converting to power steering

[sblake01]

Considering the differences between the S30 and the S130 steering set ups, one having the rack mounted in front of the axle and the other having it mounted behind the axle, the considerable differences between the linkages, side rods, steering columns, etc., it should be interesting. Much fabrication will be involved. Do keep us posted.

Edited June 5, 2011 by sblake01

[olzed]

That would take a bit of getting used to, having to turn the wheel left if you want to go right.:) Or am I confused here?

[FastWoman]

I think that would be true, Olzed. However, I've heard of some people trying to mount a righthand drive rack up-side-down -- other forums, other types of cars, as I recall. So over there in the UK, Bippu, you might want to find a lefthand drive ZX rack from the US and flip it over for your righthand drive car.

Check out the HybridZ forum. They discuss this sort of stuff a lot. Some of the members seem to have a good retrofit worked out using a Subaru Impreza (?) donor rack.

As I near a half-century of life myself, I often ponder whether I should try to retrofit with P/S. Then whenever I top off my tires (which are not the big, fat tires some of you guys run), I wonder what the big deal was. Running a skinnier tire helps a LOT with steering effort. I'm currently running 195/60R15 Bridgestone Potenza Grids on Panosport rims.

[sblake01]

In the case of the S30/S130, not only would have to be an oppposite drive rack mounted upside down but also a mirror image since it would have to also mount on the opposite side of the axle than it was intended. I'm curious to see what zenermax encounters when he attempts this.......

[olzed]

Yes. That would be a fun project for sure. I encountered the turning left and going right thing when I was searching for a suitable rack. There are not too many that mount to the front of the crossmember to give the correct steering. From memory MX5 Mazda and Subaru. There are probably others as well. I used Subaru as I could find info on what others had done on Hybridz.

I suggest Zenermax go on Hybrid Z and search power steering.

[alternativez]

Just another .02, while swapping engines in my 1976 BMW 2002, I went from gearbox with truck-like steering qualities, to a non-powered rack from a 320i, which was much work, but has been fabulously more pleasant to drive at speed, but which has also much improved parking, etc. as well. I do sometimes consider PS for the '02, and am considering it for my '70 Z with larger tires, and even as I've been driving the '02 daily for over 2 years, I know I am relying on my own fabrication. Be careful messing with such a critical issue as steering. Study and practice your skills. On the '02, I just changed tires down from 195/60/15 to 195/55/15, and there was a very noticeable lightening of the steering effort. I did replace not-at-all satisfactory Yokahama 520's, with some mighty-fine Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S, so both size and characteristics of tires will make distinct differences. If making the Z is more of building a daily, up-to-date modern vehicle, AC, and electric windows maybe, heated seats? and you get your exercise in some other arena, PS may be worth it, otherwise, enjoy the occasional pleasure drive and you will keep your upper body toned up. Since we're confessing age: 57