Converting 981 to Hydraulically boosted steering
06-12-2018, 09:31 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Converting 981 to Hydraulically boosted steering
So I am in the market for a 981 due to size and other considerations (purely subjective) but cannot get over the loss of steering feedback. After doing some research, Porsche has been making, as well as other manufacturers, electric power steering pumps for hydraulic systems. Since you can adapt an electric pump to a hydraulic system, why couldn't you adapt a hydraulic rack to an electric system? Namely, use the electro-hydraulic Porsche (or other) pump and put in a Porsche hydraulic rack? Given that Porsche's are all Mr. Potato Head in part swaps, this, in theory, should be possible. Rebuilt hydraulic racks from the 997 generation are $450 and pumps go use for $750-1000 or new for $1500. Seems like it might be worth the potential investment to bring back a bit of the magic that was lost when the car was converted to electric power assist.
What are everyone's thoughts?
What are everyone's thoughts?
06-12-2018, 12:10 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
drive a gt4 or spyder. they are quite good actually. nearly as much feedback as the 987/997 cars. better than 991.1 GT3
06-12-2018, 01:31 PM
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks Spyerx. So what are the differences since the racks are presumably the same?
Also, I did notice that the 991 cup cars use a hydraulic rack . . . if they use the same subframe as the 991 cars, they should fit the 981.
Also, I did notice that the 991 cup cars use a hydraulic rack . . . if they use the same subframe as the 991 cars, they should fit the 981.
06-12-2018, 01:53 PM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Looks like I can answer my own question on the GT4 front suspension, it's the lower control arms and sway bar set up from the GT3, plus, it appears different bushings. I know all of this is out on the market, but is it really enough to get it back to the tactile feel of the 997/987?
06-12-2018, 02:38 PM
#5
Drifting
Maybe easier to disable/remove power steering.
06-12-2018, 04:24 PM
#6
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The Steering rack on Spyder comes off of the 991.1 TT and it is more responsive and has a quicker ratio. This makes the steering feel very precise on turn in. No it doesn’t have the same tactile feedback of the 987/997 cars but the chassis is very predictable as is the steering response which makes it less necessary.
06-12-2018, 06:11 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Have you tried a 981 with electric power steering yet?
If not then it may be worth trying it first before writing it off. I have been in a lot of cars with electric power steering and while early on many were very bad I have found almost all of the modern ones are pretty good. Haven't tried a 981 yet but the steering on the 991.1 GT3 felt great.
If not then it may be worth trying it first before writing it off. I have been in a lot of cars with electric power steering and while early on many were very bad I have found almost all of the modern ones are pretty good. Haven't tried a 981 yet but the steering on the 991.1 GT3 felt great.
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06-12-2018, 06:14 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I think the 981 steers great. It is not quite as tactile as 987, but is one of the best electric racks out there. Seems like a ton of work and money to fix something that isn't far off as it is.
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Rocket_Rabbit (02-23-2021)
06-12-2018, 10:38 PM
#9
Three Wheelin'
Go ahead and try it, let us know how it works out.
Seriously, I completely fail to see how this would remotely be worth the effort. Why not just buy a 987 if steering is THAT important?
Seriously, I completely fail to see how this would remotely be worth the effort. Why not just buy a 987 if steering is THAT important?