13 replies to this topic

[classicoop]

Questions are: (I tried searching the TMF, but it kept coming up results unrelated to PS)

1. Does the stock Corsa C steering rack with STOCK ecu work or does it need an aftermarket ecu?

2. Other than welding the UJ and mounting bracket is there any other things needed to be done?

3. Will the Motolita wheel/boss fit the Corsa column or is there a boss available the can mate the two?

4. Which column is the best? C?

 

I've been trying to make the Mini more comfortable bit by bit. The steering isn't that hard even with 13x7s, but I like modifying things to better suit me. So yeah, I know, I bought the wrong car and all that but hopefully after the mods, it'l be exactly the car I want. I just want a comfy cruiser.

 

 

[danny79]

you will need something like this as there will be no speed sensor to regulate the sensitivity of the electric assist steering.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4abffa984d

 

you will also need to fabricate a custom column mounting bracket.

[tiger99]

The potentially big problem with that device is that it manually controls the sensitivity of the steering, independent of actual vehicle speed. That can result in handling which is massively unsafe, despite there being nothing really wrong with the car. Excessive power assistance at high speed is what is dangerous, and we don't know enough about the innards of the device to see whether that is likely to happen as a result of component failure, far less mal-adjusting the knob. Your insurance company, who do need to be told about it, may take a very dim view of it indeed.

 

I think that I read somewhere that the proper thing, a speed sensitive module, is available somewhere, and is a far better proposition. Try some Googling. Otherwise you need to integrate the Corsa ECU into the car somehow. I am sure that it can be done properly, but it may take some research time to find out how. I am actually quite interested in knowing, as although I personally would not wish to spoil the feel of a Mini by adding EPAS, I would like to have it on other vehicles.

 

See below for an intelligent discussion which suggests that the rack may be overstressed. Not saying that I totally agree.

 

http://www.pistonhea...c.asp?t=1229762

[Tupers]

I'd just buy the kit of this guy. Clicky

[classicoop]

you will need something like this as there will be no speed sensor to regulate the sensitivity of the electric assist steering.

 

you will also need to fabricate a custom column mounting bracket.

 

Thanks for the link. I was just thinking about the speed sensor. So I guess it's like most Toyota racks, wherein if the speed sensor fails, EPS turns off.

 

Also how high is the failure rate?

 

Would you happen to know if it's a simple voltage regulator (typical 0-5v ecu sensor voltage) or does it give out pulses to simulate the speed sensor pulse.

 

I ask because I'd rather make one myself. Just more fun. If it gives out pulses I could possibly make one that automatically adjusts.

 

The potentially big problem with that device is that it manually controls the sensitivity of the steering, independent of actual vehicle speed.

 

Seeing the above speed controller, I'd have to agree and disagree with you. Yes the device could potentially fail, causing too much assistance. But how dangerous is too much assistance really. I mean it won't turn the car right or left by itself. But yeah potentially dangerous if not paying attention.

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm mostly speculating at this point.

 

Edit: if it fails the other way around and not give any signal, it'd probably turn EPS off. It does with Toyota racks not sure about Corsa. Which = normal un-assisted steering

 

I'd just buy the kit of this guy. Clicky

 

Too much money for what essentially is a £35 controller + £25 rack + some brackets and a UJ.

Edited by classicoop, 19 May 2013 - 03:15 PM.

[podifold]

I'd just buy the kit of this guy. Clicky

 

Been running that kit (turned up to full assistance permenantly) for over 2 years.

 

Don't let any of these who never owned/tested a power steering equipped Mini tell you it's dangerous or that it "ruins the classic handling/feel of a Mini" all rubbish, trust me.

[tiger99]

Well, it really can't feel "original", which to many people is the point of having a Mini. If you want a car that looks like a Mini and feels, as far as steering is concerned, like a Corsa, or some other modern car with featherlight steering, well that is up to you. But I have driven various cars with excessively light steering and it really is not good. Most early cars with normal hydraulic power steering had that problem at speed, and the problem was so bad that the more experienced drivers would always order a car without it, if it was optional. A variable amount of assistance, inversely proportional to speed, solved that problem nicely. Note that modern aircraft have exactly the same problem, and it is considered seriously unsafe to have excessively light controls at maximum airspeed.

 

Personally, I like to exercise my arms and would prefer true Mini steering feel (heavy though it may be by modern standards) and handling (so no 13 inch or ridiculously wide wheels or stupid amounts of negative camber), but a more modern engine, preferably a turbo diesel, and lots of sound insulation so it is quiet and reliable. But that is just me. It is not a crime to want a car that has lighter steering as long as it is done safely, and smaller women, in particular might even find it better.

[classicoop]

 

I'd just buy the kit of this guy. Clicky

 

Been running that kit (turned up to full assistance permenantly) for over 2 years.

 

Don't let any of these who never owned/tested a power steering equipped Mini tell you it's dangerous or that it "ruins the classic handling/feel of a Mini" all rubbish, trust me.

 

 

Thanks for the info. 2 years worth of testing is good enough for me =)

 

A variable amount of assistance, inversely proportional to speed, solved that problem nicely.

 

Personally, I like to exercise my arms and would prefer true Mini steering feel (heavy though it may be by modern standards) and handling (so no 13 inch or ridiculously wide wheels or stupid amounts of negative camber), but a more modern engine, preferably a turbo diesel, and lots of sound insulation so it is quiet and reliable. But that is just me. It is not a crime to want a car that has lighter steering as long as it is done safely, and smaller women, in particular might even find it better.

 

I totally agree with variable resistance.

 

*confession bear* I bought the Mini because of it's looks. And I needed a comfy (was I wrong) roundabout car. So arm workout not preferred.

 

And I don't want to comment about "true" power/handling, generally it seems like a touchy issue in the community.

[danny79]

yea if device fails normal unassisted steering returns.

 

you still need corsa ecu that matches column also.

 

yes from what i understand it's just a simple voltage regulator.

 

no other suspension components or steering components change so handling will be the same.

only difference is easier to turn steering wheel.

 

you could always just have it on a toggle switch, with a timer relay, turn on when you want to park and after a time it turns off or manually toggle off when parked, similar to the fiat punto button thingy..

[Dan]

  I have to say I would hate to think what that gearbox would do to your legs in even a relatively small scale accident.

[Shifty]

Someone does extended steering arms to give lighter steering, will try and remember who it was.

 

I have a feeling its minitastic.

[petey81]

mondo sport do longer arms but cant find a link

 

these are from minitastic http://www.minitastic.co.uk/home1.htm

Edited by petey81, 19 May 2013 - 09:59 PM.

[classicoop]

  I have to say I would hate to think what that gearbox would do to your legs in even a relatively small scale accident.

 

Didn't think about the motor. But did think about addition of the UJ would make it a little safer (assuming it doesn't fail)

 

Someone does extended steering arms to give lighter steering, will try and remember who it was.

 

I have a feeling its minitastic.

 

 

mondo sport do longer arms but cant find a link

 

these are from minitastic http://www.minitastic.co.uk/home1.htm

 

Not sure if I'd like 30% bigger turning radius. Right now I feel I the turning radius is too big. But yeah it'd work perfectly for my situation and the reduced throw, would stop the tires from rubbing as well.

 

Do those Japanese steering arm extenders work? Looks like an easy (cheap) piece to get made.

[classicoop]

yes from what i understand it's just a simple voltage regulator.

 

no other suspension components or steering components change so handling will be the same.

only difference is easier to turn steering wheel.

 

you could always just have it on a toggle switch, with a timer relay, turn on when you want to park and after a time it turns off or manually toggle off when parked, similar to the fiat punto button thingy..

 

Thanks for the info. Now to figure out a speed triggered relay.

 

http://www.livestron...h-5-lb-weights/

 

Lol. Even with those I'd still like PS. The way I like simple things like power windows, power locks, boosted brakes, soft clutch etc etc etc. I know, wrong car. But anything can be modified to suit.