1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Installing Power Steering?

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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 11:17 AM
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Installing Power Steering?

I know its possible to install power steering, and that it will be expensive
but i want to know what i would need to install power steering to my 79
also where would i buy it
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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 11:45 AM
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If you're wanting to go OEM, you'll need to find a list of parts for your car. Namely, power steering gear box, power steering pump/mount/bracket/pulley/reservoir setup, as well as the power steering lines themselves. It won't be easy, those parts are becoming increasingly rare as most people tear them off and just deal with the heavy manual steering. Best thing to do would be to find a power steering gear box and use an electric power steering pump instead of hunting for the OEM setup.
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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 12:03 PM
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I have found this company that does electric conversions in Holland, I've read on a Datsun forum it's about $1500.
Mazda RX-7
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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by j_tso
I have found this company that does electric conversions in Holland, I've read on a Datsun forum it's about $1500.
Mazda RX-7
That is an awesome setup! But for $1,500...that's a lot of coin for a convenience feature, and that figure isn't including trying to ship it to the USA.
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Old Dec 30, 2019 | 02:44 PM
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That kit from EZpowersteering looks pretty sweet. I don't know if I'd pay $1500 for one, but It would be much faster and easier than trying to find all the 40 year old OE parts. My first FB had it, and my 80lb GF could easily drive and park the car.
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Old Dec 31, 2019 | 07:27 AM
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Another reason SAs rule! Never had power steering.
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Old Dec 31, 2019 | 07:59 PM
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I agree, SA's were pure driving fun, this coming from an FB guy.
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Old Jan 4, 2020 | 04:43 AM
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The Dutch conversion posted above looks like it uses a Corsa Electric steering column & motor.
Its a really popular conversion on this side of the pond as they produced so many of them parts are cheap as chips, after marker controllers are readily available as well, many of them let you adjust the steering assist as well.

Corsa EPAS C Electric Power steering - Super 7th Heaven
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Old Jan 8, 2020 | 02:20 PM
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I was thinking about this recently as well...
Defined Autoworks says he used a Prius electric steering motor to add PS to his FD race car. I wonder if a similar approach can be taken with the FB or SA...
Check his video:
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Old Jan 9, 2020 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by gracer7-rx7
I was thinking about this recently as well...
Defined Autoworks says he used a Prius electric steering motor to add PS to his FD race car. I wonder if a similar approach can be taken with the FB or SA...
That is one method I've considered. I have at least one power steering gearbox that I plan on restoring and using in an FB eventually with an electric power steering pump. I've heard tons of guys using the MR2 pump, but those aren't cheap! I believe a Lotus has one as well, same as an old Subaru sold in other markets (besides USA). Didn't know the Prius had one, that would make sense.

A local guy here in MN seems to be adapting a Chevy Cruze electric power steering rack to his FB, not sure how far he's gotten with that swap though. I've thought about that route with the RX-8 setup as well but I've never looked into it.
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Old Jan 9, 2020 | 01:26 PM
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As I understand it, The RX8 has the electrical components built into the rack itself that mounts to the subframe. It's huge. A lot of the other cars typically have the electric power asist motor in the column which should be easier to mount up.
The column mounted electrical assist seem to be easier to accomodate b/c of that.
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