POWER STEERING

[Dat73z]

Bumping the power steering thread. 

 

I'm curious if anyone has adapted the Prius EPS to the s30 chassis? 

 

It seems the Prius unit, being plug and play with it's standalone EPS ECU is desirable and easily adaptable to just about any vehicle. 

 

Also much more economical at ~$100 for a complete Prius junkyard unit versus the $1500+ for the aftermarket adaptations available today. 

 

Edit: Adding a link here for some of the known torque sensing EPS from cars found in junkyards today that could be good and economical candidates: 

 

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/toyota-electric-power-steering-eps-conversion/

 

 

Edited September 29, 2024 by Dat73z

[Dat73z]

Following on my previous post, I had my steering column modified by TruPig Motorsports which utilizes a Nissan Versa EPS unit. With the design of this retrofit, the EPS while large is able to just fit in with the motor and control module clocked up running a cable throttle and Vintage Air Gen II Mini HVAC unit. I think it would still be possible to fit a DBW actuator back there as well. 

 

Hope this helps someone in the future,  it was impossible for me to find any information on fitting an OE EPS unit (not smaller ATV/Powersports units), DBW and AC behind the s30 dash other than people mentioning it is too tight/will not fit. 

[madkaw]

I use the Truepig eps . I had to notch the angle frame that the pedals ride on just a bit off the end . Been using this unit for a couple of years 

[calZ]

4 hours ago, madkaw said:

I use the Truepig eps . I had to notch the angle frame that the pedals ride on just a bit off the end . Been using this unit for a couple of years 

 

Do you experience any delay in the steering assist? A couple years ago(actually five now that I look) we had a discussion about this, and quite a few people complained that the force-sensing units had a delay and didn't self-centered very well. 

 

[Dat73z]

13 hours ago, madkaw said:

I use the Truepig eps . I had to notch the angle frame that the pedals ride on just a bit off the end . Been using this unit for a couple of years 

 

Yes I also cut the notch and modified the brake pedal slightly for my preferred position + and plated in with 1/8 steel for reinforcement. 

 

I'd be curious about steering delay as @calZ mentioned. Self centering/wandering I wonder what alignment settings people were running. I've always been pushing a few degrees more positive caster since switching over to 225 (soon 245) RComps, enough where my front apron corners are trimmed a bit. 

[madkaw]

I have not noticed any delay but have noticed the lack of self centering . I’ve gotten use to it and I drive my car a lot . 

[Dat73z]

A minor point on the larger EPS systems as this information wasn't readily out there when I was researching. For the Versa unit, I clearanced the brake pedal then plated it back in for reinforcement to achieve the OE pedal position as a starting point, otherwise the pedal would need to be adjusted downwards to clear the EPS gearbox assembly. This allows a full range of adjustment and is not necessarily a negative as ime getting the stock s30 pedals closer helps me in heel toe but def something to consider in EPS options if you have a preference for pedal position. 

[primaz]

It seems like the posts here are fairly old and there are more options and all have now updated speed feedback usually via GPS or some other means to make everything automatic. There are a few other power steering options, two good electric and one more high end hydraulic more customizable and for show:

 

 https://zpowersteering.com/

I think this seems to be what many are say is one of the better ones out there that has evolved and the level regulates by the speed of the car so no knobs needed but this and the other electric I believe can be adjusted. ZPS uses a much smarter solution. 

Our proprietary system continuously senses and measures the torque differential between two inputs: Your hands on the wheel, and the tires on the ground. When there is a disparity between these values, our system instantaneously applies or subtracts steering assist so it remains constant and linear. It is a “need-based” application of power, rather than being based on an irrelevant value such as vehicle speed.  Simply put – When you need it, it’s there. When you don’t, it’s not, just like a hydraulic system.

 

https://www.ezpowersteering.com/car-brands/datsun-en-us/240z-en-us/z-series/

I think this was one of the first ones and has evolved and supposedly Zpowersteering copied their design?

 

https://retrorack.com.au/240z-rack-kit

This is cool looking, very customizable, well built if you want hydraulic

 

 https://www.silverminemotors.com/products/electric-power-steering-kit-for-240z-260z-280z-datsun-1970-1978-s30?srsltid=AfmBOoo542JU9EXenZ92aEsoDikk3hWuIf06n2-OgBn6SwUdxCeLvKvq

I have this on my wife's 240z and it works well.  To me it is a little sensitive but when you get used to it, the feel is decent.  I have another 240z that I am thinking of trying the Zpowersteering option or the EZpowersteering?  Not ready to pull the trigger so if anyone has experience in those compared to the Silvermine, I would love to hear your thoughts?  Right now I am leaning towards EZpowersteering?

Edited Thursday at 12:28 AM by primaz