I've never seen it done here, but there was a Mini place in Hong Kong that did a power steering conversion for Minis, years ago. Why bother I'm not sure (unless the driver is handicapped..)
| ausmini https://www.ausmini.com/forums/ |
|
| Power steering https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66437 |
Page 1 of 5 |
| Author: | MiniDna [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Power steering |
Hi all, I have a new project for my Mini; Electric power steering. I was wondering did anyone attempt to do such conversion. I was thinking to use Vauxhall Corsa B or C (Holden Barina 2002 onwards) steering column (pretty common with Cortina guys). What is the legal side of the story, I do not know at the moment but I am guessing not very legal unless engineered. Any info or advice appreciated (especially how long is Mini Rover steering column) |
|
| Author: | drmini in aust [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
I've never seen it done here, but there was a Mini place in Hong Kong that did a power steering conversion for Minis, years ago. Why bother I'm not sure (unless the driver is handicapped..)
|
|
| Author: | Harley [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 7:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
The people who fit power steering that I've seen have big ass wheels on the car making turning, particularly when parking, a difficult task. The easiest way to do it is to get a steering column from an MGTF. They have electric power steering and the motor is mounted on the column, which also has a similar (in the case of some prodiction years, the same) spline to the mini rack too. 
|
|
| Author: | NG [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:15 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
i have seen it done. search the miniforum. they have it so you can switch it on when you park. & off so you don't loose the mini feel that is like power steering anyways. i would not bother how many times do you park lol. |
|
| Author: | Austin850 [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Just put a stock steering wheel on. Problem solved. 
|
|
| Author: | VulcanBB18 [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Austin850 wrote: Just put a stock steering wheel on. Problem solved.
+1 for the "bus steering wheel"
|
|
| Author: | Irish Yobbo [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 8:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
The only time I have ever thought 'I wish this had power steering' is while parking our Hilux. Having said that, it would be interesting to see. I personally prefer no power steering, because you can feel the road better. The ability to turn it off sounds good. |
|
| Author: | MiniDna [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:15 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
I agree that you do not need it most of the times but when you parking or when I go to twistees with the V8 boys it will be very useful. Having said that I respect everybody’s opinion everyone has got different taste and understanding of how a classic car should be. I did not have chance to talk to any engineer yet and I am very interested to find out what is the legal side of the story; I am assuming that I can not just change the hole steering column and forget about it. |
|
| Author: | Lillee [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
What type of steering wheel do you have? if it's one of those "sporty" 12 inch wheels then that could be the reason why you are wanting power steering in the first place. I have a 14" moto lita and IMO it's about as small as you'd want for a mini for many reasons, one of which is making it easier to park. All I am saying is that I've never had a problem with the mini and come to think of it it doesn't even occur to me that my mini is not power assisted steering until you mentioned it, and it might be as simple as steering wheel size, or unoiled steering column bushes or whatever. The other thing you can do is go to the gym and build up some upper body strength  (sorry couldn't resist)
|
|
| Author: | Harley [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lillee wrote: The other thing you can do is go to the gym and build up some upper body strength
(sorry couldn't resist)Or drive the mini more often!
|
|
| Author: | MiniDna [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 1:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lillee wrote: What type of steering wheel do you have? if it's one of those "sporty" 12 inch wheels then that could be the reason why you are wanting power steering in the first place. I have a 14" moto lita and IMO it's about as small as you'd want for a mini for many reasons, one of which is making it easier to park. All I am saying is that I've never had a problem with the mini and come to think of it it doesn't even occur to me that my mini is not power assisted steering until you mentioned it, and it might be as simple as steering wheel size, or unoiled steering column bushes or whatever.
The other thing you can do is go to the gym and build up some upper body strength (sorry couldn't resist)Steering wheel is the original one so it is not small. The idea is to make something different, not because of I need it. That is if it is worth while. To make the hole system up and running would cost me not more than $700 - $800 but to make it legal, that I don`t know yet. I`ll take the gym idea on board lol. |
|
| Author: | awdmoke [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 1:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
It can & has been done, but usually only on 200hp turbocharged monsters in order to combat torque steer. It will not make your car handle any better, although you could end out with an adjustable steering column (but that's been done before). |
|
| Author: | MiniDna [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 1:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Harley wrote: Lillee wrote: The other thing you can do is go to the gym and build up some upper body strength (sorry couldn't resist)Or drive the mini more often! And you right too Harley, I don`t drive the Mini as often as I should. I ride a GSR 600 everyday to work and take wife`s car (WRX) when I need to drive. Mini is my toy that I wanna keep in the garage just for the classic car events and twistees. |
|
| Author: | Irish Yobbo [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 2:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lillee wrote: The other thing you can do is go to the gym and build up some upper body strength :lol: (sorry couldn't resist) With no servo-assisted brakes, I'm sure my right leg must be much stronger than my left by now. Quote: It will not make your car handle any better, although you could end out with an adjustable steering column (but that's been done before).
You can pick up steering column lowering brackets for a few dollars at most mini suppliers. I was going to buy one, but then I realized, if I lower the steering wheel, where to my knees go? I'm 6' 4. |
|
| Author: | Lillee [ Thu Oct 21, 2010 2:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
IMO $800 is better spent on a Quaife LSD or something...  Which apparently will make your steering more difficult in corners
|
|
| Page 1 of 5 | All times are UTC + 10 hours |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|