looking at the prius unit to install on my fiero's, not sure if anyones already looked into making it fit or not. Dont want to waste the money buying the conversion kit if it wont fit properly under the dash.
Can't speak specifically to the Prius, but I installed the Saturn Vue EPS and it fit OK, and the Prius is reported to be smaller. The Vue EPS is a bit tighter fit if you have a stick, so the Prius might be a better choice for Standard cars.
------------------ '87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)
I've got a 09 pontiac G5 sitting in my yard for parts that has EPAS as well, maybe similar to the vue, I've not been able to locate a way to control it yet though.
Careful. Many things can easily go wrong w/ installing any of E-PS on cars not made to take it.
Big problem is most don't have a clue that...
Lower section w/ 2 "universal" joints only bend right under few degrees of bending limit. If you mod and joints bend over the limit the 1 or 2 will bind and wear or fail over often a short future. Same rules for Drive Shafts w/ Uni-joints that many moders ignore and wonder why they break often.
Middle column, basically from joint to lower section to upper mount near steering wheel, is a crush zone. This is the moving part and outer tube and 4 mounts to dash frame. Is to crush from front end crash, you hitting SW for same or both at same time.
Plus is funny, in the sad way, that most have no clue that "The Club" et al often doesn't work. OE and most aftermarket Steering Wheels are very weak on purpose so wheel can "fold up" in a crash too and Many car thieves simply cut the SW in seconds to remove the crap.
Many E-PS uses a lot of E-power and need wiring to handle amp draw. IOW can't simply add E-PS power feeds to most or all OE wiring. Many E-PS need Speed signal from PCM or BCM often as a CANBUS node for newer units. W/o Speed data most will be in "Limp Mode" operation and not work right.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I read an article not to long ago about using the Prius unit for a power steering option. Apparently it is the go to unit because it does not have a lot of the checks to stop the unit from working like some of the others.
unlike most units the prius unit is a "fail safe" unit, if it doesnt see signal from the BCM, it fails to a safe mode of thinking the car is travelling at 43 MPH and only assists that much for the steering, also, the power steering can draw up to 60 amps of current if you hold it at full lock, but generally it only uses 5-20 amps of current, that being said, i would never use less than 8 gauge wiring if not 6 gauge wiring to power the unit. I've seen other EPAS units but none seem to be as effective as the prius unit, it's the go-to for all hot rodders because of how compact and reliable it is. I'm surprised there was nothing in the construction zone about it, looks like i may be the first to do a build with it if i can find one cheap enough, otherwise i may consider the EPAS from the 09 G5 G5 that i have at my house for parts, but i have to find a controller that will make it work without the CANBUS signal.
I've gotta buy a prius kit i suppose now, i found one about 100 miles from me for $175, just gotta get that way to get it, then i suppose i'll start a write up if i decide it will work.
I have a 2010 Nissan Cube EPS in my 86 V6. Made sure the uni joint angles were very close to original. The current draw averages less than 5 amps (I have a bigger alternator anyway) and the system has its own breaker and heavy gauge wires. I was careful to maintain the "crushable" shafts also. Have considered disabling it above 20mph electronically. The Prius unit is smaller though and I had to make sure mine wasn't interfering with the pedals of course. I understand that many would rather keep the design as original but I have 225s on the front which is a bit hard to steer at very low speeds. Happy New year all!
[This message has been edited by DavidM (edited 01-16-2020).]
I have a 2010 Nissian Cube EPS in my 86 V6. Made sure the uni joint angles were very close to original. The current draw averages less than 5 amps (I have a bigger alternator anyway) and the system has its own breaker and heavy gauge wires. I was careful to maintain the "crushable" shafts also. Have considered disabling it above 20mph electronically. The Prius unit is smaller though and I had to make sure mine wasn't interfering with the pedals of course. I understand that many would rather keep the design as original but I have 225s on the front which is a bit hard to steer at very low speeds. Happy New year all!
You should try steering at low speeds with 265 x 50 x 15 wheels on the front!
In an old thread I believe you mentioned you had a "factory experimental" Fiero electric power steering set up sitting in your basement. I'm wondering if the electric motor was inside (under the dash) or outside (on the other side of the firewall)?
Did it use the standard 88 steering rack, or something new?
I'm sure we would love to see pics.
[This message has been edited by Rsvl-Rider (edited 01-04-2020).]
