[Healeys] EZ electric power steering

[linwoodrose at mac.com]

Thank you Tadek! I will study the Jag paper a bit more. The information you provided was very helpful. Does the control head (trafficator) continue to function as designed? 
Lin

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 14, 2013, at 6:59 AM, Tadeusz Malkiewicz <Tadeusz.Malkiewicz at plusnet.pl> wrote:

> Lin,
> 
> The answers are inline, some for Volvo, some as I would imagine it for
> Healey. I also introduced another question,  I thought you might ask. :-)
> 
> Here it goes:
> 
> 1. Is the installation a job to be accomplished by a hobbyist mechanic or
> are there technical aspects/special tools that would require a professional?
> Volvo: The column shaft is divided in 2 parts, separated by a rubber
> doughnut. Only the upper part is affected.  It does require good few hours
> of work, and you have to be relatively skilled. No special tools necessary,
> fits fairly well and ads extra 20lb to your car.
> Healey: I am pretty sure you have to take out the entire steering column,
> cut it to fit the EPS and than fi it back in. I would also imagine you have
> to fit it back in 2 sections - first under the hood, then under the dash.
> Not a 1 day job, definitely.
> 
> 
> 2. What disassembly of the steering mechanism is required prior to
> installing the new components?
> - described above
> 
> 3. Do you have close up photos of an installation, perhaps the Jag drawings
> would be the closest?
> - attached
> 
> 4. What are the electrical requirements? How is the system wired into the
> Healey's wiring - fuses, relays?
> 3 connections:
> - connect the EPS with 50amp fuse (and appropriate cable) to the battery or
> starter. 
> - connect the EPS controller to ignition switched output (I would just add
> another connection to the fuse box).
> - reroute stator tube wring.
> 
> 5. I suppose that the grille would need to be removed?
> Oh YES... and more - everything to take out the steering column...
> 
> 6. Why is the system a good choice for the Volvo but not for a BN1?
> Well, the Volvo is a fairly heavy, coupe car. Parking it requires a bit of
> sweating...
> Healey is lighter and so is the steering..
> Also, this is a pretty permanent change, unless you have a spare steering
> column. In a Volvo the upper section of the steering costs $60 on ebay..
> The change on the Healey would also be much more visible, I would imagine.
> 
> 7. Is the stator tube (horn, turn signals wiring) affected?
> YES. EZ devised a set of sliding contacts (photo attached). A similar idea
> is used on a Jaguar XK150.
> 
> 8. What are your general thoughts about the quality of the product and what
> do you see as its shortcomings?
> I have mixed feelings.
> The EZ steering system is regulated  by a knob - in  a normal car it's
> progressive, dependent on car speed. It's relatively heavy (weight wise), at
> least in the Volvo.
> The EPS itself is a quality Japanese product, I would not worry there.
> It does it's job though and if you really do not care about originality,
> then it's an interesting choice..
> I would also imagine it introduces more stress to the ball joints which are
> not designed for power steering.
> 
> 9. What is the solution based on?
> The systems I have seen are all based on NSK (Japanese) solution.
> The Volvo system is based on one from Opel Corsa D,
> The Jaguar one is more interesting and it's lighter - it's based on MGF.
> It's better suited for solid columns like Jaguar XK or a Healey.
> All these systems comprise of:
> - the engine that helps the steering to move (the main assembly)
> - ECU unit that requires inputs form the engine speed and engine revs.
> - in a custom design we are talking about the two inputs are generated  by
> pulse generators, one is also controlled in adition by the knob.
> 
> The Jaguar solution by a fellow in UK is more ingenious - he actually build
> in progressiveness, taking impulses from his angle drive. I liked it.
> 
> Let me know if you need more info - I did study this subject a bit.
> 
> 
> Tadek
> 
> 
> That is probably a good start. Thanks so much, Tadek!
> 
> Lin
> <jaguar xk150 c.jpg>
> <jaguar xk150 a.jpg>
> <jaguar xk150 b.jpg>
> <Jaguar XK150 EPAS.pdf>
> <Volvo.jpg>
> <sliding spring loaded contacts.bmp>