electric power steering pump?

Electric Power Steering for less than $200

I recently installed electric power steering in a 1966 Mustang. I did not use a kit, I simply pulled a column style EPS from a newer GM vehicle and then spliced the unit into the original steering column.

The results far exceeded my expectations and the cost was less than $200. I designed a controller that automatically adjusts assist level based on vehicle speed, so that the steering feel is "just right" regardless of speed.

I documented (with pictures) how I went about this on a Vintage Mustang forum. If anyone is interested do a google search for "Best $200 mod ever (EPS)"

or

follow this link to page 7 where the details start: http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/mod-custom-forum/787114-best-200-mod-ever-eps-7.html#post6037649

Any questions just ask.

The hot rod aftermarket has a similar solution that goes on the column and does not just replace the belt. There are no more hydraulics with the system. I am not sure about weight or power savings, but the reports are it is better than a manual rack.

That is F'n cool if it is that easy. My only concern is how well does it play with long tube headers?

hoopty5.0 said:

That is F'n cool if it is that easy. My only concern is how well does it play with long tube headers?

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In my 66 Mustang no issue with 1+3/4" SuperComp headers at all, the electric steering box is under the dash not in the engine compartment. No hydrulics, no fluids, no leaks, and speed sensitive assist.

Hydraulic power steering will be a thing of the past soon.

I actually have a manual rack in my car, I just inserted the EPS unit in the middle of my original steering column to get power assist, everything else remains the same.

So what would happen to your steering if the electric PS motor goes out? Or your alternator dies and you need to TURN off the road? Would it be just like manual steering if it fails? Just curious.

What I saw in Street Rodder looked liked it fit under the dash. Excellent for headers. If the power goes out, it is like manual steering, not like when the fluid stops pumping from a broken belt or dead motor.

C'mon man in theory it's cool I guess but you're not going to be able to out run anyone you couldn't with the stock power steering pump. Look at under drive pulleys, same principle and same marketing scheme. They're not worth a chit.

I've got a proper manual rack setup on my car. The only time you miss ps is at low speeds such as parking etc. Those are also the times when the rpm's are the lowest and alt output is lowest. Would the draw from the eps pump be noticeable?

FoxMustangLvr said:

So what would happen to your steering if the electric PS motor goes out? Or your alternator dies and you need to TURN off the road? Would it be just like manual steering if it fails? Just curious.

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IF an electrical failure occurs, the system simply reverts back to manual steering as it was before you did the mod.

90lxwhite said:

C'mon man in theory it's cool I guess but you're not going to be able to out run anyone you couldn't with the stock power steering pump. Look at under drive pulleys, same principle and same marketing scheme. They're not worth a chit.

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Says the guy with the leaky power steering system;-)

I'l bet I can out run you!
66Mustang Fastback
10.x through the mufflers

madspeed said:

I've got a proper manual rack setup on my car. The only time you miss ps is at low speeds such as parking etc. Those are also the times when the rpm's are the lowest and alt output is lowest. Would the draw from the eps pump be noticeable?

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I have a manual rack in my 66, same thing once moving the car was okay, but parking was a two handed chore. After doing this conversion I would never consider using manual steering again,

There is no pump!
Simply a small electric motor that intersects with the steering shaft in the steering column. Current draw when not turning is < 1A. The main advantages are:
1) Variable assist based on vehicle speed, so one finger turning in a parking lot, and sports car feel at highway speed
2) Simple no pumps, hydraulics, hoses (and or leaks and groaning PS pumps)
3) More efficient, power is only used while you are turning, this is the main reason the manufacturers are switching to EPS, the vehicle saves 1 MPG over hydraulic power steering.

hoopty5.0 said:

That is F'n cool if it is that easy. My only concern is how well does it play with long tube headers?

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It doesn't look like it will fit with long tube headers. I have my doubts about the fit with short tube headers in a Fox body as well.

jrichker said:

It doesn't look like it will fit with long tube headers. I have my doubts about the fit with short tube headers in a Fox body as well.

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I think you missed the write-up, the EPS unit is under the dash NOT in the engine compartment, since my headers reside in the engine compartment, (not under my dash), header clearance is a non-issue. ;-)

slow-poke said:

I think you missed the write-up, the EPS unit is under the dash NOT in the engine compartment, since my headers reside in the engine compartment, (not under my dash), header clearance is a non-issue. ;-)

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Long tube headers have known clearance problems with the stock steering shaft in Fox body Mustangs. It is not uncommon to have to do some hammering on the tubes to get the shaft to clear. Other times, a steering shaft from Flaming River or Maximum Motorsports is the answer. Sometimes loosening the steering column and repositioning things fixes the problem.

Unless your solution uses a different shaft arrangement which includes the slip column required for the collision collapsing feature in the OEM design, it won't fit. There is very little extra room in the clutch and brake pedal area to mount anything larger that the stock steering column; it is a very compact fit.


The collapsing steering column are parts 17 & 21 in the drawing.
The universal joint/steering shaft (item 13 in the drawing) are usually where the interference with long tube headers becomes a problem.

See https://www.google.com/webhp?source...ng+tube+headers+interfere+with+steering+shaft for 157,000 comments on this common problem