Power Steering Conversion

GREG · #1 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 02:22 PM

ACCS has just completed an electric power steering on a 408. I beleive that the speed sensor works off the prop to cut the assist at around 45 mph. The original steering wheel remains and looks completely standard.

Greg

408Berlin · #2 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 03:26 PM

Hi Greg, interesting to hear about the conversion on a 408. I just had a nice tel conversation with Mr. Silverton from Bristol cars and he said that the guys from Holland who do the electric power steering were in London and they found out that it would be impossible to convert the early V8s - 408... If a conversion is possible does it make sense to put in a new steering box if there are some tolerances? Thanks Hans

GREG · #3 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 06:54 PM

I had the same conversation with Toby. I thought it must be possible and it is.

I don't know why you would want to change the steering box?

408Berlin · #4 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 07:15 PM

I wonder what would happen if I install an electric power steering and my steering box has some tolerances - would this increae the effect - I mean will the tolerances becoming stronger? or just the feeling of the tolerances? I hope I could explain myself. Hans

Kevin H · #5 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 10:19 PM

Can't you just "upgrade" a 408 to PAS using the same components as Bristol on the 409 Mk2 ?

Given that the chassis is the same and engine is essentially the same I can't see that it would be such a big deal, but maybe I'm missing something.

GREG · #6 (**permalink**) 31-03-10, 11:41 PM

All I know is it is much more complicated than you would imagine to use later steering components on a 407 / 408. Maybe because the engine is located in a different location. I know that ACCS would have tried it if it were a straight forward solution and BCL told me it would cost £15 k ! EPS also has the advantage of keeping the car looking completely standard.

Nick Challacombe · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-10, 10:30 AM

Yes you are, big time.
Quote from factory some time ago to change rack,box,mountings,supply
pump,brackets etc £10,000.00

GREG · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-10, 01:35 PM

The ACCS electronic power steering system is working very well. They charge about £1500 for the conversion.

If anyone is considering it I have a couple of Corsa steering columns going cheap ! This should cut the price down a bit.

Maybe worth doing on the pre V8's ?

Greg