electric power steering

[Maddog]

The new Chevy and GMC trucks (1/2 ton) have electric r&p

[markm]

The new Chevy and GMC trucks (1/2 ton) have electric r&p

So does new Ford 1/2 ton .

[Maddog]

Interesting that GM states that increased fuel economy is the driving force behind it.

[zsparkman]

You need to get the universal one for street rods and customs. Works well with a manual rack and piñon. No hydraulics involved and no hoses and pump to deal with. Probably would work good with the OEM steering box as well. Interfaces with the speedometer cable to give more steering authority at low speeds and less at high speeds. When I called them they told me it takes about three weeks to build and deliver. Guess that could be shorter if they're not as busy as they were earlier this year. Good luck.

[chevynut]

So does new Ford 1/2 ton .

This is not an electric rack and pinion. Lots of cars have those. It's an electric power steering column.

They don't have a price for the universal one and it's 2-3 week delivery:

http://americanpowertrain.com/i-8580...d-customs.html

[markm]

This is not an electric rack and pinion. Lots of cars have those. It's an electric power steering column.

They don't have a price for the universal one and it's 2-3 week delivery:

http://americanpowertrain.com/i-8580...d-customs.html

Interesting I bet that I don't want to own one of these with 150k on it.

[chevynut]

Interesting I bet that I don't want to own one of these with 150k on it.

What? 150K miles? I don't understand what you're saying. If the motor goes out, you still have manual steering. I guess most of this new stuff is a little too high tech for your liking?

Personally I think it's a great concept. It allows you to use whatever steering box you want, with no ps plumbing under the hood fewer pulleys, and no maintenance. The downside is if you want a hydroboost you still need a PS pump so you don't gain much. You also need the room under the dash, and it's expensive.

Everything is going electric on cars these days to decrease fuel consumption and weight. Electric cooling fans, electric steering, and I've even seen electric AC compressors being used. Vacuum still works great for power braking so I don't think there's a lot of incentive to go to electric brakes unless supercharged cars become a lot more common. Even then they just may go to an electric vacuum pump.

I wonder if any hotrodders have tried adapting the OEM electric steering to their cars. The Malibu has has electric steering for around 10 years. Seems like these days everyone wants "kits" and few guys build their own stuff.

Looks like Unisteer has one too: http://www.unisteer.com/electric-pow...olumn-kit.html

I may try some of this high-tech stuff on my next 56 build.

[markm]

What? 150K miles? I don't understand what you're saying. If the motor goes out, you still have manual steering. I guess most of this new stuff is a little too high tech for your liking?

Personally I think it's a great concept. It allows you to use whatever steering box you want, with no ps plumbing under the hood fewer pulleys, and no maintenance. The downside is if you want a hydroboost you still need a PS pump so you don't gain much. You also need the room under the dash, and it's expensive.

Everything is going electric on cars these days to decrease fuel consumption and weight. Electric cooling fans, electric steering, and I've even seen electric AC compressors being used. Vacuum still works great for power braking so I don't think there's a lot of incentive to go to electric brakes unless supercharged cars become a lot more common. Even then they just may go to an electric vacuum pump.

I wonder if any hotrodders have tried adapting the OEM electric steering to their cars. The Malibu has has electric steering for around 10 years. Seems like these days everyone wants "kits" and few guys build their own stuff.

Looks like Unisteer has one too: http://www.unisteer.com/electric-pow...olumn-kit.html

I may try some of this high-tech stuff on my next 56 build.

I have some good news for you, my friends in the auto repair world tell me that C4 & C5 electronics are becoming unavailable making them "parts cars". No desire to use this stuff in my car or even own it for that matter.

[chevynut]

my friends in the auto repair world tell me that C4 & C5 electronics are becoming unavailable making them "parts cars".

That is good news for us who use those parts but I think your friends are misinformed. There's a huge aftermarket for electronic parts for all these new cars not to mention the loads of used parts available on eBay and elsewhere.

To each his own. If you prefer to use outdated carburetors, crank windows, manual steering, manual brakes and AM radio that's your choice. Just don't badmouth those who like the modern conveniences and upgrades or the parts used to accomplish that.

By the way, my Nomad has EFI, A/C, power steering, electric power brakes, auto-up power windows, power door locks, power vent windows, dual electric fans, electronic cruise control, programmable automatic headlights with soft-dimming dome lights, power hood latch, keyless entry with alarm, 12-way power seats, electronic dimming r/v mirror with temperature and compass, and a touch screen Kenwood stereo with DVD and Polk Audio speakers. It will also have Dakota Digital's VHX analog gauges controlled by a computer. I'm sure you'd hate it.

[markm]

That is good news for us who use those parts but I think your friends are misinformed. There's a huge aftermarket for electronic parts for all these new cars not to mention the loads of used parts available on eBay and elsewhere.


Really, like the BCM, this guys father owned a Chevy dealership. He specializes in working on late model GM stuff.


To each his own. If you prefer to use outdated carburetors, crank windows, manual steering, manual brakes and AM radio that's your choice. Just don't badmouth those who like the modern conveniences and upgrades or the parts used to accomplish that.


You dont know as much as you think, I have not owned a street car with manual steering, drum brakes, points, and AM radio since the mid 70s when I got my 75 Camaro. The only cars i own without PS are those I converted to manual, fast drag cars dont like it. I build hot rods not show cars with a bunch of finicky gadgets. When done with my 396 powered 55 gasser I lined it up with a buddys pro street 57 with a 502, it was not even a race, the 65 model 396 with a tunnel ram embarased the crate moter. You can bad mouth my way all you want but get it right.