ST165 convert to electric power steer.

[sergei]

Since the power steering pump is in c**t of a place on GT4 and requires skills of automotive equivalent of a gynecologist, I want to know from people who converted to electric power steering, what is involved?

I assume I need the following:
1) Electric powers teering pump
2) ECU to control it
3) some sort of sensor on the steering position?

[iOnic]

You could adapt the entire system out of an SW20. Mount the pump and resevoir somewhere suitable and make up lines to your steering rack. Install high output alternator to cope with extra load. Use the SW20 power steering controller - it doesn't have any idea of steering position - it purely varies pump speed based on wheel speed. I can't imagine the speed signal being different between ST165 and SW20 but can't confirm that.

The only thing needed from the engine ECU is a ground to the PS controller to activate it. This pin goes to earth when the engine is running to activate the PS controller which runs the pump and reduces speed as vehicle speed increases (pretty sure VSS comes from the ECU too)

[RunningRich]

Since the power steering pump is in c**t of a place on GT4 and requires skills of automotive equivalent of a gynecologist

You only have to wind the bolt out a twelfth of a turn at a time using a spanner held in your fingertips. How hard can it be?

[sergei]

You could adapt the entire system out of an SW20. Mount the pump and resevoir somewhere suitable and make up lines to your steering rack. Install high output alternator to cope with extra load. Use the SW20 power steering controller - it doesn't have any idea of steering position - it purely varies pump speed based on wheel speed. I can't imagine the speed signal being different between ST165 and SW20 but can't confirm that.

The only thing needed from the engine ECU is a ground to the PS controller to activate it. This pin goes to earth when the engine is running to activate the PS controller which runs the pump and reduces speed as vehicle speed increases (pretty sure VSS comes from the ECU too)

Already have 100A ST215 alternator.... very interesting possibility.

[anthonym]

YUse the SW20 power steering controller - it doesn't have any idea of steering position - it purely varies pump speed based on wheel speed.

Are you sure about that? It's been a while but SW20s do have a steering wheel position sensor and my recollection is that it is connected to the power steering ECU.

[iOnic]

There is a sensor on the steering column but as far as I'm aware, all it does is tell the controller whether you're driving straight or steering. The MR2 system is quite basic - it doesn't vary assistance based on steering wheel position - people have installed the MR2 EHPS system in other cars without this sensor and had no bad effects.