hacker-pschorr

Just thinking out loud I guess. I like the idea of the electric system too. There is a kit on the market for the replica Cobra crowd using the MR2 pump I've been looking into (for the 928 and my replica Cobra).

Courtshark

Any update/progress on this? Considering making such a conversion. No luck with the 944 rack?

OBehave

Just throwing this out there without too much thought but,what about adapting a 2:1 steering quickener in line with the column? The don't seem to be too expensive to start with and shouldn't be too difficult to fit. Seems like the dirt track and rally guys like them.
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hacker-pschorr

Not from my end, been kinda busy building the new shop. Hopefully all 928 projects will start back up again this fall.

Courtshark

Cool. Since my new to me power rack and lines did not cooperate, I've been driving with a defacto manual rack. Tough in tight spaces but I love the crisp feel on the highway. I have wider than stock tires, too. Weight lifting probably helps. Anyway, a true manual rack should be a helluvalot easier to steer than a busted power rack. I will make this one of my summer projects.

BC

There was someone who was looking into having a different steering rack shaft made to change the ratio - I think it was on the 944 or 951 forums.

GlenL

A manual rack has a higher mechanical advantage to make it easier to steer. I recall that being discussed for a 928.

Without assist the 928 steering is pretty heavy. Very hard to make the quick, precise adjustments that track driving requires.

PorKen

The Mini Cooper electric PS pump (32416778425) sounds like it might work well.

It only needs wires for ±12V, ignition, and alternator output.

It automatically adjusts it's output according to the hydraulic load. (No steering angle encoders, etc.)

FREAKINHEAT

My ex has a Mini and a friend of mine as well. If I remember correctly, one of the big problems with the Mini's is those electric steering pumps always going out. But, don't quote me on that.

Imo000

LOL I've also been driving with "ghetto" manual for 4 years now. You are right, it's a PITA at very slow speed and twisty roads but the road feedback, at highway speed is much better.

hacker-pschorr

There is also a mod the 944 guys talk about how to make a busted power rack easier to use. Has to do with greasing up the internals, draining out all the fluid and blocking off one of the lines. Otherwise you are still fighting some hydraulic pressure in the system.

genikz

I did this mod on my 924S and can speak from experience that removing the piston from the rack and just greasing it all up did reduce the effort needed to steer the car once it's moving. At very slow speeds in the grid, it's pretty tough. Once you get up to about 3-4 mph, it's drastically easier. On track, I find it very enjoyable (though I've only ever run 205 or 225 width R-comps).

Here are my notes (with pictures): http://www.cryogenicsmedia.com/Porsc...ering-rack.pdf

You can see my auto-x and DE vids via the YouTube link below to evaluate the "effort"

-Chris

PS I may be attempting this on my 928 project, if the power steering leaks. Though running 265/275 Hoosiers, I'm a little reluctant.

Courtshark

Here at SITM, the crew is talking me out of the idea. Picked up another rebuilt rack super cheap, and another attendee has a rebuilt pump for me (I have the kit to rebuild mine but haven't done it yet). I still like the idea of a manual rack tho... Torn.

awdmoke

Yep, but the short life they have in the new Minis is due to location - they get cooked by the exhaust. Otherwise a very clever little pump.

UKKid35

Could not agree more

I've now lost power steering three times while at the Ring, each time for a different reason (belt, rack seals, hose)

While driving 500 miles home on the road without power steering was exhausting, driving on track without PS would have been incredibly dangerous for me