Hot Rod article on using a Prius electric power steering unit (Page 2/4)
Quad Raider MAR 31, 11:51 AM
Fantastic. Thank you. I don't have any interest in the hydraulic version, for various reasons, mostly because I don't want to clutter up my Quad 4 any more than absolutely necessary. When I saw that Hot Rod article about EPS I thought, dang, that looks like a great solution.

I like the idea of using the setup that doesn't require the unit to speak to the car's computer, plus finding Priuses/Corollas/Nissans with the right unit at my favorite salvage will be easy. And I'm always looking for an excuse to MIG weld something.
darbysan MAR 31, 12:10 PM
The Prius running in Limp Home mode will not have as much power assist as it would normally provide. It is still some assist, but not normal. The Vue unit does not talk to the computer, but uses an inexpensive module available on ebay that simulates normal operation. Those controllers are available in several different formats, to give adjust-ability to the power levels. One other thing to consider is the quality of the excellent write-ups on the PFF site, specific to the Fiero. It sure made it easy for me, not to have to do a lot of engineering work.

On the positive side, if you have a manual car, the Prius unit is slightly smaller, and may fit better. And if you choose to go the Prius route, please take lots of pictures and write up your experience for the other folks here on the site.

Here are some of the other links I used in my research of non-Vue types. This may help.
https://www.ffcars.com/foru...o-caster-issues.html
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_111532/article.html

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'87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)

Quad Raider APR 03, 09:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by darbysan:

Here are some of the other links I used in my research of non-Vue types. This may help.
https://www.ffcars.com/foru...o-caster-issues.html
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_111532/article.html




Oh, one of those links features content from the same guy I linked to.

A while back I promised myself to make getting my car on the road a priority, which means paint, interior and Quad 4 swap, and not diving into any major projects for it until it's been on the road for a while. EPS qualifies as that kind of project, but it's still fascinating to me.


Dennis LaGrua APR 09, 10:09 AM
IMO the original power steering design that was to be used on the Fiero (and dropped) ended up on the Saturn's. That unit uses a separate electric pump probably making an install easier.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

RCR APR 11, 08:13 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

IMO the original power steering design that was to be used on the Fiero (and dropped) ended up on the Saturn's. That unit uses a separate electric pump probably making an install easier.




Hey Dennis, not to take this off tracks, but which Saturn(s) had an electric pump?

Bob
Fiero Vampire APR 12, 02:17 PM
Bob I believe Dennis is talking about the Saturn EV1
Quad Raider APR 12, 02:47 PM
I've been giving this a lot of thought and it occurred to me that I was already planning to use an aftermarket VSS to make my Fiero's speedometer work with my Quad 4/Getrag swap. I imagine I could use that signal to communicate with an EPS from a GM car.

My brother drives an '08 HHR and had to replace the EPS motor once, which he later found out was under recall. HHRs are probably the single most common vehicle at my favorite salvage yard, too.
darbysan APR 12, 02:54 PM

quote
Originally posted by Quad Raider:

I've been giving this a lot of thought and it occurred to me that I was already planning to use an aftermarket VSS to make my Fiero's speedometer work with my Quad 4/Getrag swap. I imagine I could use that signal to communicate with an EPS from a GM car.

My brother drives an '08 HHR and had to replace the EPS motor once, which he later found out was under recall. HHRs are probably the single most common vehicle at my favorite salvage yard, too.


You can save yourself a lot of hassle by using the $20 controller off Ebay for the Saturn Vue EPS, and using the excellent write-up on modifying the Fiero and Saturn EPS to work together. Otherwise, you will have to do a considerable amount of engineering. For example, most modern cars use a CAN-BUS network to transfer info, so the VSS signal may be encoded, and will likely be different than a stock VSS signal we are used to working with. I don't know that this is the case, but just an example of one of the things you will have to work out.

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'87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)

Quad Raider APR 12, 03:07 PM
Ah, I see. Yet another reason to set this project aside for after I get my swap/resto/mod finished and reliably on the road.
darbysan APR 12, 04:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by Quad Raider:

Ah, I see. Yet another reason to set this project aside for after I get my swap/resto/mod finished and reliably on the road.


If you are going to have the dash , pedals or steering column out for any reason, you'll get a lot of access that will make this easier.