 
     |
| Hot Rod article on using a Prius electric power steering unit (Page 3/4) |
|
Quad Raider
|
JUL 27, 09:15 AM
|
|
|
|
|
darbysan
|
JUL 27, 10:25 AM
|
|
EPS motor to the shaft has already been successfully done. Engineering to make it work successful. Electric Power rack not done, mostly because there has not been identified a rack that turns in the same direction as the Fiero, that would fit, that has been successfully installed. Installing new rack requires re-alignment of the front end, an additional expense. That being said, if someone had done this, and it was easy ( minimal welding, machining, etc) I would agree that it's easier than working under the dash.
------------------
'87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)
|
|
|
|
Quad Raider
|
JUL 27, 11:05 PM
|
|
So far the only GM vehicle I can find with the motor on the rack and the tie rod ends in front of the knuckles is the late-model GM Colorado/Canyon pickup.
https://picclick.com/NEW-OE...ng-142731194658.html
Looks like the pickup’s track width is slightly bigger, 59.7” for the Fiero and 62.4” for the pickup, if the numbers I found are accurate.[This message has been edited by Quad Raider (edited 07-28-2019).]
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 28, 02:39 AM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by darbysan:
Would I recommend it - yes! Is it a hotly debated topic- Yes! I found the turning forces necessary to drive around town, coupled with trying to shift, etc, was too much for me. If you have larger tires, that also adds to the problem. If you have a spouse that also drives the Fiero, I think they will also appreciate the improvement.
|
|
Another situation where power steering would really be appreciated on a Fiero is while autocrossing, especially on a tight twisty course!
|
|
|
|
David Hambleton
|
JUL 28, 08:40 PM
|
|
| quote | | Originally posted by Quad Raider: I've never driven a Fiero so I have no frame of reference. |
|
That's interesting coming from a member since Dec 2010 with 861 posts that's doing a Quad 4 swap... 
No one near Oologah to let you try one out?
|
|
|
|
fieroguru
|
JUL 28, 09:05 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
Another situation where power steering would really be appreciated on a Fiero is while autocrossing, especially on a tight twisty course! |
|
Power steering with a faster ratio.
I have never had any issue with the steering effort (even with 245 front tires), but the steering ratio is a little lazy for the tight 90 degree turns on the street as well as autocrossing.
|
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 29, 02:09 AM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by fieroguru:
Power steering with a faster ratio.
|
|
Good point. It was not so much a problem with resistance/effort required as it was with moving the steering wheel fast and far enough while navigating a series of quick, hard, back and forth turns. On some courses, it was a quite a workout![This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-29-2019).]
|
|
|
|
pmbrunelle
|
JUL 29, 09:37 AM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
It was not so much a problem with resistance/effort required
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
it was with moving the steering wheel fast and far enough
|
|
Those are two sides of the same coin; a driver with insufficient muscular POWER for the maneuvers he wishes to perform.
You could have manual steering with the same ratio as the fast "power steering" setup (such as a de-powered power steering rack), and it would address your reported issue with turning fast and far enough.
However, with that sort of setup, the resistance/effort would rise, above that of the slow manual setup. That's why manufacturers slow down the ratio with manual steering setups.
It boils down to the limitation on driver arm power.
|
|
|
|
Dennis LaGrua
|
JUL 29, 11:43 AM
|
|
Never felt the need for power steering as I seldom parallel park with mine and like the road hugging feel of manual steering on the highway. Might change one day if I am still driving my Fieros in my 80's!
IIRC the Saturn Vue system that darbysan used was a column mounted assembly. No doubt it works well but its an involved modification. My daily driver cars all use a motor assisted rack and this looks like the simplest solution. There is probably one that might be a direct fit but it hasn't been discovered yet. A system using an electric powered hydraulic pump with a PS rack probably makes most sense right now.------------------
" 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 "
|
|
|
Patrick
|
JUL 29, 04:44 PM
|
|
| quote | Originally posted by pmbrunelle:
Those are two sides of the same coin; a driver with insufficient muscular POWER for the maneuvers he wishes to perform.
It boils down to the limitation on driver arm power.
|
|
I'll never be mistaken for Arnie, but I'm not exactly a wimp.  lol
Perhaps I should also mention that I have an undersized aftermarket Momo steering wheel installed which adversely affects the available leverage.
| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
It was not so much a problem with resistance/effort required as it was with moving the steering wheel fast and far enough while navigating a series of quick, hard, back and forth turns. On some courses, it was a quite a workout!
|
|
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-29-2019).]
|
|
|
|