3 replies to this topic

[Noris8322]

Hi,

I'm looking into fitting an Mpi steering column and switchgear into my 1988 Designer. I know that the wiring is completely different and its gonna be a challenge to sort out.

Has anyone on here done this conversion before? Or is it even possible?

[sledgehammer]

I can't see why it wouldn't be possible

I would remove the airbag cartridge first - & don't refit it , as you don't want to accidentally set it off

is the steering wheel in the same position ? -
- re-align the rack to suit (loosen rack u-clamps - tighten pinch bolt & column clamp - re-tighten u clamps)

I am assuming the rack pinion splines are the same ?

& fit a new pinch bolt & nut - they often weaken , wearing the splines

[Noris8322]

The air bag cartridge would be one of the first things to go in the bin. I think the possition is the same, but I'd be fitting a lowering block. The rack pinion splines should be the same, some people fit a Mpi sportspack steering rack to a standard column when they have fitted 13in wheels. A new pinch bolt is a defo, just for piece of mind

[Minimad_Diver]

I've done this on my '81,

Only issue I had was getting the connectors for the switchgear, but Rover 200, 400 and 800 series all shared the same switchgear as the MPi so once I knew that, it was a simple case of a trip to the local scrappy and cutting out as much of the loom as I wanted

Works well, just remember to take the wiper control box (looks like a red relay), then you get the intermittent wipers as well.