Manual steering and EPAS

[JP8]

I have an application that would benefit from keeping the factory manual steering box, which I can rebuild and improve from 20:1 to 16:1, and go with an EPAS unit. My question is would a 16:1 manual box and assisted steering be ok enough for autocross? I plan to use a quick ratio pitman arm if possible.

Another consideration would be to stick with the 20:1 rebuild on the box and use a 2:1 quickener from Howe or the like (without EPAS asssist). That would effectively make it 10:1 which sounds great and coupled with electronic power assist sounds even better. Going the 16:1 with 2:1, making 8:1, seems like it would be very darty especially for highway and street use.

So, with assisted steering and 10:1 effective ratio, is that acceptable? Would 8:1 with assisted steering be too much as I think it would?



Application is 1969 Valiant. Firm Feel makes a 16:1 conversion/rebuild kit and a 20:1 stock rebuild kit. I'm considering EPAS. Howe and Speedway offers 1.5:1 and 2:1 quickeners. Shorter pitman arms are available but will not work with Borgeson boxes (as I understand).

Other options are buying all necessary components (pump, pulleys, lines, steering box) to swap over to a Borgeson power set-up. It adds much more weight over manual, robs minimal power, a chance for leaks, more maintenance ....


I need some input from users of EPAS, those who have used quickeners, and the like. The car will be street driven so I don't want it to be dangerous. I'm really not interested in any persuasion to go straight to a Borgeson box and hydraulically assisted power steering as that is my last resort. It is not that much more money to steer away from hydraulic assist and there are weight savings and a chance to cut out some complexity since I am starting out with a manual box and have none of the parts like pump and pulleys to begin with. I will eventually go that route if the EPAS, 16:1 or 20:1, and/or 2:1 quickener options don't sound feasible.

[krom]

Power box and pump are going to be lighter than the manual box, quickener and epas, also direct bolt in no fab.
I know it's not what you want to hear.

[JP8]

I don’t see the power box and pump being lighter. My manual box is pretty light and I know it’s lighter than stock power box but never held a Borgeson. Also, the weight added by an EPAS is 12.5 lbs. Factory power box 33lbs, Borgeson 23 lbs, manual box is 19 lbs. and I couldn’t find the weight of the power steering pump. Sorry, Krom but the hydraulic power steering is actually heavier and weight added is in a better location (near the firewall vs in front of the wheels). If you are looking at it from a weight standpoint the manual/ EPAS wins. I’m looking for better response and feel. I am looking for peoples experience autocrossing with manual box/EPAS.

[andrewb70]

Try this for a read...

https://forums.vintage-mustang.com/m...ivability.html

Andrew

[Later-A-body]

I've followed other threads on EPAS. I'm definitely going to install this on my Opel Manta project.

[andrewb70]

I've followed other threads on EPAS. I'm definitely going to install this on my Opel Manta project.

I am finally going to do this on my Cougar. I have the Prius column and the Yaris non-ABS ECU. I plan on making it speed sensitive using the speedometer output from the Holley Dominator.

Andrew

[Buryingthesun]

I am finally going to do this on my Cougar. I have the Prius column and the Yaris non-ABS ECU. I plan on making it speed sensitive using the speedometer output from the Holley Dominator.

Andrew

I would look at a Ford Corsa B EPAS column, I'm running one with a an adjustable knob on a manual rack. Its the same column a large amount of rally cars use.

[andrewb70]

I would look at a Ford Corsa B EPAS column, I'm running one with a an adjustable knob on a manual rack. Its the same column a large amount of rally cars use.

The Cougar has skinny front tires, so it's not exactly going to strain the Prius hardware. I also like that the Prius motor is clocked in the other direction, which gives a little more room.

Andrew

[Buryingthesun]

The Cougar has skinny front tires, so it's not exactly going to strain the Prius hardware. I also like that the Prius motor is clocked in the other direction, which gives a little more room.

Andrew

Hey man whatever works for you! Ill DM you a link for an adjustment knob!

[JP8]

Buryingthesun, what would be a good place to look for that Cora’s b column and adjustment knob?

[andrewb70]

I am documenting my EPAS install in my Cougar build thread. The link is in my signature. EPAS information starts on post number 1205.

Andrew

[Buryingthesun]

Buryingthesun, what would be a good place to look for that Cora’s b column and adjustment knob?

Ebay, they were never sold in the USA. Mine is heavily modified FYI

[andrewb70]

Ebay, they were never sold in the USA. Mine is heavily modified FYI

Have you driven it yet?

Andrew

[68Cuda440]

I don’t see the power box and pump being lighter. My manual box is pretty light and I know it’s lighter than stock power box but never held a Borgeson. Also, the weight added by an EPAS is 12.5 lbs. Factory power box 33lbs, Borgeson 23 lbs, manual box is 19 lbs. and I couldn’t find the weight of the power steering pump.

I have a '68 Barracuda... same chassis. I have a Borgeson box. Bought a custom Corvette style pump with a Turn One pulley and a PSC remote reservoir for it. Pump, pulley and reservoir weigh 6.8 lbs (just weighed it because I was curious). Add hoses and fluids, its a wash. The longer fast ratio pitman and idler arms will fit on an A-body depending on your exhaust. The Borgeson is 14:1. The fast ratio arm would make that about a 10.5:1 ratio. That is parking lot SCCA solo car fast, not sure I would want that on a street driver.