2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

powersteering and aftermarket ecus

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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 08:09 PM
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powersteering and aftermarket ecus

with the powersteering that has the speed sensors(or whatever the plugs do) is this effected by changing the ecu out to standalone?

powersteering keep it or ditch it?
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 09:23 PM
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Changing your ECU will have no effect on the power steering. The control unit for the PS system is a separate box by the driver's knees. It is also on a separate wiring loom as well, so you when you remove the "engine" harness (the one that controls the injectors, MAF, Emissions stuff etc.) the PS harness will remain untouched.

I say keep the Power Steering. What you may lose in at-the-limit performance, you gain back 10 fold in every day driving usability and ease. If you do decide to ditch the PS, then convert to a manual rack as well.
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 09:25 PM
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unless you really need to make weight, most race cars nowadays still have PS
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 11:16 PM
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i have a manual rack in my fc. i'm 5' 4" about 125 pounds so i'm compact size as my friends say lol and i love manual rack will not go back to power rack. plus my engine bay looks a hell of a lot better changing spark plugs is so easy my 12 year old sister can do it. so don't rule out manual rack. i say buy a manual rack convert your car if you don't like then go back to power.
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Old Nov 8, 2010 | 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Alex_n/a
i have a manual rack in my fc. i'm 5' 4" about 125 pounds so i'm compact size as my friends say lol and i love manual rack will not go back to power rack. plus my engine bay looks a hell of a lot better changing spark plugs is so easy my 12 year old sister can do it. so don't rule out manual rack. i say buy a manual rack convert your car if you don't like then go back to power.
+1! im 5'6'' and 135lbs, and I cant stand small cars with P/S. I have even driven my 7 around with the P/S pump belt off(just around the block) and it wasnt that bad, my 5.0 pony was harder to drive/park. want to swap to manual rack soon.
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 04:17 AM
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I ditched it a long time ago, sometimes its heavy.
but the powersteering on a fc is way too light for a sportscar!
If i ever go back, ill convert to electronic with servo technology.. full adjustability with the flick of a switch
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 04:59 AM
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if you have the ECPS system ( two pressure lines , return and the stepper motor )
you can back off the assist ratio for speeds above 25 kmh by winding in the grub screw on the stepper motor bypass
this will limit the clock position inside for the stepper motor and put maximum pressure into the sub system when enabled and therefore make the steering "harder " above 25 kmh

be ware undoing the grub screw as it can be withdrawn too far and result in steering being way too loose at high speeds

as for the OP,, when installing aftermarket ECU the one thing usually lost in ignorance is the idle up during PS operation

if you hook the ASV on side of the mezzanine to ignition switched 12v,, then run it via the switch on the PS unit to earth ,, the ASv idle up will operate as per normal
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 06:36 AM
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I hate power steering. There is a diy on how to properly de-power your power steering rack. I would give that a try. I got lucky. My car is supposed to have power steering accord g to this thread, but either is an oddity or was swapped at some point (I'm leaning towards oddity because the car was a hack job).

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/how-de-power-your-steering-rack-right-way-440198/
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 09:16 AM
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I would love to drive a 7 with the non power rack befor I depower my power rack. I would like to know what the diff between having some mechanical advantage and not is. Most of the time, having a "quick-er" ratio steering box is a tad over-rated on street cars IMO, but the 7 differ from this who know's?
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Old Nov 9, 2010 | 11:35 AM
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Originally Posted by KrazyRX-7
I would love to drive a 7 with the non power rack befor I depower my power rack. I would like to know what the diff between having some mechanical advantage and not is. Most of the time, having a "quick-er" ratio steering box is a tad over-rated on street cars IMO, but the 7 differ from this who know's?
the S4 and high end S5's power racks are 15:1 ratio.

the single line base model S5's are 17:1

and the manual rack is i think 20:1. the FC manual rack is the same ratio as a BMW E30, but the BMW is higher effort AND power steering.

personally, i find the manual rack to be too slow, although effort is quite light. i'm lazy and you have to be really fast with the wheel. i also find the 15:1 rack too fast, but the 17:1 rack is just the right speed.
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