converting to power steering

[bippu z]

Hey guys, I have a '74 260Z that I've been working on for close to a year now. I've just been tinkering with the L26, even though it's shot. Anyways, if it makes much difference, there's gonna be an L28ET in there instead. I want to convert it to PS. Is it basically a swap from the 280ZX or am I gonna have to fabricate parts and cut holes and stuff...

Thanks for the help!

[280~Master]

you are going to have to fabricate., cut holes and stuff. Not a very easy job. This has been brought up be fore so do a search and see whats been said.

[Six_Shooter]

It doesn't look overly complicated. Serach on HybridZ.org.

It seems that the best rack to swap in place of the original S30 rack is a '99ish Subaru Imprezza rack, as the dimensions are very close to the original, with some other inner and out tie rods. There is a very well documented thread on HybridZ that goes into detail of what those inners and outers are. There are also comparison shots with measurments showing the difference between the racks.There is some cutting and welding but not overly involved.

I'm considering it myself.

[m4xwellmurd3r]

I'm considering the same thing in the future when i can find a place i can do work on my car. oh, and tools.

[letoburito23]

Is it really that hard to turn the steering wheel in an s30? Not having power steering is one of my favorite things about my z. Personally I dont think its worth the money but to each his own.

[Z train]

A membership to Golds Gym would be cheaper,easier and more beneficial.

[tlorber]

I third the motion of avoiding power steering. The cars are not that heavy and as long as you have adequate tire pressure, steering is not really a problem-especially with the huge "ahoy matey" boat steering wheels that these cars have on them. Whatever you decide, make sure you first drive a converted Z or a ZX that has power steering so that you can see if you like the feel.

[FastWoman]

Burito, I think you've resurrected another old thread!

That said, I agree that the manual steering is fine. It's a bit tough at a standstill, but not something an average strength person can't manage -- even women.

[jmortensen]

I'm putting power steering on my Z, but I'll be running a 15x14 inch rim... ;-)

IMO if you're running 10 or less inch wide rims, you can go with manual steering. 10 would be pushing it if you weren't very strong.

As to the steering wheel size, I don't really like to go above 13" on a Z. I find that my hands end up hitting the door panels with a 14 at autocrosses.

Edited December 26, 2010 by jmortensen

[olzed]

The power steering thing.

Four years ago at the age of 61, and when I should have known better, I damaged tendons in both shoulders, by using a jackhammer when I was in a sitting position with my back jammed against a wall. This was only a small electric hammer, but the way I was wedged, and putting pressure on both shoulders, actually squashed the tendons. I was out of action for nearly 12 months, and was unable to steer any car, certainly not our 240.

Reading about power steering on HybridZ I thought I would have a crack at it.

As I have an engineering background and a bit of imagination it wasn't too difficult.

I sourced a Subaru rack from PICaPART, as well as a pump from off a Hyundai Lantra, and all the pipework from both cars.

A few weeks of nights in the basement and I came out with a car that is transformed. The difference is like day and night. I have had this mod. in the 240 for over two years now, and are very happy with the results.

Actual cost in parts about $150.

I'm not sure of the year of either of the doner cars. The reason I chose a Hyundai Lantra pump is that it has a pully that is compatible with the 240 fan belt.

I think the hardest part was fabricating a mount to go where the fuel pump usually sits, and getting the pulleys to line up nicely.

I have a electric fuel pump so that was not an issue.

I guess I'm a lazy old bugger and if I can make my car nicer to drive, why not

.We have heaps of cool twisty roads here and its now so much more fun not having to fight to get around the corners. We can also park or turn around on a dime.

Brian

Edited December 27, 2010 by olzed

[zenermax]

hi all. new to this and from the uk .ive had my old girl 260 over 20 years now and just about to fit a power rack from a 280 will let you all know how it go .keep up the good work .

[zenermax]

hi all. new to this and from the uk .ive had my old girl 260 over 20 years now and just about to fit a power rack from a 280 will let you all know how it go .keep up the good work .