bolt on and is very basic. From what I saw in their kit you need to fabricate your own column dash mounts. Then the control is only a potentiometer that means the amount of assist is adjustable but only at one value. As your vehicle speed changes the assist stays the same, so you either have too much up high or to little down low. There are better diy ways to do it, I hope as this becomes more popular better kits will come to market.

[@averyroemen8772]

A lot of automotive journalists complain about the lack of steering feedback/feel with EPAS. It will be interesting to see how you like it. I put a Volvo pump in the trunk of my Chevelle and it feels good so far. I had the Vue Electric column but the Chevelle steering box had too much play on center without hydraulic pressure to balance the t-bar in the box.

[@RinerAutomotive]

I'm interested to see as well. Some great handling cars are electric steering (BRZ/FRS, RX8, S550 Mustang). I'm looking forward to getting rid of fluid and drag on the engine.

[@GunfightersINC]

the column version will overheat and quit after about 20 minutes of hard track use.

[@NAPA798]

THE TOYOTA 86 POWER STEERING IS WHAT I WANT TO TRY AND MAKE WORK!

[@RinerAutomotive]

I've heard really good things on those but they are harder to find in the junkyard

[@heathdouglas6959]

I put an electric column into v8 vt commodore (Australian sedan), and it wasn't powerful enough to lift the front end of the car due to the castor angle so it only assisted for the first half turn of the steering wheel. Front of the car was too heavy

[@RinerAutomotive]

Hmm that could be a concern, I run a high caster.

[@heathdouglas6959]

Yeah, something to think about. I certainly didn't 😂 I've now installed an electric/hydraulic pump and another hydraulic rack (as I de-powered my original rack for the electric column) and it runs sweet

[@RinerAutomotive]

Which pump?

[@heathdouglas6959]

​Holden Astra electric/hydraulic pump. Similar to the one in your video, but sits upright. A lot of the drift guys over here run them with some guys using two plumbed in series

[@RinerAutomotive]

Ah yeah I've heard good things about that pump. However we didn't get them in the states.

[@arrgorndenethor]

just curious those of us with hydro brakes, would this still be a viable option? and how are these on feed back, I had a 2013 and 2015 civic SI and I never felt connected to the car, the 2016 Focus ST was better than the civics with the power assist steering

[@RinerAutomotive]

I haven't installed one yet so I didn't know how they feel. Hydro brakes complicates things. I would think would need to go with electro hydraulic or change the brakes. Feedback has to do with a lot more than just the type of power steering. Alignment and suspension geometry can influence that a lot.

[@mikeconnelly7032]

I heard they’re slow to respond?? I will need to watch your video.

[@RinerAutomotive]

"They're" is a very broad term. The Volvo pump is said to be slow which I mention it's not recommended.

[@mikeconnelly7032]

Hope you’re motor is ok

[@RinerAutomotive]

Which motor?

[@mikeconnelly7032]

@@RinerAutomotive the one dynod…

[@RinerAutomotive]

Ah yeah, she's fine. I need to take to a dyno to prove it makes real power

[@alep_sn9550]

the best electric power steering is the one that's driven by a belt on the accessory drive and doesn't have any electronics

[@RinerAutomotive]

Keep it simple

[@Healthliving1967]

Not nessisarily, my 2011 honda accord euro has electronic power steering and the unit is bullet proof. No fluid or power steering pump seals to worry about,it's more direct and responsive with no lag. Each to their own but not all electronic power steering units are created equal.

[@alep_sn9550]

@@Healthliving1967 definitely but as far as performance goes, electric pumps and electronic columns/racks usually cant keep up as well in racing scenarios. Theres a reason stock cars and most other racecars run belt driven hydraulic systems. Porsche cup cars use electro-hydraulic pumps but even those get overwhelmed in certain use cases (drifting)

[@Healthliving1967]

@alep_sn9550 well not everyone is drifting their cars are they.

[@RinerAutomotive]

I think people are just resistant to change. An electric steering rack should have better advantage and be quicker than any hydraulic pump. S550s have been racing with the electric rack, ex Boss 302R. Not sure what is in the GT3 or GTD Mustang.