240z Power Steering?

[AZhitman]

Not only is it feasilble, it's simple and affordable - Those of you wanting to upgrade your 240Z / 260Z / 280Z to power steering will want to check this out: Z Power Steering - Power steering systems for Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z

[78sid]

If I get power steering, my wife will want to drive it.

[sblake01]

This wasn't available over 9 years ago when this thread began. Electronic power steering isn't really the same thing. I know that is has been sporadically problematic in some modern cars that were factory equipped with it. Vehicles such as the Chevy HHR and other vehicles on that platform have had issues with electronic power steering. We owned an HHR until recently and had to replace the power steering motor @ 38000 miles (just out of warranty). That being said, I'm not sure how reliable a realatively new add on kit would be.

Edited April 19, 2013 by sblake01

[Hardway]

Other manufacturers use electric power steering too, Ford, Honda/Acura to name a few. I have driven a newer TSX with electronic power assist and it took a little getting used to, and when I say a little, maybe 3-5 miles of driving. Overall I liked it and I like the whole car too. The steering wheel is small but with a very thick grip. If you went with a system like the in the link a small steering wheel maybe in order or as it say you can turn down the level of assist.

[AZhitman]

This wasn't available over 9 years ago when this thread began. Electronic power steering isn't really the same thing. I know that is has been sporadically problematic in some modern cars that were factory equipped with it. Vehicles such as the Chevy HHR and other vehicles on that platform have had issues with electronic power steering. We owned an HHR until recently and had to replace the power steering motor @ 38000 miles (just out of warranty). That being said, I'm not sure how reliable a realatively new add on kit would be.

Big difference. Those are "drive-by-wire" systems. Don't confuse "electronic power steering" with "electric steering assist".

This setup has been used for almost a decade on modern vehicles, and they're as reliable as any other automotive electric component (think power windows).

We just got home from a 200-mile cruise with our local Z group. Had a great time testing the system in some pretty challenging conditions (high-speed canyon-carving through 10-mph posted mountain switchbacks at nearly 4x the posted limit). I can say that for really tight situations, the electric assist made the drive a lot more fun (and a lot less tiring).

As Hardway mentioned, it takes a mile or two to get the "feel" for it, and after that, you won't want to turn it off (except maybe for long freeway stretches).

[jmortensen]

Look on HybridZ. Guys are using subaru racks, a couple of us have Woodward racks, Ford, probably some others. A couple of electric ones too.

[bpilati]

Don't forget that the 240 has its rack in front of the cross member, so you cant use a rack that was originally installed behind the cross member as it will turn left when you turn right.

Steven

That could be interesting. Yipppeeee!

[bpilati]

This wasn't available over 9 years ago when this thread began. Electronic power steering isn't really the same thing. I know that is has been sporadically problematic in some modern cars that were factory equipped with it. Vehicles such as the Chevy HHR and other vehicles on that platform have had issues with electronic power steering. We owned an HHR until recently and had to replace the power steering motor @ 38000 miles (just out of warranty). That being said, I'm not sure how reliable a realatively new add on kit would be.

The motors are in the steering column right?

[olzed]

I have Subaru power steering for around six years on my 240.Bolts to the original mounts with a little fiddling with pipe fittings, pipework etc. but it is very possible to do.

Transforms the car.

Edited June 13, 2013 by olzed

[Wade Nelson]

I can't imagine wanting to INSTALL power steering. If anything I'd be the guy taking it OUT! The road feel and fine control of a manual rack, a well designed one, is something of joy.

If you don't like the manual steering in your Z --- consider, it might need a refresh. Worn ball joints made my ZX steer quite badly, requiring a lot of effort.

[olzed]

I can't imagine wanting to INSTALL power steering. If anything I'd be the guy taking it OUT! The road feel and fine control of a manual rack, a well designed one, is something of joy.

If you don't like the manual steering in your Z --- consider, it might need a refresh. Worn ball joints made my ZX steer quite badly, requiring a lot of effort.

I had a serious shoulder injury and was unable to steer the car,and didn't drive it for over a year, so power steering was a good option.

I used to like the road feel with manual steering, but after the injury, twisty roads and tight parking bacame difficult.

[notonfire]

Olzed, what motor do u have in your car. I am doing an RB swap and the hybridz forum that goes thru using the Subaru rack, the guy has a V-8 swap. So I wanna make sure I have room with my RB mounted.

Thanks for any help.