38 replies to this topic

[Wil_h]

I remember a miglia being set up at Mbe when i was there one day. It had an electric conversion, but i am pretty sure the owner had it set up to turn off above a set speed. Best of both worlds. All depends really on wheel and tyre set up, camber ect ect as to if its really needed. And of course personal preference.

I doubt it was a Mig, I don't think it's alowable in the regs. also, although Migs run large amounts of caster, they have an open diff, so steering effort is not massive.

Was the car blue by any chance? I know a mig-a-like hillclimb car that used MBE, and that had power steering. as it happens I thought about fitting it when I put an LSD in my hillclimb car. but the weight and power disadvantage outweighed any performance advantage. In the end I fitted a couple of UJs to the column to make the steering wheel in a more normal position so my weedy arms could get some leverage on it.

[The Matt]

My CANEMS has an output to modulate an EPAS system.

People are using Corsa C EPAS on kit cars and the kits on ebay use that system. You can have it set to that it's only functioning when you're going to need it most, but I don't see why you shouldn't run one in a road car.

If you want one, then it's your choice. I can certainly see the benefit on cars with engine conversions, or even on higher power A-series motors, or even for people that just want it to save a bit of effort when parking.

[AbitNutz]

My Mini is a 2000 Knightsbridge with an airbag. Changing steering wheels is not something I'm willing to tackle. I could see the result.."POP!" and then a white powdered face on youtube.

power steering isnt needed in a mini.

Not for you perhaps, but not all people have the same strength to turn the wheel. Even people who are the same age may find it a struggle.

So should we exclude anyone who wishes to own a classic Mini but isn't as strong as you or I? I hope the Mini scene never becomes so exclusive and picky as that.

[Mini_Magic]

"Mini-Magic" why on earth are you putting yourself through all this again so soon?? We only had this debate just over a month ago and as I remember you conceded that you weren't going to win that time either....

I give up, you win.

Power steering is evil and should never be fitted to any car, especially a Mini. Why that is I don't know.

..... now shhhhhh before someone starts on you for not having a roof again!!!

Good point!

I'm just as confused as I was back then about this subject. Just seems like a strange modification for people to be so negative about.

[dave1293gt]

I remember a miglia being set up at Mbe when i was there one day. It had an electric conversion, but i am pretty sure the owner had it set up to turn off above a set speed. Best of both worlds. All depends really on wheel and tyre set up, camber ect ect as to if its really needed. And of course personal preference.

I doubt it was a Mig, I don't think it's alowable in the regs. also, although Migs run large amounts of caster, they have an open diff, so steering effort is not massive.

Was the car blue by any chance? I know a mig-a-like hillclimb car that used MBE, and that had power steering. as it happens I thought about fitting it when I put an LSD in my hillclimb car. but the weight and power disadvantage outweighed any performance advantage. In the end I fitted a couple of UJs to the column to make the steering wheel in a more normal position so my weedy arms could get some leverage on it.

Wil it was a blue one if i remember correctly. he was at the turbo mini's rr shoot out about 6/7 yrs ago when i also had mine there. iirc the owner was prob early to mid 40's. i am pretty sure it was a circut car tho but you maybe right with hill climber. it had recently been converted to injection at the rr day.

Dave

[Dusky]

you dont even need powersteering for a mini. and if you are struggling to turn the wheel why even get a mini?

you've got legs and i assume aren't struggling to walk, so why buy a car?

thats a rubbish response, i'm not driving a car to go down my street, i'm driving a car to get somewhere far and quickly. power steering isnt needed in a mini. thats all i said. of course everyones gonna kick off because their auntie hasnt got any muscles and cant turn the wheel but would love a mini so she must fit power steering. but come back with a better response please.

My dad : 5 hernia's, recovering from an opération(of a hernia), lost lots of muscles and will never have the power in his arms to turn the wheels of his 13 inch slicks with a jack knight LSD.
Judgemental.....person...

[mk1leg]

there is a mini here in jersey with an electric motor fitted to the colum and fits high up under shelf works a treat but if you have big feet its no good.....

[Tupers]

I helped fit an electric column from a Corsa B into an old Ford Corsair for a chap in his 70s who loves driving his car but hasn't got the strength in his arms to drive it for long periods of time. I'm completely for none intrusive modifications that make cars easier to drive for people who love them. 

[Cooperman]

Nothing wrong with fitting power steering to any car if the driver needs it. On some cars it is a highly desirable modification. Recently I went on a tour through thr French Alps in a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. With all those hairpins and with 205 section tyres instead of the original 175's it was very heavy. Our friend in another Tiger had a power steering conversion and she said that without it she would have been unable to drive the route.

With the classic Mini the steering is relatively light. In its day it was considered very light indeed and was one of the sales features when lady drivers were the potential customers.

We have become used to modern ultra-light steering and drivers who get into classic cars always feel that the steering is heavy.

The classic Mini with standard steering gives a great retro driving feel, but if a lack of personal physical strength means it is too heavy, then fit a power assistance unit of some sort.