power steering in s30 from s130

[RogerZ]

Has anyone done this? I saw some posts when i searched saying should be possible but no one said it has been done. The reason I post this is I know a little old lady (really) who has a 78 280Z she has owned since it was new but she can no longer cope with the steering. (hey we are all going to get old). She hates to give up the car. I've got a steering unit complete off a 83 turbo car and some guys in the club would help if it is doable. Any help would be appreciated.

[Vintage]

I remember reading about someone who did it with a subaru unit, but never an s130 one.

[sblake01]

Rack location on the S130 (on the ones that have racks, the earlier ones had cam/lever steering) is behind the axle and on the S30 it's in front. Would require a lot of fabrication if it could even be done.

[yellazed]

having just located a good condition early model unit, complete with pump piping, etc.

I am told it is a simple fit, but need datto tie-rod ends. Until I try it I can't say much more.

Here's a pic of one fitted in a 240Z (RHD):

I thought our later Zs had power steering, anyway. Is the US model different?The obvious swap would be a powered rack from a 280ZX, I guess.

Cheers.

[Tony D]

The difference between S30 and S130 is front-steer and rear-steer. If you swap the racks, when you turn left, you go right!

If you get a RHD S130 rack, and put it into a LHD S30, you wil at least have the correct dyunamic for tie-rod motion as you have swapped the rack end-for-end (upside down) and that will make the rods go the right way with the steering input given. But I think the Subie Rack is an easier way to go. That appears to be what yellazed is showing in his photos.

Yes, the US Market S130's (280ZX) did get power steering in the later models.

[yellazed]

...... I think the Subie Rack is an easier way to go. That appears to be what yellazed is showing in his photos.

Yes, the US Market S130's (280ZX) did get power steering in the later models.

The pics are of the MX5 (Miata) rack. I believe Subaru fits also.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5567/mx5rack04oo1.th.jpg' alt='mx5rack04oo1.th.jpg'>